Solvent Specialist

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse team. Studies show that women and people of color may hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification—if you’re intrigued, we encourage you to apply and help make our company even better.

About the role

As a Solvent Specialist at Protolabs, you’ll ensure the safe and effective cleaning and preparation of additive manufactured parts by following Solvent Lab processes and procedures. This includes handling chemical solutions, removing support structures, maintaining a resin-free environment, verifying order quantities, reporting quality issues, and supporting overall lab cleanliness and safety.

Responsibilities

• Safely clean and remove resin from additive manufactured parts of varied sizes.
• Follow Solvent Lab processes to clean, cure, and prepare parts for the Finishing team, including:
  • Submerging platforms weighing up to 50lbs in/out of chemical solutions.
  • Spraying parts with water and/or air hose.
  • Removing parts from platforms and support structures using tools or hands.
• Maintain a resin-free work environment by thoroughly cleaning the Lab, including floors, mats, workstations, equipment, and tools.
• Properly dispose of waste and remove worn equipment when exiting the Lab.
• Count parts and verify order quantities to ensure customer specifications are met.
• Report issues of part quantity or quality to the Senior Solvent Specialist, Lead, Quality Inspector, or Supervisor.
• Use a computer workstation to review order and part information and enter related data.
• Follow and complete all applicable checklists.
• Assist in the removal and disposal of contaminated materials.
• Clean and maintain machinery/tools.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area and assist in general facility cleanliness.
• Seek ways to improve work processes and individual performance.
• Follow processes to maintain appropriate inventory and supply levels.
• Observe and follow all Protolabs Safety and Quality policies, including use of required PPE (safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed footwear, etc.) and safety/compliance training.
• Maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to focus on tasks for extended periods.
• Excellent hand-eye coordination.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with team members, leaders, and other departments.
• Strong service and quality focus.
• Ability to work safely with sharp tools/objects (e.g., hobby knives, utility knives, files, abrasives, rotary tools).
• Ability to make precise, coordinated movements to manipulate small parts.
• Ability to comprehend and follow printed and on-screen instructions, as well as directions from supervisors.
• Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
• Basic arithmetic skills.
• Ability to use a computer, calculator, and measuring instruments (e.g., scales, calipers).
• Excellent punctuality.
• Willingness to wear all required PPE (e.g., gloves, lab coats).
• U.S. Citizenship, lawful permanent residency (green card), or refugee/asylee status due to ITAR regulations (temporary visas are not eligible).

Bonus: Prior experience in a manufacturing environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary ($20 - $24/hour).
• 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, plus Holiday Pay and Volunteer Hours.
• 401k with company match and immediate vesting.
• Employee Stock Purchase Program at a 15% discount.
• Matching grants through the Protolabs Foundation.

Schedule

Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday (9am–7pm on weekdays, 8am–6pm on weekends).

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 70 pounds.

Work Environment

• Indoors (A/C), nonsmoking, primarily in a manufacturing area exposed to machinery and noise (eye protection and safety shoes required).
• Occasional exposure to outside weather conditions, moving mechanical parts, high/precarious places, wet/humid conditions, fumes, airborne particles, toxic/caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
• Noise level ranges from quiet to moderate.