Tooling Engineer | Ludington, MI

Salary Range: $72,000 - $111,000 depending on experience

Are you a detail-oriented professional with a passion for designing and improving tooling for manufacturing processes? The Pivot Group is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career advancement. We are collaborating with leading companies in Ludington seeking experienced Tooling Engineers.

The Opportunity

We partner with manufacturers across Ludington seeking Tooling Engineers 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, develop, and optimize new and existing production tooling for manufacturing processes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve tooling-related issues on the production floor to minimize downtime.
• Implement and manage preventative maintenance programs for all tooling assets.
• Collaborate with design, production, and quality teams on tooling specifications and process improvements.
• Conduct tool trials, validations, and ensure adherence to quality and safety standards.
• Select appropriate materials, manufacturing methods, and vendors for tooling projects.
• Analyze tooling performance data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and cost reduction.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3-5+ years of experience in tooling design, fabrication, maintenance, or process optimization within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Mastercam) for tooling design and analysis.
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, stamping, CNC machining) and their tooling requirements.
• Solid knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and experience with metrology tools and techniques.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with Mold Flow Analysis or Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software.
• Certification or practical experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma principles.
• Hands-on experience with CNC machining, grinding, or EDM processes.
• Familiarity with automation and robotics integration related to tooling.
• Experience with additive manufacturing (3D printing) for tooling applications.

Job Titles That Should Apply

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