Tooling Engineer | Lansing, MI

Salary Range: $71,000 - $110,000 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 Lansing 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 are collaborating with multiple companies in Lansing 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

• Designs and develops tooling, fixtures, and jigs for manufacturing processes.
• Collaborates with design and production teams to optimize tooling for manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
• Conducts root cause analysis of tooling failures and implements corrective actions.
• Manages the lifecycle of tooling from concept to retirement, including maintenance and calibration.
• Utilizes CAD/CAM software for tooling design and simulation.
• Evaluates new tooling technologies and materials to improve production efficiency and product quality.

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.
• Proficient in CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA) for tooling design and analysis.
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing processes (e.g., stamping, injection molding, CNC machining) and their associated tooling requirements.
• Experience with tool life management, preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting tooling issues.
• Knowledge of material properties and their application in tooling design, including various steels, carbides, and coatings.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with CAD/CAM software beyond basic viewing (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, Mastercam).
• Familiarity with Six Sigma or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Hands-on experience with various manufacturing processes (e.g., CNC machining, injection molding, stamping).
• Knowledge of GD&T principles and application.
• Ability to perform basic FEA simulations for tool validation.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Tooling Engineer, Mold Design Engineer, Fixture Design Engineer, Tool and Die Maker, Manufacturing Engineer (Tooling), Production Engineer (Tooling), CNC Programmer (Tooling), Jig and Fixture Designer, Process Engineer (Tooling), CAD/CAM Engineer (Tooling

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.