Production Manufacturing Operator

THE COMPANY

Protoplant, makers of Protopasta, is a company that relies on being creative, flexible, and dependable to maintain our existing customers, attract new ones, and develop new products.

We are a small, local manufacturing company that produces the materials 3D printers use to make objects. This filament is extruded from pellets using equipment and processes that we develop and maintain in-house.  We also produce the compounds, color masterbatches, and mixes we use to make the filament.  More information about Protoplant and our products can be found at www.protopasta.com.

Our location in Vancouver, WA near SR 500 and NE 121^st Avenue is a clean, light industrial warehouse setting.

THE POSITION

Protopasta is made from pellets using small extrusion machines that produce a filament for 3d printers. This molten filament is cooled using water and air, measured, and then spooled onto eco-friendly corrugated spools. Each 1kg or 500g spool is then labeled, packaged into a vacuum pouch, and boxed. Full boxes are then stocked in the warehouse for future shipping.  

As a Production Manufacturing Operator, you’ll be responsible for starting and overseeing multiple extrusion lines at the beginning of your shift, ensuring they run smoothly and consistently. You’ll mix raw materials, monitor product quality, pull finished spools, and package them properly. You’ll also help prepare packaging materials and maintain a clean, organized workspace.

This role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to stay focused during repetitive tasks, and comfort working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You should expect to be on your feet for the entirety of the shift and regularly lift up to 50 lbs.

We are a small, growing company, and we rely on the flexibility and creativity of everyone to continuously improve how we work. Suggestions are encouraged, and everyone has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. We’re excited to see what you bring to the team.

TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Initiate and monitor 3–5 production lines at the start of shift
• Ensure products meet visual, dimensional, and weight standards
• Mix and refill raw materials, including colorants and additives
• Pull finished goods from production lines and package them appropriately
• Prepare corrugated spools and packaging materials
• Inspect machinery and perform routine maintenance checks
• Utilize computer interfaces to monitor and adjust production
• Maintain a safe work environment at all times
• Keep work area organized, clean, and well maintained
• Support other production or warehouse needs as required
• Other duties as assigned

THE CANDIDATE

Core Skills

• Building, crafting, repairing, or making
• Experience working both independently and as part of a team
• Reliable and consistent attendance
• Able to function in a fast-paced, sometimes chaotic manufacturing environment
• Self-directed, motivated, and proactive
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting ability
• Excellent communication skills
• High attention to detail and quality
• Comfortable working with machinery and hands-on processes

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent, with relevant experience and training preferred.
• Computer skills required, including proficiency with Gmail and web-based software or machine interfaces
• Experience manufacturing or production a plus

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, crouch, climb stairs, use hands and arms, and lift for the duration of shift
• Ability to lift 50lbs regularly
• Frequent use of hands, arms, and repetitive motion
• Ability to apply sound reasoning and logic to perform daily and repetitive tasks

Schedule/Hours

• Monday-Thursday, 7:00 am - 5:30 pm (4x10 schedule)
• Full-time, on-site position

Compensation and Pay Status

• Competitive salary in the range of $22 to $25 per hour, DOE
• Health insurance reimbursement
• Simple IRA
• PTO

INTERESTED?

If you take pride in hands-on work, enjoy working with machines, and have an eye for detail, our Production Manufacturing Operator role could be a great fit for you. Join our team and help us produce high-quality filament that makes 3D printing reliable, accurate, functional, and beautiful.

We look forward to reviewing your application!

The Company will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability so that they can perform the essential functions of a job unless doing so causes a direct threat to these individuals or others in the workplace and the threat cannot be eliminated by reasonable accommodation or if the accommodation creates an undue hardship to the Company.

Protoplant provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Protoplant, Inc and Gorge HR have partnered up in the recruitment efforts for this position.