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3D Printing Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Protolabs

Global Product Director, 3D Printing

Raleigh, NC · Hybrid

$226K - $237K/yr

The Global Product Director,3D Printing is a strategic and data-driven role responsible for leading, managing and directing the product-related activities within the 3D Printing (Additive ...

Protolabs

Global Product Director, 3D Printing

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$226K - $237K/yr

The Global Product Director,3D Printing is a strategic and data-driven role responsible for leading, managing and directing the product-related activities within the 3D Printing (Additive ...

Zoetis

Technician Associate

Durham, NC · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Support 3D printing activities and assist with laboratory organization and maintenance as needed. * Follow established procedures to complete tasks that may vary in scope, sequence, complexity, and ...

Zoetis Animal Care

Technician Associate

Durham, NC · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Support 3D printing activities and assist with laboratory organization and maintenance as needed. * Follow established procedures to complete tasks that may vary in scope, sequence, complexity, and ...

NCSU

Studios Student Advisor

Raleigh, NC

Student Assistants staff these spaces, helping users with technologies including 3D printing, electronics prototyping, sewing, video editing, 3D scanning, audio production, graphic design, Virtual ...

Protolabs

3D Printed Parts Finisher - DMLS

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$18.08 - $22.31/hr

Able to comprehend and follow printed and computer-screen instructions, and direction from Supervisors and Leads. * Must be able to read, write and speak communicate English fluently. * Must be able ...

Protolabs

3D Printed Parts Finisher - DMLS

Raleigh, NC

$18.08 - $22.31/hr

Able to comprehend and follow printed and computer-screen instructions, and direction from Supervisors and Leads. * Must be able to read, write and speak communicate English fluently. * Must be able ...

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All Jobs3D Printing Jobs3D Printing Jobs in Raleigh, NC

3D Printing information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$48.1K

$98.4K

$146.3K

How much do 3d printing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d printing in Raleigh, NC is $98,417.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,300.00 and $128,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is 3D printing?

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of creating three-dimensional objects from a digital file by layering materials such as plastic, metal, or resin. The printer reads a digital model and deposits material layer by layer until the final object is formed. This technology is used in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, and education, for rapid prototyping and production. 3D printing offers advantages like customization, reduced waste, and the ability to create complex shapes that are difficult to achieve with traditional methods.

Are 3D printing jobs in demand?

3D printing jobs are in increasing demand across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and aerospace, driven by advancements in technology and the adoption of additive manufacturing. Skills in CAD design, familiarity with 3D printers, and knowledge of materials are valuable for these roles, which often require technical training or certifications.

Can I make a career out of 3D printing?

3D printing offers career opportunities in fields such as design, manufacturing, and prototyping, often requiring skills in CAD software, knowledge of materials, and familiarity with 3D printers. Professionals can work as designers, technicians, or engineers, and certifications in additive manufacturing can enhance job prospects.

What careers are there in 3D printing?

Careers in 3D printing include roles such as 3D printer operator, CAD designer, additive manufacturing engineer, and materials specialist. These positions often require knowledge of 3D modeling software, understanding of printing technologies, and sometimes certifications in manufacturing or engineering. Opportunities exist in industries like aerospace, healthcare, automotive, and product design.

How much money can you make doing 3D printing?

Salaries for 3D printing professionals vary based on experience, skill level, and industry, with entry-level positions typically earning around $30,000 to $50,000 annually and experienced specialists or entrepreneurs earning over $70,000 or more. Freelance 3D printers or those running their own shops can have variable income depending on project volume and client base. Certifications in CAD or 3D modeling can enhance earning potential.

What are some common challenges faced in a 3D printing technician role, and how can they be addressed?

3D Printing technicians often encounter challenges such as printer calibration issues, material inconsistencies, and unexpected print failures. Addressing these requires a solid understanding of machine maintenance, material properties, and troubleshooting skills. Collaborating closely with design engineers and quality control teams helps ensure that prototypes meet specifications and deadlines. Staying up-to-date with evolving printer technologies and regularly participating in team problem-solving sessions can also help technicians overcome these challenges effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3D printing specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3D Printing Specialist, you need a strong background in CAD design, materials science, and additive manufacturing processes, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with 3D printing hardware, slicing software, and prototyping tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and Cura is typically required, and certifications such as Additive Manufacturing Technician can be beneficial. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for troubleshooting issues and collaborating with design and engineering teams. These skills ensure high-quality, innovative outputs and efficient workflows in fast-evolving manufacturing environments.

