Protolabs

Online-quoted digital manufacturing for prototyping

Production Manager - 3DP

Manufacturing & Production OperationsUpdated on Nov 13

Full-timeRaleigh, NC, USA

About the Job

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in Business Administration or an engineering discipline, or equivalent experience, is required.
At least 4 years of supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment, leading a large team, is required.
At least 8 years of experience in manufacturing or operations roles is required.
Significant people-management experience is required.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented work environment is required.

Responsibilities

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.

Desired Qualifications

Prior experience with 3D printing or additive manufacturing is preferred.
Prior experience managing a team of 50 or more is preferred.
Experience with Kaizen and Lean Manufacturing techniques is preferred.
Experience working in a continuous improvement environment is preferred.

Salary Range: 97400 to 129800 (Currency: USD) (Pay period: per-year-salary)

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.

About the Company

Protolabs

Online-quoted digital manufacturing for prototyping

Protolabs delivers digital manufacturing services for rapid prototyping and low-volume production. Its core offerings include 3D printing, CNC machining, and injection molding, all accessible through an online quoting system that provides free design analysis within hours. The company leverages a global network of more than 250 vetted manufacturing partners to provide fast, scalable production with consistent quality. Unlike traditional shops, Protolabs combines an automated, online workflow with a large partner network to quickly move a concept from design to production, aiming to reduce development time and total costs. The goal is to help engineers, designers, and product developers bring ideas to market faster by pairing speed, cost efficiency, and responsive customer service with broad manufacturing capabilities.

Company size: 1,001-5,000
Company stage: IPO
Headquarters: Maple Plain, MN
Founded: 1999

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