IM Setter Operative

About the role

The IM Setter Operative Opportunity at Proto Labs is a position designed for individuals who thrive in structured, high-volume manufacturing environments. This role owns the critical preparation phase that ensures injection moulding equipment is ready for production, directly impacting the efficiency and quality of the entire digital manufacturing workflow. You will be responsible for interpreting digital work instructions and translating them into physical setup configurations that maintain the integrity of the production schedule. This position operates at the heart of the facility's operational rhythm, requiring a meticulous approach to task execution and a commitment to process adherence. As a key team member, you will contribute to a fast-paced, high-growth setting where your role has a direct and measurable impact on output. We are an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive team where everyone feels valued for their contributions. Your work will support the company's culture of empowering doers, makers, and creative thinkers who approach their responsibilities with an entrepreneurial spirit.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Execute the preparation and setup of injection moulding equipment according to digital work instructions and build specifications.
• Verify the availability and correctness of all mould components and materials before initiating any production sequence.
• Design and implement initial placement strategies for mould components while strictly adhering to defined operational constraints and safety protocols.
• Examine incoming work instructions and build specifications meticulously to confirm alignment prior to starting production runs.
• Coordinate intake activities for materials and instructions, ensuring all necessary components are staged and ready for the manufacturing process.
• Conduct thorough reviews of output against established quality checkpoints to intercept potential defects early in the moulding process.
• Partner with adjacent teams to resolve schedule changes and address capacity questions, facilitating smooth workflow continuity.
• Verify correct labelling and documentation for all finished units during shipping preparations to ensure compliance and traceability.
• Maintain accurate status records for each batch as it moves through operational stations, providing clear visibility into production status.
• Update interface dashboards to provide current inventory levels and queue states, enhancing real-time communication across the team.
• Scan and log all materials and components in the digital system to ensure data accuracy and traceability throughout the setup phase.
• Support the optimization of setup procedures by identifying bottlenecks and suggesting practical improvements within the operational framework.
• Adhere to all health, safety, and environmental guidelines to maintain a secure and compliant working environment for all personnel.
• Act as a reliable team member by covering operational gaps and assisting colleagues to meet production targets and customer demands.
• Communicate proactively with supervisors regarding equipment status, material shortages, or potential disruptions to the workflow.

Requirements

• You must hold authorization to work in the United Kingdom without requiring sponsorship.
• You must demonstrate at least three years of factory floor experience or have performed equivalent roles in a similar operational context.
• You must be capable of standing for long periods and performing repetitive motions safely throughout your shift.
• You must possess a fundamental understanding of injection moulding basics and how presses function mechanically and digitally.
• You must be comfortable using computers for data entry, tracking, and navigating digital manufacturing interfaces.
• You must be able to read and interpret work instructions and technical documents without difficulty to perform tasks correctly.
• You must be able to follow verbal and written directions accurately to ensure adherence to procedures and quality standards.
• You must be able to lift, move, and handle moderate weights associated with mould components and material packaging.

Nice to have

• Experience in a manufacturing setting, particularly within injection moulding or similar production environments.
• Familiarity with digital manufacturing platforms and real-time data tracking systems.
• Knowledge of quality control processes and inspection techniques used in industrial settings.
• Understanding of logistics and shipping procedures within a high-volume production context.

Practical notes

• Hours: Full-time, rotating shifts are required to support continuous production operations.
• Travel: This position is based at the facility in Telford and does not involve business travel.
• Visa: Candidates must already possess the right to work in the UK under their own passport or documentation.
• Application: Interested candidates are encouraged to apply directly through the company's recruitment process.