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.
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 50+ 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.
- Lead with visibility and connection. This role typically follows a Monday through Friday schedule, with most days worked between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Most weeks, 3-4 days, will follow these core hours, with 1-2 days flexed as needed to support off-shift coverage within a 24/7 manufacturing operation
- Be a visible leader across the site. Our facility operates around the clock, and successful leaders build strong relationships throughout the organization. Regular interaction with employees across all four shifts is an important part of fostering engagement, alignment, and a culture of quality excellence.
- Build and develop high-performing teams. You'll take the time to know your employees, understand their challenges, and create an environment where team members feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their shift assignment.
- Provide leadership where it's needed most. Whether supporting off-shift operations, addressing critical quality concerns, participating in employee engagement activities, or helping drive key site initiatives, you'll demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness to meet the evolving needs of the business.
- Champion a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. By maintaining a strong presence across the operation and partnering with cross-functional teams, you'll help drive quality performance, operational excellence, and an exceptional employee experience.
In addition, You will:
- Oversee daily Quality Control operations to ensure effective execution of inspection processes, quality standards, and site procedures
- Provide direct leadership, coaching, and support to multiple Quality Supervisors and On-the-Job Trainers
- Indirectly guide and influence the work of Quality Inspectors to ensure consistent quality performance across the operation
- Partner with the Site Quality Manager to drive departmental performance, employee engagement, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Maintain a visible presence across all four shifts to promote alignment, employee support, and consistent quality expectations
- Adjust schedule as needed to respond to off-shift quality issues, staffing needs, business demands, special events, or employee recognition activities
- Attend and actively participate in daily and recurring operational meetings, including the Daily MRB as often as possible
- Support escalation management, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and resolution of quality-related issues
- Monitor daily workflow, staffing support, inspection coverage, and operational priorities within Quality Control
- Help ensure training effectiveness and standard work consistency across shifts
- Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, compliance, and quality excellence
- Support implementation and adherence to quality systems, procedures, and documentation requirements
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Engineering, Technical Operations, and other departments to address quality concerns and improve overall performance
- Track and communicate department performance, issues, trends, and improvement opportunities to leadership
- Assist in developing employees through coaching, feedback, training support, and performance management
- Ensure employees understand and follow site policies, quality requirements, and applicable regulatory or customer standards
- Lead by example in professionalism, communication, responsiveness, and employee engagement
- Associate degree required; Bachelor's degree in a technical field preferred
- Previous leadership or supervisory experience in Quality, Manufacturing, or a related operational environment
- Ability to lead daily operations in a manufacturing or operational setting
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent technical, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across departments and shifts
- Experience coaching employees, leading teams, and driving accountability and performance
- Proficiency with applicable regulatory requirements and standards
- Experience with quality systems, inspection processes, and continuous improvement methodologies
- Working knowledge of root cause analysis, corrective action processes, and quality documentation
- Experience training and developing employees in quality systems, inspection methods, and operational procedures
- Proficiency with ISO 9001, AS9100D, and/or ISO 13485 standards
- Six Sigma or Lean Certifications
- We offer a competitive salary and Total Rewards Package!
- 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 3 weeks of PTO + Holiday Pay + Wellness Hours + Volunteer Hours
- 401k with company match and immediate vest
- Employee Stock Purchase Program at a 15% discounted rate
- Matching grants through Protolabs foundation
- And More!
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.