Be yourself at Protolabs Studies have shown that women and people of colour 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, colour, 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. Our Manufacturing Technicians are focused on optimizing manufacturing processes through continuous improvement of Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) metrics. You'll help implement new changes, solve technical issues, and keep things safe and efficient, all while supporting new process rollouts and keeping everything running smoothly. What you'll do: Process Monitoring & Improvement: Monitor and analyze current manufacturing methods to identify improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) metrics. Implement improvements and ensure SQDC metrics are continuously optimized. Engage in creative problem-solving to address operational issues and enhance work processes. New Process Implementation: Collaborate with the Manufacturing Engineer to prepare for new process introductions, including the design and procurement of jigs, tooling, and capital equipment when necessary. Participate in factory layout changes to increase capacity or improve operations. Technical Support & Guidance: Act as the go-to person for technical problems and fault-finding, providing advice and guidance. Report on activities to the Manufacturing Engineer and provide input for employee reviews and training. Training & Documentation: Support training and process managers in creating and maintaining work instructions and training materials. Work off-shift as needed to ensure continuity when implementing new processes and procedures. Maintenance Support: Assist with internal and external maintenance tasks as needed. Safety & Standards Adherence: Adhere to all quality and safety standards, taking immediate action to correct safety issues. Maintain a clean and organized work area, focusing on safety, quality, efficiency, and utilization. What it takes: Problem Solving & Attention to Detail: Demonstrates strong problem-solving skills and a keen attention to detail in all tasks. Technical Knowledge: Experience and knowledge in CNC machining, plastic injection moulding, rapid prototyping, or similar processes are advantageous. Proven mechanical aptitude with experience using measurement instruments such as micrometers, calipers, and height gauges. Familiarity with machinery used in a metalworking shop, including Vertical Mills, Lathes, Drills, and Grinders. Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Possesses excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Able to influence effectively with strong influencing skills. Organizational & Computer Skills: Demonstrates good organizational abilities and is computer literate, proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Independence & Resourcefulness: Independent, dependable, resourceful, and self-motivated in work approach. Experience & Qualifications: Holds qualifications in engineering or equivalent experience. Previous experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment is essential. Experience in lean manufacturing is preferred, with a background in implementing kaizen methods. Deadline & Target Focused: Capable of working to deadlines and overcoming barriers to achieve targets. What's in it for you: Growth-oriented company with a focus on your development journey through regular feedback and discussions. Open and welcoming corporate culture globally. Extensive e-learning platform with 300 training courses and on-site sessions, including internal leadership training Onsite car parking, bicycle storage, and convenient public transport links. Newly built canteen with free hot drinks. Employee Discount scheme with savings across thousands of UK retailers. Employee wellbeing culture with mental health support, wellbeing portal, and psychologist assistance. Monetary-based Reward Schemes for recognition, referrals, anniversaries, and life events. 37.5 hours per week, permanent contract with regular breaks 25 days holiday entitlement plus Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service. Life insurance policy for eligible employees – 4 x base salary What to expect in the hiring process Alignment call Kick-off with an initial screening with one Talent Acquisition Partners, not really an interview, but the chance to learn more about how we do things, our process and a chance for you to ask all the things you want to know Interview A deeper dive into the role, what we're looking for the hiring manager and you to get to know one another Further interviews We always try to streamline our recruitment process as much as possible but may sometimes need to carry out further interviews. This may be to meet other members of the team or more senior employees. It may also be an opportunity to see the site or working area