Project Applications Engineer

Protolabs

Injection Molding Project Applications Engineer at Protolabs, leveraging technical expertise to optimize injection molding designs. Collaborate with teams to ensure manufacturability, quality, and cost across project lifecycle.

Posted 4/14/2026full-timeMaple Plain • Minnesota • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $82,000 - $109,300 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide presales technical support to sales teams and customers on high‑value, non‑standard projects to help secure large‑revenue opportunities.
Serve as the primary technical liaison for customers from quoting through approved‑sample delivery.
Collaborate with customers and internal teams (manufacturing, quality, operations, sales) to support projects with non‑standard requirements.
Translate customer technical requirements, timelines, design flexibility, and volume needs into optimal solutions within Protolabs factory and network capabilities.
Set and manage internal and external expectations by providing presales guidance on manufacturability, quality, and technical tradeoffs.
Review customer designs and documentation, identifying required changes to meet application and manufacturing requirements.
Evaluate project risk by assessing customer requirements, aligning expectations, and ensuring fit with Protolabs manufacturing capabilities and offerings.
Define, manage, and control project scope, requirements, and changes throughout the project lifecycle.
Monitor, document, and report project milestones and outcomes to ensure adherence to technical, quality, and schedule requirements.
Track and report project performance against KPIs such as close rate, revenue, on‑time delivery, and non‑conformances.
Effectively apply work instructions and supporting documentation when evaluating customer quotes.
Maintain in‑depth knowledge of Protolabs products, processes, factory capabilities, and network offerings.
Provide on‑site factory support as needed to coordinate with manufacturing, quality, and operations teams.
Partner with team leaders to assess data, workload, and capacity to support effective resource planning.
Drive continuous improvement in work processes, project execution, and individual performance.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS in Engineering and 6+ years of related work experience or 8+ years of directly related work experience in an engineering or manufacturing role
4+ years in a technical customer facing role is preferred
4+ years experience managing projects with high requirements and complexity
Subject Matter Expertise in Injection Molding
Experience with modeling/revising 3-D solid model in native CAD software
Proficient in reading technical drawings and understanding requirements
Strong customer relationship skills with an ability to build rapport, gain trust, and deliver effective communication
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well within a team and other internal departments
Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional partners to influence actions and decisions to meet project needs and provide a white-glove experience for customers
Strong negotiation skills and ability to successfully deal with escalations
Highly organized with ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
Strong computer skills with MS Office applications and experience using a CRM software such as Salesforce

Benefits

Comp & perks

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
At least 3 weeks of PTO + Wellness Hours + Holiday Pay + 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!

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

project managementtechnical supportInjection Molding3-D solid modelingtechnical drawing interpretationmanufacturability assessmentquality assurancerisk evaluationKPI trackingcontinuous improvement

Soft Skills

customer relationship managementinterpersonal skillsteam collaborationnegotiation skillsorganizational skillsmulti-taskingeffective communicationrapport buildinginfluencing skillsresource planning

Certifications

BS in Engineering