Press Brake Operator

Be yourself at Protolabs Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification.  We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to building a diverse team that feels they are valued in the workplace.  So do you feel you do not meet every single requirement but still intrigued? We encourage you to still apply!  You can help make our company even better.  We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, age, mental or physical ability, or any way you represent yourself.  We strongly believe diversity makes for more successful teams.  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. 
Join our team as a Press Brake Operator!
The Press Brake Operator is responsible to prepare and run complex bend setups and forming operations. This includes custom punch/die modification used in combination with other tooling (either standard or custom). 
Shift: M-F 6am to 2pm

What You Will Do

• Operate Amada, Cincinnati and/or Bystronics Press Brake
• Program using all features of the press break, E.g. bending at angles, step bends, proper back gauge transfer between steps, delays, etc.
• Must have a full understanding of blueprint reading and geometric tolerances and how they relate to the finished part
• Thorough understanding of flat pattern layout and sequencing
• Perform thorough part inspections and remove defective products
• Able to calculate specific material gains and losses
• Ability to train less experienced operators
• Work in an efficient and timely manner
• Keep work area, including machine surfaces clean at all times
• Identify areas for process improvement, cost and waste reduction
• Perform other related duties as assigned

What It Takes

• 1-2 years setting up and operating press break machines
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time
• Strong attention to detail
• Good communication skills.
• Must have hand/eye coordination with good hand dexterity; fingers need to be able to make small movements such as picking up small to large parts
• Able to work in extreme environment, with proper PPE
• Basic computer skills and or familiarity with a manufacturing based operating system
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to use measuring instruments such as protractors, calipers, height gauges.
• Ability to manage time and prioritize work in an effective manner
• Solid commitment to customer or employee service
• Highly developed, demonstrated teamwork skills
• Demonstrates a high degree of confidentiality
• Demonstrated ability to increase productivity and continuously improve methods, approaches, and departmental contribution while being cost-sensitive
• Knowledge of Machining in a prototype manufacturing setting or related experience and education
• Familiarity with the tools of the trade Microsoft Office suite of products and SolidWorks

Bonus To Have

• Previous experience in a Sheet Metal manufacturing environment

What Is In It For You

• We offer a competitive salary
• In addition, 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 3 weeks of PTO, plus Holiday Pay and Volunteer Hours
• 401k with company match and immediate vest
• Employee Stock Purchase Program at a 15% discounted rate
• Matching grants through Protolabs foundation
• And More!

Proto Labs maintains ITAR-compliant operations in all of our United States based facilities.  Due to ITAR regulations, this role is only open 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 for hire in this role. Proto Labs, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer Physical Demands:While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is occasionally 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 regularly required to stand, walk, stoop or kneel and must be able to lift and/or move up to 70 pounds. 
Work Environment:Indoors (A/C); nonsmoking; the majority of this job function is performed in a manufacturing area exposed to machinery and noise; with eye protection and safety shoes 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.