Lathe Operator

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 Lathe Operator!

Shift: M-TH 7AM-5PM


Performs set-up and operate a variety of CNC Lathes to effectively and efficiently produce quality complex prototype and production parts to required customer specifications.

What you will do

• Set-up, and operate CNC lathe/mill turn machines in a safe and efficient manner to produce quality parts.
• Safely and effectively operate handheld and stationary power tools
• Address alarms on machines as appropriate in a timely manner
• Complete basic part inspection and recognize malfunctions or parts out of specification. As well as take appropriate action and/or escalate.
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic dimensional and surface finish issues
• Properly install and maintain cutting tools.
• Change cutting tools, work with ER style collets and spindle liner assemblies, handle and label bar stock.
• Perform basic visual quality inspections based on set standards
• Work with team and seek assistance when needed
• Efficiently problem solve and take appropriate action or escalate when needed.
• Basic Problem-solving skills
• Perform calibrations as required
• work with necessary tools such as; spanner wrenches, collet exchange tools
• Continually seek to improve work processes and individual performance.
• Adhere to all quality and safety standards within the department.
• Knowledge share with other lathe operators

What it takes

• 1 year - CNC machining experience
• Strong finishing skills such as deburring and sanding
• Competence and understanding of basic lathe operation
• Basic knowledge of toolpaths and associated cutting tools
• Skilled in the use of measurement calipers & rulers

What is in it for you

• We offer a competitive salary
• In addition, 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 3 weeks of PTO, plus Holiday Pay and Volunteer Hours
• 401k with company match and immediate vest
• Employee Stock Purchase Program at a 15% discounted rate
• Matching grants through Protolabs foundation
• And More!

$20.14 - $25 an hour

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 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 50+ 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.

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.