Quality Inspector - SLA

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 Quality Inspector! Shift: Wednesday - Friday (9 am - 7:30 pm), Saturday (8 am - 6:30 pm) Help ensure every part that leaves Protolabs meets the highest standards of quality and precision. As a Quality Inspector, you'll play a critical role in validating the accuracy, performance, and appearance of innovative manufactured components before they reach our customers. Combining a keen eye for detail with strong technical understanding, you'll inspect complex parts, identify opportunities for improvement, collaborate with production teams to resolve issues, and help drive continuous quality excellence. If you take pride in problem-solving, precision, and being the final checkpoint in delivering exceptional products, this is an exciting opportunity to make a direct impact in a fast-paced advanced manufacturing environment.

Inspect all parts to ensure surfaces are finished to the required specifications and requirements, free of damage, warpage, distortion, or resin. Conduct thorough build briefings for each geometry to ensure a comprehensive understanding of part specifications and effectively identify missing features and defects. Ensure any errors are corrected before the lot proceeds to the next stage, collaborating with the appropriate Shift Leader or Finishing Supervisor as needed. Review paperwork and MES entries to ensure all Post-build, Pre-Cure, and Finishing special instructions have been completed accurately, and ensure the overall accuracy of electronic records for each lot in MES. Issue send backs to Model Finisher and log any issues to track errors, work quality issues, missed defects, and identify training needs, reviewing with the Lead or Supervisor as needed. Understand and apply knowledge of how different materials and build and finishing processes impact part quality. Prepare inspected lots for the Shipping department to take. Back up the Model Finisher or Solvent Specialist team as needed. Maintain a clean and safe work area and individual workspace and assist in general cleanliness and maintenance of the facility. 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. Identify any parts that have not been cleaned properly and review with the Lead or Supervisor (Solvent Lab Only) Manage storage and disposal of extra parts (SLS Only) Review all CoC's and inspect all parts returning from external vendors to ensure the requested work has been completed (DMLS Only)

High School Diploma or equivalent Minimum 6 months of Finishing or Solvents experience Strong understanding of 3D geometries, materials used in the technology processes and the defects associated with them. Demonstrated computer aptitude for working with complex database applications, including proficiency with Windows OS, Microsoft Office, and calculators. Ability to follow detailed instructions in various formats and take directions effectively from Supervisors and Team Leads. Proven ability to learn new techniques, adapt to a fast-paced environment, and solve problems efficiently. Strong attention to detail and ability to make precise, coordinated movements for manipulating small parts. Excellent punctuality and reliability. Demonstrated ability to work safely with sharp tools/objects (e.g., hobby knives, utility knives) and use measuring instruments like scales and calipers. Ability to follow procedures for operating and maintaining a laboratory in a clean and safe manner, including wearing all required PPE (gloves, lab coats, etc.).

1+ year experience in Finishing or Solvent department

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!