Production Manager - 3DP

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!