Join our team as a
Production Manager, 3DPrinting!
This is an ONSITE role based on Raleigh, NC.
The Production Manager for the 3DP service line plans, directs, and coordinates additive manufacturing operations across a designated technology group to achieve Protolabs’ operating objectives. Owning the end-to-end value stream, this role ensures effective pre-build execution— including scheduling and analysis, build preparation, and schedule adherence— and leads all post-build activities— including build processing, final finishing, secondary operations, and inspection. The manager drives on-time delivery, quality, safety, and cost performance while overseeing supporting processes such as material management and non-production equipment to ensure successful completion of customer orders.
What You Will Do:
Lead manufacturing operations, including staffing, capacity planning, scheduling, inventory, purchasing, safety, quality, maintenance, and cost management.
Direct, coach, and develop supervisors and high-potential employees to build a strong, engaged workforce.
Assess capacity needs and implement staffing strategies to attract, retain, and optimize talent.
Manage labor efficiency, resource allocation, workload, and backlog to meet delivery and financial goals.
Develop and implement manufacturing processes, quality standards, safety programs, and training initiatives that support operational excellence.
Oversee budgeting, planning, inventory control, and cost accounting activities within assigned areas.
Partner with finance and other functions to improve forecasting, planning, and operational performance tools.
Support the deployment and enhancement of technology solutions that improve manufacturing operations and customer value.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including Proto Excellence, process optimization, quality, cost, and delivery performance.
Recommend capital investments to support operational growth and efficiency.
Communicate key operational updates and priorities to supervisors and stakeholders.
What You Bring:
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or an engineering discipline, or equivilant
At least 4 years supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment, leading a large team
At least 8 years’ experience in manufacturing/operations roles
Significant people management experience
Able to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented work environment
What Sets You Apart:
Prior experience with 3D Printing or Additive Manufacturing preferred
Prior experience managing a team of 50+
Experience with Kaizen and Lean Manufacturing techniques
Experience working in a Continuous Improvement environment
What's In It For You:
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 at least 3 weeks of PTO + Wellness + Holiday Pay + Volunteer Hours
401k with company match and immediate vest
Employee Stock Purchase Program at a discounted rate
Matching grants through Protolabs foundation
And More!
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.
