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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.


What You Will Do
  • 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


What It Takes
  • 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)


What's In It For You
  • 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!


$21.30 - $28.80 an hour
Protolabs offers a competitive total rewards package, and compensation mix vary based on position, such as base wage, as well as other earnings including incentives and commissions. Actual pay offered will vary depending on multiple factors which may include, without limitation, job function, work experience, specialized skills, training, education, and certifications

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.

  


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CEO of Protolabs
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Average salary estimate

$52104 / YEARLY (est.)
min
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$44304K
$59904K

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What You Should Know About Press Break Operator, Protolabs

Join the team at Protolabs as a Press Brake Operator in Nashua, NH, where we value creativity and innovation just as much as skill and expertise. Here, we embrace the spirit of diversity and welcome anyone who's eager to contribute, even if you don’t think you meet every qualification. As a Press Brake Operator, your primary role will be to prepare and run complex bend setups and forming operations, using our Amada Press Brake. You’ll engage in sophisticated programming, ensuring that your work meets our high standards for precision. It’s essential that you have a strong background in print reading, geometric tolerances, and flat pattern layout. We pride ourselves on our collaborative culture, so your ability to work well with others and help train less experienced team members will be invaluable. With a focus on efficiency, you’ll be responsible for identifying areas for process improvement and maintaining a clean and safe work environment. Enjoy a first shift schedule from 6 AM to 2 PM, Monday through Friday, and take advantage of a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance options, a generous PTO policy, a 401k with company match, and various employee support programs. Your skills and training will not just advance your own career but will also play a key role in bringing innovative products to market — all while operating in a supportive workplace that feels like home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Press Break Operator Role at Protolabs
What are the primary responsibilities of a Press Brake Operator at Protolabs?

As a Press Brake Operator at Protolabs, your main responsibilities will include preparing and running complex bend setups, programming the Amada Press Brake for various bending tasks, and ensuring quality through precise print reading and geometric understanding. You'll also work collaboratively with a team while training less experienced operators and identifying process improvements.

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What qualifications do I need to apply for the Press Brake Operator role at Protolabs?

To apply for the Press Brake Operator position at Protolabs, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and at least 2 years of relevant experience in sheet metal operations. Familiarity with programming and operating machinery in a manufacturing setting, along with skills in read blueprints and systems like SolidWorks and Mastercam, are highly beneficial.

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What is the work environment like for a Press Brake Operator at Protolabs?

The work environment at Protolabs for a Press Brake Operator is predominantly indoors within a manufacturing area that may be exposed to machinery and moderate noise levels. Safety protocols are in place, and you will need to wear eye protection and safety shoes. Collaboration with the team and maintaining cleanliness in the work area are essential parts of the job.

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What benefits can a Press Brake Operator expect at Protolabs?

As a Press Brake Operator at Protolabs, you can expect a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance options, dental and vision coverage, paid caregiver leave, and at least three weeks of PTO. Additionally, there are retirement benefits and an Employee Stock Purchase Program, making it an attractive opportunity.

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How does Protolabs promote diversity within the Press Brake Operator team?

Protolabs is deeply committed to fostering a diverse workplace. They actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for the Press Brake Operator role, emphasizing that diverse teams make for more successful operations. Every team member's contribution is valued, and the company values inclusivity in all aspects of its work culture.

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Common Interview Questions for Press Break Operator
What experience do you have with operating a Press Brake?

In answering this question, it's important to highlight any hands-on experience you’ve had with operating Press Brakes, especially specifics about the machines used. Discuss the types of setups you've managed and any programming you've completed, showcasing your problem-solving abilities during your past roles.

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Can you explain your understanding of print reading and geometric tolerances?

Here, you want to provide concrete examples of how you've applied print reading skills in previous roles. Discuss how you ensure that your work meets the specified geometric tolerances, as these are critical in maintaining quality and precision in manufacturing.

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How do you prioritize tasks when working in a fast-paced environment?

Showcase your time management skills by explaining your method for assessing task urgency and importance. Offering examples of how you’ve handled multiple responsibilities at once will demonstrate your capability to work effectively under pressure.

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Describe a time you identified a process improvement in a previous role.

Employ the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to relay an experience where you identified an area for improvement. Highlight what steps you took to implement the change and the positive impact it had on efficiency or productivity.

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What is your approach to training less experienced operators?

Discuss your mentoring style and provide examples of how you’ve trained others in the past. It's important to mention how you tailor your training approach to individual learning styles, ensuring a positive onboarding experience for new operators.

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How do you ensure quality and precision in your work?

Talk about the techniques you utilize to maintain high quality in your work as a Press Brake Operator. Mention how you double-check setups, utilize measurement tools, and follow safety protocols to ensure that the final products meet required specifications.

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What types of programming experience do you have with Press Brakes?

Be specific about the programming software you’ve used, such as SolidWorks or Mastercam and your experience with different programming techniques. Detail any projects or setups that showcase your ability to handle complex bending operations.

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What safety measures do you take when operating machinery?

Discuss your commitment to safety by detailing the safety protocols you’ve followed while working with machinery. Explain how wearing required safety gear and understanding machine functionalities contributes to a safer working environment.

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Can you describe your experience working in a team environment?

Illustrate your collaborative experiences by providing examples of successful teamwork in previous roles. Talk about how you communicate with coworkers and support one another to complete complex tasks.

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How do you handle unexpected challenges when operating a Press Brake?

Provide examples of past challenges you've encountered, detailing how you analyzed the situation, the steps taken to resolve the issue, and how you communicated with your team during the process.

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We help companies accelerate product development, reduce risk, and optimize supply chains by providing quality prototyping and on-demand manufacturing services at unprecedented speeds.

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March 16, 2025

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