Tooling Engineer | Kentwood, MI

Salary Range: $68,000 - $107,000 depending on experience

Are you a forward-thinking 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 in the manufacturing community. We partner with companies in Kentwood seeking skilled 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 manufacturing firms in Kentwood 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

• Designs, develops, and optimizes tooling and fixtures for manufacturing processes.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to define tooling requirements and specifications.
• Performs root cause analysis and implements corrective actions for tooling-related issues.
• Manages tooling projects from concept to completion, including budget and timeline.
• Selects and specifies appropriate materials and manufacturing methods for tooling.
• Conducts simulations and analyses to validate tooling designs and performance.
• Develops and maintains tooling documentation, including drawings, manuals, and repair procedures.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience in tooling design, development, and optimization within a manufacturing environment
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA) and simulation tools
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, stamping, machining) and material science
• Experience with DFM/DFA principles and their application to tooling design
• Ability to troubleshoot complex tooling issues and implement effective solutions

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with mold flow analysis software
• Proficiency in a programming language (e.g., Python, C#) for automation or data analysis
• Certification in a relevant area (e.g., Six Sigma, PMP, specific software)
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers or lead small project teams
• Experience with additive manufacturing (3D printing) for tooling prototypes or inserts

Job Titles That Should Apply

Tooling Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Process Engineer, CNC Programmer, Die Maker, Mold Maker, Jig and Fixture Designer, Tool Designer, Production Engineer, Automation Engineer

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.