What is the difference between 3D Printing vs 3D Modeler?

Aspect3D Printing3D Modeler
Primary FocusCreating physical objects from digital modelsDesigning digital 3D models for various purposes
Skills & CertificationsKnowledge of 3D printers, CAD software, material propertiesProficiency in 3D modeling software, artistic skills
Work EnvironmentManufacturing labs, workshops, fabrication facilitiesDesign studios, digital labs, creative agencies
Industry UsagePrototyping, manufacturing, custom fabricationAnimation, gaming, product design, architecture

While 3D Printing involves transforming digital models into physical objects, 3D Modelers focus on creating those digital designs. Both roles often collaborate but require different skill sets and work environments. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus within the 3D industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Printing jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of 3D Printing jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to 3D Printing jobs in Raleigh, NC? For 3D Printing jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching 3D Printing jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for 3D Printing jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for 3D Printing jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most 3D Printing job openings:
3D Printing jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Printing job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $98,417 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Global Product Director, 3D Printing

Protolabs

Raleigh, NC • Hybrid

$226K - $237K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Protolabs rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 84 rated plastic manufacturers

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. 
 
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 Global Product Director, 3D Printing! We are accepting applications from candidates based in Minnesota or North Carolina. This is a hybrid role based in our Maple Plain, MN, or Raleigh, NC office, with on-site work expected on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
The Global Product Director,3D Printing is a strategic and data-driven role responsible for leading, managing and directing the product-related activities within the 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing) Product Line.This role is responsible for proactive management of Protolabs' 3D Printing offering across the full range of additive technologies and materials.
 
The successful candidate will work closely with operations, engineering and R&D, sales, marketing and leadership to maximize the growth, development and return on investment of the organization's product portfolio today and in the future. At its core, this role owns the strategy and the business plans' implementation for all 3D Printing offerings and is jointly accountable for their profitability with the sales and operations.The Global Product Director leads and directs the 3D Printing product team, translating deep additive manufacturing expertise and product strategy into scalable, repeatable go-to-market execution that accelerates adoption across segments and regions.
 
This role reports into the Chief Technology and AI Officer.
What you'll do:

Strategy & Planning

  •  Promote and influence strategy formulation and investment decisions and develop 3D Printing product roadmaps with strong market orientation and outstanding financial outcomes
  •  Own the product planning process for the additive manufacturing portfolio, including new technology and new product additions across the full range of 3D printing processes and materials
  • Set the direction for which additive technologies, materials, and applications Protolabs invests in, balancing prototyping and low-to-mid volume production use cases
  • Ensure the digital manufacturing offering of 3D Printing drives high conversion of customers on the Protolabs ecommerce platform

Value Proposition Development

  • Ensure product roadmaps are linked to segment-specific customer needs and willingness to pay, with quantified value propositions based on value delivered vs. competitive offerings and alternative manufacturing methods
  •  Work closely with the Pricing Director to develop pricing strategies based on value delivered relative to the customer's next best alternative, and lead change management around pricing to extract maximum value from new and existing 3D printing offerings

Customer Relationship Management

  • Communicate the value of the offering in customer-centric terms to cause customers to choose Protolabs' additive offerings based on value delivered
  • Distill key customer value-creation elements of new offerings into functional requirements for the engineering team, including design-for-additive-manufacturing (DfAM) considerations
  • Align cross-functional teams - Product Marketing, Sales, and Pricing  around service-line strategy, priorities, and execution plans, ensuring sales execution stays aligned to roadmap direction and approved messaging

Products and Services Management

  • Manage product/service life cycles, profitability, demand planning and maintain competitive additive offering portfolios that deliver more value than the next best alternative
  • Drive both offering and business-model innovation across the additive portfolio, and lead change as required
  • Use structured processes to drive expected financial results
  • Establish and maintain a project-management framework in line with strategic objectives, and monitor and control the delivery of programs and projects

