Tool Maker | Grand Rapids, MI

Salary Range: $54,000 - $86,000 depending on experience

Are you a skilled professional with a passion for precision tooling and creating high-quality dies and molds? The Pivot Group is dedicated to building meaningful connections in the manufacturing community. We are collaborating with companies in Grand Rapids seeking experienced Tool Makers.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Grand Rapids region seeking Tool Makers. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates—not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate, and modify precision tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures.
• Perform preventative maintenance and repair on existing production tooling.
• Operate a variety of machine tools, including lathes, mills, grinders, and EDM, to produce intricate components.
• Interpret complex engineering blueprints, schematics, and specifications.
• Conduct precision measurements and quality checks using specialized inspection instruments.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to tooling performance and production processes.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to optimize tool design and manufacturing efficiency.

Recommended Qualifications

• Proven experience in tool and die making, maintenance, and repair.
• Proficiency in operating manual and CNC machining equipment (mills, lathes, grinders, EDMs).
• Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T.
• Strong understanding of metallurgy, material properties, and heat treatment processes.
• Skilled in using precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, gauges, optical comparators).
• Completion of a recognized apprenticeship program or equivalent vocational training.

Bonus Qualifications

• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, Mastercam).
• Experience with various welding techniques (e.g., TIG, MIG) for tool repair and fabrication.
• Knowledge of heat treatment processes and material science for tool steels.
• Familiarity with advanced metrology equipment (e.g., CMM, optical comparators) for quality assurance.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Tool and Die Maker, Mold Maker, Die Maker, Jig and Fixture Maker, Precision Tooling Machinist, Tooling Technician, Prototype Tool Maker

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.