Tool Maker - Plainwell Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Plainwell (MI); On-site; USD 53,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Plainwell, MI, seeks a detail-oriented Tool Maker to fabricate, repair and calibrate dies, jigs, and tooling to exacting tolerances. You will interpret blueprints, set up lathes, mills, grinders, and drill presses, and perform precise measurements to ensure quality.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in tool making, proficiency in blueprint reading and GD&T, and a solid background in metallurgy and heat treatment. On-site opportunity with competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Completion of a Tool & Die apprenticeship program or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in tool making, including progressive dies and fixtures.
• Proficient in blueprint reading, GD&T, and precision measurement tools.
• Strong understanding of metallurgy, heat treatment, and various machining processes.
• Ability to operate manual and CNC machining equipment (mills, lathes, grinders, EDMs).

Responsibilities

• Fabricate, alter, and repair a wide variety of tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures.
• Interpret blueprints, sketches, and engineering specifications to determine dimensions and tolerances.
• Set up and operate various machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, grinders, and drill presses.
• Perform precision measurements using instruments like micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to tooling performance and production quality.
• Select appropriate materials and heat treat tools to achieve desired hardness and durability.
• Maintain and calibrate tooling and equipment to ensure accuracy and optimal performance.

Skills

Blueprint reading

GD&T

Precision measurement

Manual & CNC machining

Detail-oriented

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tool & Die apprenticeship or equivalent experience

Tools

CNC programming

EDMs

CAD/CAM

Mills & Lathes

Grinders & Drill presses

Job description

Tool Maker | Plainwell, MI

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

Are you a detail-oriented 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 fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career advancement. We are collaborating with leading companies in Plainwell 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 partner with manufacturers across Plainwell seeking Tool Makers who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Fabricate, alter, and repair a wide variety of tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures.
• Interpret blueprints, sketches, and engineering specifications to determine dimensions and tolerances.
• Set up and operate various machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, grinders, and drill presses.
• Perform precision measurements using instruments like micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to tooling performance and production quality.
• Select appropriate materials and heat treat tools to achieve desired hardness and durability.
• Maintain and calibrate tooling and equipment to ensure accuracy and optimal performance.

Recommended Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Completion of a Tool & Die apprenticeship program or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of experience in tool making, including progressive dies and fixtures
• Proficient in blueprint reading, GD&T, and precision measurement tools
• Strong understanding of metallurgy, heat treatment, and various machining processes
• Ability to operate manual and CNC machining equipment (mills, lathes, grinders, EDMs)

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with CAD/CAM software for tool design and programming.
• Familiarity with EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) and/or Wire EDM.
• Certification in a specialized machining skill (e.g., CNC programming, precision grinding).
• Ability to perform basic welding and fabrication for tool repair or modification.

Job Titles That Should Apply

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

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.