Press Break Operator

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. 

The Press Brake Operator is responsible to prepare and run complex bend setups and forming operations. This includes custom punch/die modification used in combination with other tooling (either standard or custom).  This position is First Shift with hours from 6:00am to 2:00pm, Monday through Friday.

• Operate Amada Press Brake
• Complex programming using all features of the press brake. E.g. bending at angles, step bends, proper back gauge transfer between steps, delays, etc.
• Must have a full understanding of print reading and geometric tolerances and how they relate to the finished part
• Thorough understanding of flat pattern layout
• Ability to work well with others in a leadership environment
• Ability to properly classify capability levels of personnel within the department allowing proper division of work flow
• Ability to train less experienced operators
• Work in an efficient and timely manner
• Keep work area, including machine surfaces clean at all times
• Work with Material Handler to make sure material for each job is on schedule and in the proper location
• Identify areas for process improvement, cost and waste reduction
• Perform other related duties as assigned

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 2+ years experience as an operator in Sheet Metal, preferred doing setup and some understanding of programming
• Able to read blueprints, Use of SolidWorks and Mastercam.
• Self-starter capable of dealing with a variety of tasks in a fast paced, multi-tasking environment
• Ability to solve problems that arise in a manufacturing environment without direct supervision while also performing as part of a team.
• Ability to manage time and prioritize work in an effective manner.
• Knowledge of Machining in a prototype manufacturing setting or related experience and education.
• High standard of attention to detail.
• Basic level of Microsoft Office Suite, (Outlook, Word, Excel)

• We offer amazing 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 at least 3 weeks of PTO, Holiday Pay, and Volunteer Hours
• 401k with company match and immediate vest
• Employee Stock Purchase Program at a discounted rate
• Matching grants through Protolabs foundation
• 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 occasionally 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 regularly required to stand, walk, stoop or kneel and must be able to lift and/or move up to 70 pounds. 

Work Environment:

Indoors (A/C); nonsmoking; the majority of this job function is performed in a manufacturing area exposed to machinery and noise; with eye protection and safety shoes 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.