Custom Model Finisher - SLA

Job Description Job Description 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 aCustom Model Finisher - SLA! Monday - Friday (9 am - 5 pm)

Bring innovative designs to life as a Custom Model Finisher at Protolabs. In this hands-on role, you'll transform 3D printed parts into high-quality finished products through advanced finishing techniques, precision craftsmanship, and creative problem-solving. Working with cutting-edge additive manufacturing technologies, you'll refine, customize, and prepare parts to meet unique customer specifications while collaborating on custom projects, analyzing designs, and helping deliver exceptional results that turn complex ideas into reality.

What You Will Do:

• Perform custom finishing by means of sanding, scraping, cutting, honing, polishing, and cleaning of additive manufactured parts.

• Use of standard tools, such as: calipers, sandpaper, tweezers, clippers, air guns, dremels, drills, and soldering rods, specialized tools such as micro sanders, orbital sanders, and rotary tools, and other appropriate tools.

• May fabricate custom tools necessary to complete specific finishing.

• May assist Tech Ops to complete custom quotes.

• Prepare parts for custom coatings with proper materials, including masking, mounting, repairing, bonding, etching, or priming parts.

• Use of solvents or chemicals such as: aerosol primers and paints, epoxy, polyester glazing putty, and UV curing agents.

• Use Protolabs and 3D CAD software to analyze details of individual parts and project custom requirements.

• Use of taps to manually cut threads and install any required inserts.

• Maintain and clean all custom finishing equipment to assure the continued use and longevity of the equipment.

• May back up the Model Finisher team.

• Use of computer workstation to review order and part information, and to enter related information regarding the order.

• Follow and complete all applicable checklists.

• Maintain a clean and safe work area and individual workspace and assist in general cleanliness and maintenance of the facility.

• Assist in the removal and disposal of contaminated materials.

• Continually seek ways to improve work processes and individual performance.

• Follow processes to maintain appropriate inventory and supply levels.

• Observe and follow all Protolabs Safety and Quality policies and procedures, including use of any required PPE (safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed footwear, etc.) and safety/compliance training.

What You Bring:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

• Minimum 1 year experience in the Finishing Department of the applicable technology group.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to focus on one task for extended periods.

• Excellent hand eye coordination.

• Able to work in a fast paced, team-oriented environment.

• Strong communication skills.

• Must be able to effectively collaborate with team members, leaders, and other departments.

• Must have strong service and quality focus.

• Able to work safely with sharp tools/objects including hobby knives, utility knives, files, abrasives, rotary tools, general cutters and more.

• Able to comprehend and follow printed and computer-screen instructions, and direction from Supervisors and Leads.

• Must be able to read, write and speak communicate English fluently.

• Must be able to perform basic arithmetic skills.

• Able to use a computer and calculator.

• Able to use measuring instruments such as scales and calipers.

• Excellent punctuality.

• Wear all required PPE (gloves, lab coats, etc.).

What Sets You Apart:

• 18+ months of experience in the Finishing Department.

• Craft-oriented experience (jewelry making, woodworking, etc.).

• Experience with measuring tools and hand/power tools.

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!

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. 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 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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.