Tool Maker - East Lansing Area

the-pivot-group-careers; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 56,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in East Lansing is seeking an experienced Tool Maker to fabricate, repair, and set up dies, molds, and tooling.

Candidates should read blueprints, operate lathes, mills, grinders and EDM machines, and work with engineers to improve tool performance.

This network connects skilled professionals with East Lansing companies offering long-term opportunities and competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• Apprenticeship completion or equivalent on-the-job training as a Tool Maker.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings.
• Experience operating lathes, milling machines, grinders, and EDM equipment.
• Solid understanding of metallurgy, heat treatment, and material properties.
• Skill with precision measuring tools (micrometers, calipers, gauges) for QC.
• Strong problem-solving skills for diagnosing tooling issues.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate, alter, and repair tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures.
• Interpret blueprints, schematics, and engineering specifications.
• Set up and operate precision machinery including lathes, mills, grinders, and EDM.
• Perform close tolerance machining to meet dimensions and finishes.
• Conduct in-process and final inspections using measuring instruments.
• Troubleshoot tool performance and manufacturing process issues.
• Collaborate with engineers and production to optimize tool design.

Skills

Apprenticeship completion or equival

Blueprint reading

Machine tool operation

Metallurgy & heat treatment

Precision measurement

Troubleshooting

Education

Apprenticeship completion or equivalent on-the-job training as a Tool Maker

Tools

CAD/CAM

Lathes

Mills

Grinders

EDM machines

Job description

Tool Maker | East Lansing, MI

Salary Range: $56,000 - $88,000 depending on experience

Are you a skilled professional with a passion for precision tooling and creating high-quality dies and molds? 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 East Lansing seeking experienced Tool Makers.

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 East Lansing 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

• Fabricate, alter, and repair a wide range of tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures.
• Interpret complex blueprints, schematics, and engineering specifications.
• Set up and operate precision machinery, including lathes, milling machines, grinders, and EDM equipment.
• Perform close tolerance machining operations to achieve specified dimensions and surface finishes.
• Conduct in-process and final inspections using various measuring instruments to ensure quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to tool performance and manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with engineers and production teams to optimize tool design and functionality.

Recommended Qualifications

• Apprenticeship completion or equivalent on-the-job training as a Tool Maker.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings.
• Expertise in operating a wide range of machine tools, including lathes, mills, grinders, and EDM machines.
• Strong understanding of metallurgy, heat treatment processes, and various material properties.
• Demonstrated ability to use precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, gauges) for quality control.
• Problem-solving skills for diagnosing and repairing complex tooling issues.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with CAD/CAM software for tool design and programming.
• Certification or advanced training in precision machining or mold making.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or other continuous improvement certifications.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior toolmakers or apprentices.
• Experience with 3D printing or additive manufacturing for tooling applications.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Tool Maker, Tool and Die Maker, Die Maker, Mold Maker, Precision Machinist, CNC Tool Maker, Journeyman Tool Maker, Apprentice Tool Maker, Senior Tool Maker, Tooling Fabricator

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.