Tooling Engineer | Plainwell, MI

Salary Range: $67,000 - $106,000 depending on experience

Are you a meticulous professional with a passion for designing and improving tooling for manufacturing processes? The Pivot Group is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We are collaborating with companies in Plainwell seeking experienced Tooling Engineers.

The Opportunity

We are collaborating with multiple companies in Plainwell seeking experienced Tooling Engineers. These organizations value long-term fit and are looking for professionals who bring both skill and alignment. By joining our network, you gain access to opportunities tailored to your goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize new and existing tooling, fixtures, and molds for manufacturing processes.
• Oversee the maintenance, repair, and modification of production tooling to ensure operational efficiency and longevity.
• Diagnose and resolve complex tooling-related issues, implement corrective actions, and prevent recurrence.
• Identify opportunities for tooling improvements to enhance product quality, reduce cycle times, and lower manufacturing costs.
• Collaborate with external tooling suppliers and vendors for procurement, design reviews, and quality control.
• Create and maintain detailed tooling specifications, drawings, maintenance records, and operational procedures.
• Implement and monitor quality control measures for tooling to ensure parts meet specified tolerances and performance standards.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering.
• 3-5 years of experience in tooling design, fabrication, or maintenance within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Mastercam) and GD&T principles.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes such as injection molding, stamping, machining, or assembly.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and optimize tooling for performance and longevity.
• Knowledge of various tooling materials, heat treatment processes, and surface finishes.

Bonus Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency in CAE/FEA simulation software for tooling analysis.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Hands-on experience in tool & die making or precision machining.
• Project management certification (e.g., PMP, CAPM).

Job Titles That Should Apply

Tooling Engineer, Tool Engineer, Tooling Design Engineer, Die Design Engineer, Mold Design Engineer, Fixture Design Engineer, Manufacturing Tooling Engineer, Process Tooling Engineer, Senior Tooling Engineer, Tool & Die Engineer, Jig and Fixture Engineer

Why Pivot Group

The Pivot Group 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.

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. The Pivot Group 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.