Tool Maker | Traverse City, MI

Salary Range: $56,000 - $88,000 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 Traverse City seeking experienced Tool Makers.

The Opportunity

We partner with manufacturers across Traverse City seeking Tool 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

• Fabricate, machine, and assemble precision tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures.
• Read and interpret complex blueprints, schematics, and engineering drawings.
• Perform intricate grinding, milling, turning, and EDM operations to exact specifications.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain existing production tooling to minimize downtime.
• Inspect finished tools for accuracy and adherence to tolerances using precision measuring instruments.
• Select appropriate materials and machining methods for various tooling applications.
• Collaborate with engineers and production personnel to optimize tool design and functionality.

Recommended Qualifications

• Journeyman Tool Maker certification or 5+ years of equivalent practical experience.
• Proficiency in operating manual and CNC machine tools (lathes, mills, grinders, EDMs).
• Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints, schematics, and GD&T.
• Expertise in using precision measuring instruments and inspection techniques.
• Strong knowledge of metallurgy, tooling materials, and heat treatment processes.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair complex tooling.

Bonus Qualifications

• Proficiency with advanced CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, Mastercam) for design and simulation.
• Experience operating and/or programming Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) for complex part inspection.
• Knowledge of specialized machining processes such as Wire EDM or Sinker EDM.
• Understanding of various tool steels, heat treatment processes, and surface coating applications.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles or other continuous improvement methodologies.

Job Titles That Should Apply

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

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.