Workholding Technical Specialist

Job Type
Full-time

Description
Are you a problem-solving, customer-focused professional with a passion for machining, workholding, and precision manufacturing? Do you enjoy applying technical knowledge, CAD skills, and creative thinking to help customers improve their machining processes? At Mate Precision Technologies, we Respect, Support, and Inspire metalworking professionals around the world — and we’re looking for a talented Workholding Technical Specialist to join our team at our Anoka, Minnesota headquarters.

As a Workholding Technical Specialist, you’ll collaborate closely with customers and our sales team to evaluate machining applications, develop innovative workholding concepts, and recommend solutions that drive performance, productivity, and precision. This role blends hands-on machining experience, strong technical judgment, and clear communication to deliver the high-level support Mate is known for.

If you're ready to bring your machining expertise into a customer-facing, solution-driven role with opportunities for continuous learning and impact — this is the role for you!

What You’ll Do

As a Workholding Technical Specialist, you will:

• Evaluate customer applications by assessing their machining and/or forming environments (HMC, VMC, 5-axis/5-sided setups, usable workspace, table layouts, and/or press brakes and related equipment).
• Analyze key machining factors including material type, removal rate, clamping method, and part size.
• Collaborate directly with customers to understand their manufacturing challenges across multiple processing including machining and metal forming.
• Create engineering concept drawings, sketches, and 3D CAD models to present recommended solutions for Workholding, and with training, press brake application.
• Prepare formal quotations, including establishing pricing and lead times using Mate’s business systems.
• Partner with the sales team to provide both pre-sale and post-sale technical support.
• Develop working knowledge of press brake tooling and forming applications through structured training and hands-on experience.
• Apply strong mechanical aptitude to diagnose and solve customer challenges beyond traditional Workholding, expanding into adjacent product      applications.
• Deliver exceptional technical service that reflects Mate’s industry-leading reputation for customer care.
• Recommend solutions based on deep product and process knowledge to maximize customer outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with team members while demonstrating responsiveness, openness, and support.
• Model Mate’s values through reliability, sound judgment, honesty, and accountability.
• Contribute to a respectful, communication-focused work environment.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience with multi-axis VMC/HMC machining, including machine setup and programming.
• Strong working knowledge of workholding principles, clamping mechanics, and the effects of material type and thickness.
• Practical understanding of cutting tool design, application, and performance.
• Hands-on experience with various tooling designs and machining applications.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or equivalent (preferred).
• Excellent spatial reasoning with the ability to visualize in 2D and 3D.
• Strong math skills, especially related to force, tolerances, and metric/inch conversions.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints.
• Basic understanding of GD&T.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and online research tools.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in English.
• What would be a bonus: Fluency in a foreign language—especially Spanish, Japanese, or French.
• What would be a bonus: Comprehensive knowledge in Press Brake or Punch Press Tooling 
• Ability to work on-site at our Anoka, Minnesota headquarters five days per week.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

This position involves both office and manufacturing environments. You will:

• Sit for extended periods and work on a computer.
• Use hands and fingers to operate office and engineering tools.
• Communicate effectively in written and verbal formats.
• Occasionally stand, walk, bend, reach, or stoop.
• Lift or move items up to 15 lbs.
• Perform visual inspections requiring close vision and focus adjustments.

Work environments include:

• A standard office setting with normal lighting, ventilation, and temperature.
• Occasional visits to manufacturing areas with moderate noise and required PPE.

Pay, Schedule & Benefits

• Hourly Pay Range: $29.17–$42.89 per hour depending upon education and experience
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short- & Long-Term Disability, PTO, Paid Holidays, and more
• Retirement: 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan
• Award-Winning Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement

If you’re ready to apply your machining expertise in a role that blends technical problem-solving, customer partnership, CAD creativity, and innovation — join Mate!