Manufacturing Engineer I

Protolabs•Brooklyn Park, MN

12d

About The Position

Protolabs is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer I to help optimize manufacturing processes, improve product quality, and drive operational efficiency. The role collaborates with cross-functional teams to develop cost-effective manufacturing solutions, troubleshoot production challenges, analyze data, and support continuous improvement. It offers opportunities to contribute to process development, lean manufacturing, quality improvements, tooling, and production strategies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field.
0–1 year of relevant professional engineering experience.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical information across organizational levels and present data clearly.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills; familiarity with tools such as FMEA, Pareto analysis, and Cause & Effect diagrams.
Strong attention to detail and experience managing project documents and producing quality content.
Ability to take initiative and work independently.
Self-motivated and self-directed, with a strong sense of urgency.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Strong time-management skills and ability to deliver within project frameworks and time frames.
Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or foreign national granted refugee or asylee status; individuals with temporary visas are not eligible due to ITAR regulations.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of kaizen and lean manufacturing techniques.
Knowledge of CAD software, machining, and molding technology.
Background or working knowledge of machining and/or injection molding.
Experience working in a continuous improvement environment.

Responsibilities

Participate in cross-disciplinary teams to develop and improve manufacturing processes.
Identify cost-saving opportunities and ways to expand capabilities using data analysis, brainstorming, and other techniques.
Develop competing concepts and use analytical techniques to support decisions.
Design and develop tooling strategies for new processes.
Assist with research, design, and development of manufacturing processes, including production flow, assembly methods, and production equipment.
Troubleshoot production problems.
Identify manufacturing bottlenecks, quality issues, and potential design improvements or alternatives.
Assist management with production control, standard operating procedures, safety, quality control, and training systems.
Participate in and promote lean manufacturing initiatives, including kaizen and 5S activities.
Work with quality engineering to facilitate process and quality improvements.
Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
Interpret and use statistical data with assistance.
Design and conduct experiments, then analyze and interpret the results.

Benefits

Competitive salary and total rewards package.
Health insurance, with traditional and high-deductible plan options.
Flexible Spending Accounts and a Health Savings Account, including employer contributions.
Dental and vision insurance.
Basic and supplemental life insurance.
Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
Paid caregiver leave.
At least three weeks of PTO, wellness time, holiday pay, and volunteer hours.
401(k) with company match and immediate vesting.
Employee Stock Purchase Program at a discounted rate.
Matching grants through the Protolabs Foundation.