Mechanical Sales Engineer

Be yourself at Protolabs 

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification.  We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to building a diverse team that feels they are valued in the workplace.  So do you feel you do not meet every single requirement but still intrigued? We encourage you to still apply!  You can help make our company even better.  We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, age, mental or physical ability, or any way you represent yourself.  We strongly believe diversity makes for more successful teams. 

Why Protolabs? 

We are the leaders in digital manufacturing.  We hire doers, makers, and creative thinkers who tackle our roles with an entrepreneurial spirit.  Our culture is centered around meaningful work that brings new and innovative products to market at unprecedented speeds.  We are a diverse team that comes from all walks of life and take pride in our team who is smart, genuine, humble, and passionate about what we do.  It’s our people who fuel our creativity and make our culture feel like home. 

This is a remote role based out of MN, IL, or NC.

The Mechanical Sales Engineer role is responsible for the technical triage of orders with complex or ‘off-platform’ specifications to ensure high-quality order intake and determine the appropriate next steps. 

The role also supports Protolabs Account Managers in generating new business and to ensure the growth of new and existing accounts. A successful candidate will have the capability to quickly learn Protolabs' manufacturing capabilities and differentiators, assess potential applications of company products or services and assist the Sales Team in designing solutions that meet customer needs. 

This role will also assist in the preparation and delivery of customer-facing documentation related to manufacturing projects, both on video calls and in face-to-face meetings. 

• Triage quote requests with complex or 'off-platform' specifications to ensure high-quality order intake and determine appropriate outcomes based on the Networks' manufacturing capabilities. 
• Collaborate with customers and Sales team to develop and document requirements, design solutions, and project scopes of work for custom manufacturing solutions. 
• Provide price estimates for lower value manufacturing jobs. 
• Work with internal organizations such as Engineering, Product, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Customer Success to develop and validate customer solutions in line with Protolabs' capabilities. 
• Review and validate custom quote requests prior to submission for manufacturing, providing Design for Manufacturing feedback to customers and suppliers. 
• Collaborate with internal teams to implement new Protolabs offerings and refine existing offerings. 
• Utilize working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to ensure accurate manufacturing specifications. 
• Apply mechanical design experience to develop innovative solutions for customer projects. 
• Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with customers and internal stakeholders. 
• Utilize working knowledge of 3D Printing and Sheet Metal fabrication to provide expertise and guidance. 
• Apply working knowledge of CAD/CAM for part design and production. 
• Possess an understanding of technical terminology related to manufacturing and production services. 

• Direct experience or strong understanding of CNC machining including manufacturability analysis, machining strategy, surface finishing, and limitations of the technology.
• Comfortable reading technical drawings and knowledge of common materials and processes used in different manufacturing technologies 
• Ability to communicate technical information in easy-to-understand terms 
• Working knowledge of 3D Printing and Sheet Metal fabrication 
• Working knowledge of CAD/CAM for part design and production 
• Understanding of technical terminology related to manufacturing and production services 

• Experience working in a sales engineering or pre-sales environment
• Experience with / working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Experience working hands-on in a manufacturing environment, especially in Quality Engineering, Quality Planning, CNC/CAM Programming, or CNC Machining
• Experience with technical training, tutoring, teaching, or coaching

• BS in Engineering and 3 - 6 years of applicable work experience
• AAS/Technical Degree 5 - 10 years of applicable work experience

• We offer a competitive total compensation package
• In addition, we offer competitive benefits including but not limited to:
• Health Insurance: Traditional OR High Deductible plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account (including employer contributions)
• Dental and Vision
• Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Paid caregiver leave
• You will receive PTO + Holiday Pay + Volunteer Hours
• 401k with company match and immediate vest
• Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount
• And More!

Proto Labs maintains ITAR-compliant operations in all of our United States based facilities.  Due to ITAR regulations, this role is only open to U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) or foreign nationals granted refugee or asylee status.  Individuals with temporary visas (e.g. E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, TN or OPT) are not eligible for hire in this role.

Proto Labs, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Physical Demands:

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use a computer keyboard, monitor and mouse, telephone and printer; reach with hands, and arms, talk, see and hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop or kneel and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:

Indoors (A/C); nonsmoking; the majority of this job function is performed in an office setting requiring normal safety precautions. However, there may be job duties that require the employee to spend time in the manufacturing areas exposed to machinery and noise; eye protection occasionally required. Occasionally works in outside weather conditions. Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.