Technical & Additive Manufacturing Leadership

  • Serve as the senior product authority on additive manufacturing, providing deep technical direction across the major 3D printing technologies - including SLS (Selective Laser Sintering), SLA (Stereolithography), FDM/FFF (Fused Deposition Modeling), MJF (Multi Jet Fusion), DMLS/SLM (Direct Metal Laser Sintering / Selective Laser Melting), PolyJet, and binder jetting
  • Apply expert understanding of additive materials - including nylons and engineering thermoplastics (e.g., PA 11, PA 12, glass- and carbon-filled grades), TPU and elastomers, photopolymer resins, and metals such as stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, Inconel, and cobalt chrome - to guide portfolio and roadmap decisions
  • Match technologies and materials to customer applications based on mechanical properties, tolerances, surface finish, build volume, throughput, post-processing requirements, and total cost, spanning both rapid prototyping and end-use production
  • Stay ahead of emerging additive technologies, materials, and competitive offerings, and translate that insight into differentiated roadmap and investment decisions
What it takes:
  • Bachelor's degree in technology, engineering or business. MBA or advanced degree preferred
  • Deep, demonstrable experience in 3D printing / additive manufacturing, with hands-on understanding of the major technologies (SLS, SLA, FDM/FFF, MJF, DMLS/SLM, PolyJet, binder jetting) and the associated material families (engineering thermoplastics, elastomers, photopolymer resins, and metals)
  • 5+ years (8 years if without an MBA/advanced degree) of related business-to-business product management experience on a business >$50M
  • Strong command of how additive technology and material selection map to applications, performance requirements, post-processing, tolerances, and cost across both prototyping and production
  • Demonstrable track record of technical understanding and of working with strong technical organizations (required in place of a technical degree for non-technical majors)
  • Demonstrable track record driving growth via successful application of the product management / strategic marketing toolkit, including market sizing, market segmentation, voice of the customer, value-proposition development and quantification, and value-based pricing
  • Proven track record owning product P&L, growth, and margin outcomes
  • Demonstrated expertise in market sizing, segmentation, voice of customer, value proposition development, and value-based pricing
  •  Proven track record of leading projects and cross-functional teams that successfully achieve milestones and complete deliverables
  • Excellent communication skills, and comfort with public speaking and executive-team interactions
  • Ability to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally
The Kind of Leader We're Looking For
  • A high-energy, creative and resourceful self-starter who demonstrates leadership skills and has stellar customer instincts
  • You are highly intelligent and enthusiastic with a commitment to excellence
  • In terms of personal competencies, you must be a hands-on person who possesses the best combination of strategic thinking and drive to achieve tangible business results
  • You will have a successful track record with professional growth and achieving results in matrix organizations where you had to use influencing skills to drive results
  • You will be a strong, integrative thinker and will lead cross-functional teams to drive the organization to outstanding outcomes
  • You must be able to balance theoretical thought with practical execution

Key traits for this role include:

  • Leadership: Confident, mature person with the ability to connect and inspire others and influence decision-making with peers and leadership
  • Results-Oriented: A "driver" who possesses the ability to take action and implement effective solutions in a timely manner
  •  Problem Solver: Creative yet pragmatic problem solver. Methodical and hands-on as well as detail-oriented
  •  Analytical Thinking and Decision-Making: A "conceptualizer" who can integrate market trends and issues into roadmaps and business strategies. Decisive and logical in recommending and driving to the best course of action, with excellent planning, execution, and project-management skills
  • Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills: A team player and builder, receptive to ideas from others, who works effectively with others to identify and resolve issues. Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to interact successfully with all levels of management as well as a diverse workforce
  • Ethics: Highest level of professional integrity and honesty as well as personal credibility
What's in it for you?
  • We offer a competitive salary and annual bonus opportunity
  • 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 PTO + Holiday Pay + Wellness Hours + 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!
$136,900 - $205,300 a year
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 regularly 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 occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop or kneel and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Work Environment:
Indoors (A/C); nonsmoking; the majority of this job function is performed in an office setting requiring normal safety precautions. However, there may be job duties that require the employee to spend time in the manufacturing areas exposed to machinery and noise; eye protection occasionally 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.
  

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