Sheet Metal Machine Operator (First Shift)

Protolabs; Nashua (NH); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401k with match

Paid time off

Job summary

Protolabs in Nashua, NH, is seeking a Sheet Metal Machine Operator to join a fast-paced manufacturing team. You will operate lasers, press brakes, and related equipment to produce precise sheet metal parts according to customer specs.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter with hands-on experience in precision manufacturing, able to read blueprints, and comfortable using measurement tools. The role emphasizes safety, quality, and continuous improvement in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in prototype manufacturing or related education.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks and CAD/CAM.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read blueprints and interpret geometric tolerances.
• Attention to detail and clear communication.
• Previous sheet metal manufacturing experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate lasers, press brakes, hardware insertion machines and drills to produce sheet metal parts.
• Load programs and adjust machine offsets as needed.
• Read and interpret blueprints and tolerances.
• Inspect parts and judge quality relative to specs.
• Ensure on-time delivery by efficient production.
• Follow quality and safety standards; escalate issues.
• Assist with solving chronic production problems.
• Maintain a neat, organized production area and follow PM schedules.
• Work safely and support team goals.
• Handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Machining knowledge

SolidWorks CAD/CAM

Mechanical aptitude

Measuring instruments

Attention to detail

Time management

Teamwork

Confidentiality

Continuous improvement

Commitment to learning

Customer/service mindset

Sheet metal manufacturing experience

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD/CAM

Microsoft Office

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.

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.

SHIFT: Monday to Friday; 6am-2pm

Join a fast-paced, high-tech manufacturing team where your skills directly contribute to creating precision sheet metal parts for innovative products around the world. As a Sheet Metal Machine Operator, you will operate advanced equipment including lasers, press brakes, hardware insertion machines, and drills to produce high-quality components that meet exact customer specifications. This hands‑on role combines machine operation, blueprint interpretation, quality inspection, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement in a dynamic production environment.

The ideal candidate is a motivated self‑starter who thrives in a fast‑moving setting, takes pride in delivering exceptional quality, and enjoys solving problems to keep production running efficiently. If you’re passionate about precision manufacturing, safety, teamwork, and making a tangible impact every day, this is an exciting opportunity to build your skills and grow with an industry‑leading company.

What You Will Do

• Responsible for operating lasers, press brakes, hardware insertion machines and drills to produce sheet metal parts.
• Responsible for properly loading programs to the machines and changing offsets in the machine if needed.
• Must have a basic understanding of blueprint reading and geometric tolerances and how they relate to the finished part.
• Perform thorough part inspections and make appropriate decisions relative to part quality requirements.
• Ensure jobs are run in a timely manner to ensure on‑time delivery.
• Adhere to all quality and safety standards within the department.
• Follows all processes and procedures during the shift, escalates problem areas to shift team lead/supervisor as appropriate.
• Support daily production by identifying solutions for chronic issues and problems that cannot be resolved by production associates.
• Responsible for maintaining a neat and organized production area consistent with Protolabs housekeeping standards.
• Responsible for working in a safe manner consistent with Protolabs policies.
• Self‑starter capable of dealing with a variety of tasks in a fast paced, multi‑tasking environment.
• Responsible for ensuring completion of operator PMs during shift.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What It Takes

• Knowledge of Machining in a prototype manufacturing setting or related experience and education
• Familiarity with the tools of the trade; Microsoft Office suite of products, SolidWorks, CAD/CAM.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to use measuring instruments such as protractors, calipers, height gauges.
• Ability to interpret and explain written and statistical data.
• Strong attention to detail and communication skills.
• Ability to manage time and prioritize work in an effective manner.
• 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.
• Commitment to continuous learning.
• Commitment to customer or employee service.
• Previous experience in a Sheet Metal manufacturing environment.

What's 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!

$16.25 - $22.02 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.