Powder Coat Operator II

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 Powder Coat Operator II!

The Powder Coat Operator II sets up, operates, and troubleshoots powder coating equipment to finish parts to specification in a fast-paced production environment. This role performs advanced color changeovers, resolves routine equipment and finish issues, verifies coating quality, and supports training of junior operators while meeting safety, quality, and throughput targets.

M-F 6am-2pm

What you will do :
• Proficiently set up and operate a variety of Powder Coating equipment

• Must have a full understanding of print reading and geometric tolerances and how they relate to the finished part

• Set up and operate a variety of Powder Coating equipment

• Identify tooling requirements and needs related to the powder coating operation

• Identify areas for process improvement, cost and waste reduction

• Perform thorough part inspections and remove defective products

• Work to ensure that the inventory of powder and other related materials: filters, spare parts etc. are maintained to ensure that production needs are met

• Regulate the temperature and air circulation in drying ovens and work with the Maintenance department to ensure that ovens and paint equipment is properly serviced and maintained

• Check product for flaws, bubbles, or imperfections

• Establish and maintain company safety protocols

• Based on work load help to mask and rack parts prior to painting

• Maintain a clean and safe working environment by ensuring materials are cleaned from ceiling and walls of booth, conveyor hooks or grid, and from spray heads, and hoses

• Mentor and train operators on the latest problem-solving, set-up and processing techniques.

• Perform other related duties as assigned

What it takes :
• High School Diploma or equivalent

• 2+ years setting up and operating Powder Coat

• Previous experience in a Sheet Metal manufacturing environment.

• Must be able to stand for long periods of time

• Strong attention to detail

• Good communication skills.

• Ability to train less experienced operators

• 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

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What is in it for you :
• 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, Holiday Pay, and Volunteer Hours

• 401k with company match and immediate vest

• Employee Stock Purchase Program at a 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.