CNC Machinist (First Shift) - $2,000 Sign On Bonus!

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse team. We encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every qualification but are intrigued by the role.

About the Company

Protolabs is a leader in digital manufacturing, hiring doers, makers, and creative thinkers who approach their work with an entrepreneurial spirit. Our culture centers on meaningful work that accelerates innovation and brings new products to market at unprecedented speeds. We value a diverse team that is smart, genuine, humble, and passionate about what we do.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC milling or CNC lathe machines to produce prototype parts that meet tight manufacturing requirements.
• Prepare CAM files from CAD files, prints, or verbal instructions.
• Ensure quick turnaround and accuracy of parts within established guidelines.
• Maintain organization of jobs and material inventory.
• Perform cleaning and general maintenance on milling, lathe machines, and shop equipment.
• Read and interpret blueprints, geometric tolerances, and use measuring instruments such as protractors, calipers, and height gauges.
• Conduct thorough part inspections and make quality-related decisions.
• Ensure timely job completion to meet on-time delivery requirements.
• Adhere to all quality and safety standards within the department.
• Follow processes and procedures, escalating issues to the shift team lead or supervisor as needed.
• Support daily production by identifying solutions for chronic issues.
• Maintain a neat and organized production area consistent with Protolabs housekeeping standards.
• Work safely in accordance with Protolabs policies.
• Perform operator preventive maintenance (PMs) during the shift.
• Handle a variety of tasks in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Experience as a CNC Milling or CNC lathe machine operator, including setup and basic programming knowledge.
• Experience in a prototype manufacturing setting or related education.
• Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Office, SolidWorks, Mastercam, and CAD/CAM.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read blueprints and use measuring instruments.
• Strong attention to detail and communication skills.
• Ability to manage time and prioritize work effectively.
• Highly developed teamwork skills.
• Commitment to continuous learning and customer/employee service.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Health Insurance: Traditional or High Deductible plan.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Account (including employer contributions).
• Dental and Vision coverage.
• Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance.
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability.
• Paid caregiver leave.
• 3 weeks of PTO + Holiday Pay + Volunteer Hours.
• 401k with company match and immediate vesting.
• Employee Stock Purchase Program at a 15% discount.
• Matching grants through the Protolabs Foundation.

Pay

$26 - $35 an hour, with a $2,000 sign-on bonus for external applicants.

Schedule

First Shift – Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Physical Demands

• Occasionally required to sit, use a computer, telephone, and printer.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, stoop, or kneel.
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50+ pounds.

Work Environment

• Indoors (air-conditioned), nonsmoking manufacturing area with exposure to machinery and noise; eye protection and safety shoes required.
• Occasional work in outside weather conditions, near moving mechanical parts, or in high, precarious places.
• Occasional exposure to wet/humid conditions, fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
• Noise level ranges from quiet to moderate.

Due to ITAR regulations, this role is open only 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.