Workholding Technical Support Specialist at Mate Precision Technologies

Description

The Workholding Technical Support Specialist at Mate Precision Technologies supports customers in identifying and implementing Mate’s workholding solutions to successfully produce their products. This role combines technical expertise, CAD design, customer collaboration, and sales support to deliver exceptional service and innovative workholding recommendations.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Advise on technical applications for workholding, including but not limited to:

• Developing a clear understanding of the machine tool environment (HMC, VMC, 5-axis/5-sided, usable workspace, and table layout).
• Evaluating application needs, including material type, removal rate, clamping method, and part size.
• Collaborate with our customers to understand their fabricating applications and requirements.
• Create engineering concept CAD drawings, sketches, and solid models to demonstrate proposed solutions.
• Prepare formal quotations and establish sell price and lead time using Mate's business systems.
• Partner with the sales team to provide pre- and post-sale technical support.
• Deliver high-quality technical service consistent with Mate’s reputation for customer service and in-field support.
• Use product and process knowledge to recommend solutions that optimize customer outcomes.
• Collaborate effectively with team members, being open-minded, responsive, and supportive.
• Demonstrate integrity through dependability, sound judgment, honesty, and personal accountability.
• Foster a respectful work environment by actively listening and encouraging open communication.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 4 years of multi-axis VMC/HMC machining, including hands-on experience with machine setup and programming.
• In-depth knowledge of workholding principles, including clamping mechanics and the impact of material types and thicknesses on machining.
• Knowledgeable in cutting tool design, application, and functionality.
• Strong practical experience with various tooling designs and applications.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar platforms is preferred.
• Strong spatial aptitude with the ability to visualize components in both two and three dimensions.
• Solid math skills, particularly related to force, tolerances, and inch/metric conversions.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Basic understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Skilled in navigating the internet and databases to locate and evaluate technical information quickly and accurately.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Fluency in a foreign language is preferred—especially Spanish, Japanese, or French.
• The ability to work on-site, in-office, five days a week at our headquarters in Anoka, Minnesota, is required.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• This position operates in both an office and manufacturing environment. While performing the duties of this role, the employee is regularly required to:
• Sit for extended periods at a desk and work on a computer.
• Use hands and fingers to handle, feel, and operate standard office and engineering tools or equipment.
• Communicate effectively in both verbal and written form.
• Occasionally stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, bend, or stoop.
• Lift, carry, or move items up to 15 pounds occasionally.
• Visually inspect documents, designs, and parts, including close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• The work environment includes:
• A typical office setting with standard lighting, ventilation, and temperature control.
• Occasional visits to manufacturing areas, where noise levels are moderate and PPE may be required.