Sr. Project Manager

Zest Dental Solutions is hiring a full-time Senior Project Manager to join its Research and Development team at its headquarters in Carlsbad, San Diego County, California — a hub for medical device and dental innovation.

About the Role

As Senior Project Manager at Zest Dental Solutions, you will own end-to-end project management for new and ongoing R&D initiatives, driving cross-functional product development teams from concept through commercialization. You will also provide oversight and direction to project teams led by design engineers, ensuring milestones are met and quality standards are upheld across the Design Engineering function.

What You'll Do

• Lead cross-functional product development teams through the full product lifecycle, coordinating across engineering, regulatory, clinical, manufacturing, and quality disciplines
• Define project scope, schedules, resource plans, and risk mitigation strategies for R&D programs
• Oversee and mentor teams managed by design engineers, removing blockers and maintaining accountability to program timelines
• Maintain and continuously improve quality system processes within Design Engineering's scope, including design controls, change management, and documentation practices
• Facilitate stage-gate reviews and executive-level project status reporting
• Identify and resolve cross-functional dependencies, escalating critical issues appropriately
• Drive adherence to design history file requirements and relevant regulatory standards throughout the development process

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience managing complex R&D or product development projects in a medical device, dental, or regulated life sciences environment
• Strong command of structured product development methodologies — stage-gate, waterfall, or hybrid agile approaches
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority, building alignment across engineering, quality, and commercial stakeholders
• Solid working knowledge of design controls, quality management systems (ISO 13485 or equivalent), and FDA regulatory frameworks
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and executive-level reporting skills
• PMP certification or equivalent project management credential preferred
• Experience in dental implants, biomaterials, or prosthetic device development is a strong plus

About Zest Dental Solutions

Zest Dental Solutions is a Carlsbad-based dental solutions company with decades of expertise developing implant attachment systems and prosthetic components trusted by dental professionals worldwide. The R&D team in San Diego County works at the intersection of biomechanics, materials science, and clinical dentistry, building products that directly improve patient outcomes.

How to Apply

If you are a driven project leader ready to bring structure and momentum to dental R&D in Carlsbad, submit your application through this listing. Candidates located in or able to commute to the San Diego County area are encouraged to apply.