Tool and Die Maker | Plainwell, MI

Salary Range: $58,000 - $92,000 depending on experience

Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for excelling in tool and die maker? 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 Plainwell seeking Tool and Die Makers 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 Plainwell seeking Tool and Die Makers who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and build new dies, jigs, and fixtures.
• Perform preventative maintenance and repair on existing tooling.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose tooling problems during production.
• Operate a variety of machine tools, including lathes, mills, grinders, and EDMs.
• Interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings.
• Select appropriate materials and methods for tool fabrication.
• Collaborate with engineers and production staff to optimize tooling performance.

Recommended Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; completion of an accredited apprenticeship program or equivalent experience preferred.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings.
• Demonstrated expertise in operating conventional and CNC machine tools (e.g., lathes, mills, grinders, EDMs).
• Strong understanding of metallurgy, heat treatment processes, and material properties.
• Proven ability to use precision measuring instruments (e.g., micrometers, calipers, gauges) for quality control.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail for troubleshooting and die repair.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Mastercam)
• Proficiency in operating and programming CNC machinery
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex tooling issues
• Certification in a specialized area (e.g., Jig and Fixture Design, Mold Making)
• Knowledge of advanced metrology techniques and equipment

Job Titles That Should Apply

Tool Maker, Die Maker, Journeyman Tool and Die Maker, Precision Machinist, Mold Maker, CNC Machinist, Metal Fabricator, Journeyman Machinist, Machining Technician, Tool and Die Technician

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.