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, develop, and optimize manufacturing tooling, jigs, fixtures, and molds.
• Analyze and troubleshoot tooling performance issues, wear, and failures.
• Implement continuous improvement strategies for tooling design, maintenance, and lifespan.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on new product introduction and tooling requirements.
• Manage tooling projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and vendor selection.
• Ensure tooling compliance with quality standards, safety regulations, and production specifications.
• Conduct root cause analysis for tooling-related defects and implement corrective actions.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, NX) for 3D modeling and tool design.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes such as injection molding, stamping, CNC machining, or progressive dies.
• Demonstrated experience in the design, development, and optimization of production tooling, jigs, and fixtures.
• Knowledge of tool steels, heat treatments, and material selection for various tooling applications.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for tool optimization and validation.
• Knowledge of additive manufacturing techniques for tooling applications (e.g., 3D printed jigs, fixtures, or mold inserts).
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification or equivalent continuous improvement methodology experience.
• Proficiency in CAM software for tool path generation and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with automation and robotics integration in manufacturing tooling design.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Tooling Engineer, Tool Engineer, Tool Designer, Fixture Designer, Mold Designer, Die Designer, Jig and Fixture Designer, Manufacturing Tooling Engineer, Injection Mold Engineer, Stamping Tool Designer

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.