Tooling Engineer - Cadillac Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Cadillac (MI); On-site; USD 68,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Cadillac, MI is actively seeking a Tooling Engineer to design and improve tooling for high‑volume manufacturing. You will collaborate with design and production teams to optimize tooling for manufacturability and cost, and you will manage tooling projects from concept to completion.

This role requires a bachelor’s degree in mechanical or manufacturing engineering and 5+ years of tooling experience, with proficiency in CAD/CAM software such as SolidWorks, CATIA or

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering or related field is required.
• Minimum 5+ years of tooling design, development, and manufacturing experience in high-volume production.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM tools for tooling design and analysis is required.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and tooling performance.

Responsibilities

• Designs and develops tooling, fixtures, and jigs for manufacturing processes.
• Collaborates with design and production teams to optimize tooling for manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
• Conducts root cause analysis and implements corrective actions for tooling-related issues.
• Manages tooling projects from concept to completion, including budget and timeline.
• Selects and specifies appropriate tooling materials and manufacturing methods.
• Develops and maintains tooling documentation, including CAD models and specifications.
• Implements and monitors tooling preventative maintenance programs.

Skills

CAD/CAM software

SolidWorks

CATIA

AutoCAD

Root cause analysis

Preventive maintenance

Continuous improvement

Manufacturing processes knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

AutoCAD

CAD/CAM software

Job description

Tooling Engineer | Cadillac, MI

Salary Range: $68,000 - $107,000 depending on experience

Are you a detail-oriented professional with a passion for designing and improving tooling for manufacturing processes? 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 Cadillac seeking experienced Tooling Engineers.

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 Cadillac 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 and develops tooling, fixtures, and jigs for manufacturing processes.
• Collaborates with design and production teams to optimize tooling for manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
• Conducts root cause analysis and implements corrective actions for tooling-related issues.
• Manages tooling projects from concept to completion, including budget and timeline.
• Selects and specifies appropriate tooling materials and manufacturing methods.
• Develops and maintains tooling documentation, including CAD models and specifications.
• Implements and monitors tooling preventative maintenance programs.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in tooling design, development, and manufacturing within a high-volume production environment.
• Proven expertise in CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD) for tooling design and analysis.
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing processes, materials, and their impact on tooling performance and longevity.
• Experience with tool life cycle management, preventive maintenance, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex tooling issues, improving efficiency and reducing downtime.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with CAD/CAM software for mold design and manufacturing (e.g., SolidWorks, Catia, Mastercam).
• Familiarity with various manufacturing processes beyond injection molding, such as stamping, casting, or machining.
• Knowledge of metrology tools and techniques (e.g., CMM, optical comparators) for tooling inspection and validation.
• Certification in a relevant area, such as a Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or a Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE).

Job Titles That Should Apply

Tooling Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Process Engineer, CNC Programmer, Fixture Design Engineer, Jig and Fixture Designer, Mold Design Engineer, Die Design Engineer, Tool Designer, Tooling Specialist

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.