Ever wonder who's behind the scenes, helping Make48 contestants bring their wildest ideas to life? Meet Matt Rohr, the Onshape CAD wizard from New York who's been a fixture at Make48 since 2022.
His impact goes beyond technical skills – he's a champion of the collaborative spirit that makes Make48 so special. Join us as we delve into the mind of this CAD master and learn how his passion for innovation is shaping the future of invention.
CAD Design Journey
M48: Can you tell us about your early years and how you started with Onshape?
Matt Rohr: I started in mechanical engineering in the '90s and was heavily focused on CAD, even back then. Interestingly, I dropped out of school because I got a job offer and began working as a CAD designer. Eventually, I returned to complete my bachelor's in Technology Management since I was already in a management role. Over the years, I’ve gained significant experience, working with previous CAD companies, including a stint at MakerBot, where we were early adopters of Onshape.
Onshape solicited our feedback about what we would like to see differently in the next CAD product. I provided them feedback, and in doing so, gained a deeper appreciation for Onshape's unique approach.
This experience ultimately led me to join the Onshape team around three and a half years ago, amidst the peak of the 2020 pandemic.
The pandemic actually emphasized the value of Onshape, as the shift to remote work increased, so did the need for flexible CAD tools that were not reliant on physical infrastructure. This led to significant growth for Onshape as companies adapted to remote and hybrid environments.
M48: How did you develop your CAD skills? Was it through school or work?
Matt Rohr: It was a combination of both formal education and hands-on experience. During school, we focused intensely on the software’s nuts and bolts, which is different from how it's taught today.
My skills took a significant leap when I worked for a SolidWorks reseller, where I trained other users and went through extensive training myself. This experience provided me with a deep understanding of CAD that I carried back into the industry.
M48: What advice would you give to someone starting out in the CAD design world?
Matt Rohr: Invest in your training and level up your skills. Many CAD vendors, including Onshape, offer extensive training resources. Even if you think you know the software, go through the official training to understand the best practices.
Additionally, gaining diverse experience by working with different companies and products can be very beneficial. If you're in a contractor role, be prepared to hit the ground running as there's often little time to learn on the job.
The Onshape Experience and Make48 Magic
M48: What is your typical day like at Onshape?
Matt Rohr: My role involves being a dedicated technical resource for our managed accounts, ensuring they get the most value out of Onshape. This includes answering technical questions, writing blogs, creating content, and helping onboard new customers. I spend a lot of time assisting existing customers with their queries and ensuring they have a seamless experience with our product.
M48: How many Make48 events have you attended, and what keeps you coming back?
Matt Rohr: I’ve been to at least nine or ten events, including ones in Milwaukee, Little Rock, Indianapolis, and Bentonville. I enjoy getting involved in the community and helping students connect their STEM education to potential careers. It's rewarding to see young people realize the career possibilities that come with the skills they're learning.
I’ve always found it beneficial to be involved in the community. Before Onshape, I ran the SolidWorks user group in New York. I also used to volunteer with an organization called Big Idea Week, which was similar to Make48 but targeted younger students. We’d spend a week with fourth graders, guiding them through the process of creating a product prototype and presenting it. The goal was to show these kids that the tech they enjoy, like smartphones and games, comes from real career paths they can pursue. Helping young people connect those dots is incredibly rewarding.
The other aspect that draws me to these events is my background in hardware and mechanical engineering. In my current role, I mostly support customers and don't get many chances to design things anymore.
Make48 allows me to exercise those creative muscles and actually build something. Mehul, Steve Myers, and I – all Onshape volunteers – have discussed our shared passion for these events. We each have experience working in factories, and the fast pace of Make48 feels surprisingly familiar.
Running around, ensuring everyone has the right information, and meeting tight deadlines is quite common in manufacturing. The pace of Make48 isn't crazy to me; it feels normal. I wouldn't want to do it every week anymore, but doing it for a weekend once a month is a lot of fun.
Matt Rohr’s journey from a young CAD enthusiast to a key player at Onshape highlights the importance of continuous learning, community involvement, and the ability to adapt to changing technologies. His experiences offer valuable insights for anyone looking to start a career in CAD design. If you have questions about CAD design, engineering or even music, be sure to chat with Matt at our next event!
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