Tooling Engineer | Wayland, MI

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

Are you a skilled professional with a passion for designing and improving tooling for manufacturing processes? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to building meaningful connections in the manufacturing community. We are collaborating with companies in Wayland seeking experienced Tooling Engineers.

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 Wayland 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

• Design, develop, and test tooling solutions for manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with production and engineering teams to identify tooling needs and optimize existing tools.
• Conduct root cause analysis of tooling failures and implement corrective actions.
• Manage tooling inventory, maintenance schedules, and procurement processes.
• Evaluate new tooling technologies and materials for potential application.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation for tooling specifications and procedures.

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.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA) for tooling design and analysis.
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, stamping, machining) and their associated tooling requirements.
• Demonstrated experience with DFM (Design for Manufacturability) principles and their application to tooling.
• Knowledge of different tool steels, coatings, and heat treatments, and their appropriate selection for specific applications.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with CAD/CAM software for mold design and analysis (e.g., SolidWorks, Catia, Moldflow).
• Familiarity with various manufacturing processes beyond injection molding (e.g., stamping, casting, CNC machining).
• Ability to perform DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and DFA (Design for Assembly) analyses.
• Knowledge of metrology tools and techniques for part inspection and quality control.
• Certification in a relevant field (e.g., Six Sigma Green Belt, Certified Quality Engineer).

Job Titles That Should Apply

Tooling Engineer, Tool Engineer, Fixture Design Engineer, Mold Design Engineer, Die Design Engineer, Manufacturing Tooling Engineer, Process Tooling Engineer, Senior Tooling Engineer, Lead Tooling Engineer, Tooling Specialist

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.