Tooling Engineer | Kalamazoo, MI

Salary Range: $69,000 - $108,000 depending on experience

Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for designing and improving tooling for manufacturing processes? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in Kalamazoo seeking Tooling Engineers to lead and enhance their operations.

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region Pivot Group Network serves. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

The Opportunity

We partner with manufacturers across Kalamazoo seeking Tooling Engineers who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, and optimizes tooling for manufacturing processes.
• Collaborates with production teams to identify tooling needs and improve existing designs.
• Conducts root cause analysis of tooling failures and implements corrective actions.
• Manages tooling lifecycle, including procurement, maintenance, and end-of-life.
• Develops and maintains tooling specifications, standards, and documentation.
• Evaluates new tooling technologies and materials for potential application.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in tooling design, development, and optimization within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD) for tooling design and simulation.
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, stamping, machining, die casting) and their tooling requirements.
• Experience with tool life cycle management, preventive maintenance, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with CAD/CAM software for mold design and manufacturing (e.g., SolidWorks, Catia, Mastercam).
• Familiarity with various manufacturing processes, such as injection molding, stamping, or die casting.
• Knowledge of metrology tools and techniques for part inspection and quality control (e.g., CMM, optical comparators).
• Understanding of automation concepts and robotics in a manufacturing environment.
• Certification in relevant areas like GD&T, Six Sigma, or Lean Manufacturing.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Tooling Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Process Engineer, CNC Programmer, Jig and Fixture Designer, Mold Designer, Die Designer, Tool Designer, Production Engineer, Mechanical Design Engineer

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out at https://www.thepivotgroup.org. The Pivot Group Network offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.