Join our team as a
Production Manager (3DP)!

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!

$95,000 - $126,600 a year

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.

Physical Demands:

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly 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 occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop or kneel and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:

Indoors (A/C); nonsmoking; the majority of this job function is performed in an office setting requiring normal safety precautions. However, there may be job duties that require the employee to spend time in the manufacturing areas exposed to machinery and noise; eye protection occasionally 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.