Tool and Die Maker – Kalamazoo Area

The Pivot Group Careers; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Kalamazoo, MI is actively connecting qualified Tool and Die Makers with local manufacturers. This posting highlights opportunities with several Kalamazoo-area companies that value precision tooling and workmanship.

Responsibilities include building and repairing stamping dies, reading blueprints, operating CNC/EDM equipment, and ensuring tight tolerances. Candidates should have journeyman status or equivalent apprenticeship and strong measurement skills.

Qualifications

• Strong manual machining skills on lathe, mill, and surface grinder.
• Ability to read blueprints and work to tolerances within thousandths of an inch.
• Experience building and repairing stamping dies or molds.
• Familiarity with CNC and EDM operation.

Responsibilities

• Document work and communicate tooling status to production and engineering.
• Build and repair stamping dies, molds, and fixtures from drawings and specifications.
• Set up and operate lathes, mills, grinders, and EDM equipment.
• Read blueprints and CAD models to plan machining steps and tolerances.
• Fit, assemble, and hand-finish die components to tight tolerances.
• Troubleshoot die problems and make adjustments during production runs.
• Perform preventive maintenance and sharpening on existing tooling.
• Inspect finished parts with calipers, micrometers, and gauges.

Skills

Manual machining

Blueprint reading

Math/measurements

Quality focus

Education

Journeyman card

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

CAM programming

CNC operation

EDM operation

Job description

Job Description:

Tool and Die Maker | Kalamazoo, MI

Salary Range: $60,000 – $95,000 depending on experience

Are you a skilled professional with a passion for excelling as a tool and die maker? The Pivot Group Network, a Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to building meaningful connections in the manufacturing community. We collaborate with companies in the Kalamazoo area seeking experienced Tool and Die Makers.

We are building our network of talent in this field across Michigan’s manufacturing regions. 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.

This posting covers Tool and Die Maker opportunities with manufacturers based in and around Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo County, within about 30 minutes of the city, including Galesburg, Comstock, Oshtemo, and Parchment.

The Opportunity

We work with companies in the Kalamazoo area that add Tool and Die Makers to their teams. These organizations value quality over speed in hiring. By connecting with us, you position yourself for opportunities that align with what you’re looking for.

Usual Responsibilities

• Document work and communicate tooling status to production and engineering.
• Build and repair stamping dies, molds, and fixtures from drawings and specifications.
• Set up and operate lathes, mills, grinders, and EDM equipment.
• Read blueprints and CAD models to plan machining steps and tolerances.
• Fit, assemble, and hand-finish die components to tight tolerances.
• Troubleshoot die problems and make adjustments during production runs.
• Perform preventive maintenance and sharpening on existing tooling.
• Inspect finished parts with calipers, micrometers, and gauges.

Recommended Qualifications

• Strong manual machining skills on lathe, mill, and surface grinder.
• Ability to read blueprints and work to tolerances within thousandths of an inch.
• Experience building and repairing stamping dies or molds.
• Familiarity with CNC and EDM operation.
• Solid math and measurement skills.
• Journeyman tool and die maker card or equivalent apprenticeship.

Bonus Qualifications

• Welding and heat treating knowledge.
• Experience with progressive and transfer dies.
• Lean manufacturing or 5S background.
• Forklift or overhead crane certification.
• CAD or CAM programming experience.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Tool Room Machinist, Mold Maker, Stamping Die Technician, Machine Tool Operator, CNC Machinist, Die Maker, Toolmaker, Journeyman Tool and Die Maker, Die Repair Technician

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship. Visa sponsorship is not available.

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.

Required Skills:

Resume Offers 3D Access Support Machinery Salary Hiring Partnerships SolidWorks Recruiting Compensation Continuous Improvement Manufacturing Programming AutoCAD Preparation Software Design Engineering

Salary Package:

$ 60,000.00 – 95,000.00 (US Dollar)