Tool Maker | Plainwell, MI

Salary Range: $62,000 - $95,000 depending on experience

Are you a forward-thinking professional with a passion for precision tooling and creating high-quality dies and molds? The Pivot Group is committed to fostering meaningful relationships in the manufacturing community. We partner with companies in Plainwell seeking skilled Tool Makers.

The Opportunity

We are collaborating with multiple companies in Plainwell seeking experienced Tool Makers. 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, fabricate, and assemble precision tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures from blueprints and specifications.
• Perform maintenance, repair, and modification of existing tooling to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
• Operate a variety of manual and CNC machine tools, including lathes, mills, grinders, and EDM machines, to achieve tight tolerances.
• Interpret complex engineering drawings, schematics, and CAD models to plan and execute tool making tasks.
• Conduct thorough inspections and measurements using precision instruments to verify tool accuracy and quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve tooling-related issues, identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality departments to support manufacturing processes and product development.

Recommended Qualifications

• Formal apprenticeship or 5+ years of relevant experience as a Tool Maker.
• Proficiency in operating manual and CNC machine tools (mills, lathes, grinders, EDMs).
• Expertise in reading and interpreting engineering blueprints, including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Skilled in using precision measuring instruments (e.g., micrometers, calipers, height gauges, CMMs).
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain complex molds, dies, jigs, and fixtures.
• Strong understanding of metallurgy, heat treatment processes, and various tooling materials.

Bonus Qualifications

• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, Mastercam).
• Advanced CNC programming and setup experience.
• Demonstrated skills in precision grinding or EDM operations.
• Strong understanding of GD&T principles and metrology equipment.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Tool Maker, Die Maker, Mold Maker, Tool and Die Maker, Precision Machinist, CNC Tool Maker, Tooling Technician, Fixture Builder, Jig Maker, Prototype Tool Maker

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.