Tooling Engineer | Portage, MI

Salary Range: $70,000 - $109,000 depending on experience

Are you a forward-thinking professional with a passion for designing and improving tooling for manufacturing processes? The Pivot Group is committed to fostering meaningful relationships in the manufacturing community. We partner with companies in Portage seeking skilled Tooling Engineers.

The Opportunity

We are collaborating with manufacturing firms in Portage that are seeking skilled Tooling Engineers. These organizations are dedicated to maintaining high standards and are looking for professionals who can contribute effectively. By joining our network, you position yourself for opportunities aligned with your career goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop new tooling, fixtures, and jigs to support manufacturing processes.
• Analyze and troubleshoot tooling failures, implementing corrective actions and preventative measures.
• Manage tooling maintenance and repair schedules to ensure optimal performance and minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with production, design, and quality teams to optimize tooling performance and product manufacturability.
• Evaluate and select appropriate tooling materials and manufacturing methods for specific applications.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives for tooling design, fabrication, and usage to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Oversee the fabrication, assembly, and testing of new and modified tooling.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in tooling design, development, and maintenance within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA) for tool design and simulation.
• Strong knowledge of various manufacturing processes (e.g., stamping, injection molding, machining) and associated tooling materials.
• Experience in root cause analysis, troubleshooting, and implementing continuous improvements for tooling issues.
• Understanding of GD&T principles and their application in tooling design and inspection.

Bonus Qualifications

• Proficiency with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software for tool validation and optimization.
• Experience with advanced tooling materials, surface treatments, or specialized coatings.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification applied to tooling processes.
• Knowledge of additive manufacturing techniques for tooling components or prototypes.

Job Titles That Should Apply

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