John J. Dignam

President & CEO


John is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years combined experience in research, design, quality control, new product and process development, systems integration, manufacturing and project management disciplines.  His ability to rapidly solve complex engineering problems, provide direction and leadership, and manage multiple tasks has given him a unique reputation among his peers and his technical management skills have been proven and tested in many arenas.

John has held several high visibility positions and is recognized for his rapid adaptability involved in the coordination of multi-disciplinary company and client teams. He has consistently developed, presented, and defended technical, financial, and strategic planning analyses and aligned them with engineering and corporate objectives.  

He is the co-founder of Mentis Sciences, Inc. and is directly responsible for business development initiatives in excess of $65M since incorporation.  In his position, Mr. Dignam is responsible for all operations (Production, R&D, Operations, Sales, and Bottom Line Profit & Loss) at the facility. 

John is an internationally recognized expert in the design and manufacturing of pre-ceramic polymer matrix composite structures for radomes and nosecone thermal protection systems.  He has successfully transitioned radome composite materials research from Technology Readiness Level 1 (TRL 1) through TRL 9; and Manufacturing Readiness Level 1 (MRL 1) through MRL 9.  He received the Director’s award for Research Excellence in 2011 and 2012 for the development of an alternative radome for Standard Missile.  He led the effort to transition Mentis’ radome technology to The Israeli Ministry of Defense via a Technology Assistance Agreement (TAA) with the State Department, which led to the sole source selection for the David’s Sling Weapon System (DSWS) radome.

John is also a recognized innovator in the field of Prosthetics and Orthotics, and received a Technology Transfer Award for the development of a prosthetic socket for the DoD, which he successfully transitioned and commercialized to the VA, Medicare, and private prosthetic practices.  He holds two patents, and has six patents pending in these and similar products.

John is not only a role model to Mentis employees, but also a teacher and a leader among his colleagues and clients. John’s work ethic and leadership techniques are evident in making a difference in his employees’ lives as well as the Manchester community. John and his father have built a company whose entire initiative is to help everyone succeed. As a result, they have developed a full-service material sciences company that is changing the lives of their community and those around them.

He earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering and MBA from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and is presently a Doctoral candidate in Mechanical Engineering at the University.