Tooling Engineer - Allegan Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Michigan; On-site; USD 75,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Allegan, MI is seeking a Tooling Engineer to design, develop, and test tooling for manufacturing processes. This role focuses on tooling feasibility, efficiency, and collaboration with product design and production teams to resolve tooling challenges.

Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering and 5+ years in tooling design, with proficiency in CAD tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and CATIA, plus experience with DFM and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 5+ years of tooling design, development and optimization in manufacturing.
• Proficient CAD skills for tooling design and analysis.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and tooling requirements.
• Experience with DFM and DFA principles related to tooling.

Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, and tests tools, dies, fixtures, and other tooling hardware.
• Analyzes and resolves tooling-related production problems with corrective actions.
• Collaborates with product design and manufacturing teams for tooling feasibility.
• Specifies and procures tooling materials and equipment.
• Develops and maintains tooling drawings, specs, and maintenance docs.
• Performs cost analysis and justification for tooling projects.

Skills

Tooling design

DFM/ DFA

Manufacturing processes knowledge

Mentoring/lead small teams

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

CATIA

Moldflow

Job description

Tooling Engineer | Allegan, MI

Salary Range: $75,000 - $114,000 depending on experience

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for designing and improving tooling for manufacturing processes? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We partner with leading manufacturing companies in Allegan, seeking experienced Tooling Engineers to strengthen their teams.

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 working with companies in Allegan that are adding Tooling Engineers 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, and tests tools, dies, fixtures, and other manufacturing equipment.
• Analyzes and resolves tooling-related production problems, implementing corrective actions.
• Collaborates with product design and manufacturing teams to ensure tooling feasibility and efficiency.
• Specifies and procures tooling materials, components, and equipment.
• Develops and maintains tooling documentation, including drawings, specifications, and maintenance procedures.
• Conducts cost analysis and justification for new tooling projects and modifications.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in tooling design, development, and optimization within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA) for tooling design and analysis.
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, stamping, CNC machining) and their tooling requirements.
• Demonstrated experience with DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and DFA (Design for Assembly) principles related to tooling.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with CAD/CAM software for mold design and analysis (e.g., SolidWorks, Catia, Moldflow).
• Familiarity with various manufacturing processes beyond injection molding (e.g., stamping, casting, CNC machining).
• Certification in Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proficiency in a programming language for automation or data analysis (e.g., Python, VBA).
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers or lead small project teams.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Tooling Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Process Engineer, CNC Programmer, Jig and Fixture Designer, Mold Designer, Die Designer, Tool Designer, Production Engineer, Mechanical Engineer

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.