Tooling Engineer - Caledonia Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Caledonia (MI); On-site; USD 76,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Caledonia, MI, is seeking a Tooling Engineer to lead design, development, and testing of manufacturing tools, dies, and fixtures. You will analyze tooling performance to improve efficiency and cut costs while collaborating with production teams to resolve issues and implement corrective actions.

Candidates should have a bachelor's in mechanical/manufacturing engineering and 5+ years in tooling, with strong CAD/CAM skills (SolidWorks/AutoCAD/CATIA).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in tooling design, development, and optimization within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA) for tooling design and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test manufacturing tools, dies, and fixtures.
• Analyze tooling performance and recommend improvements for efficiency and cost reduction.
• Collaborate with production teams to troubleshoot tooling issues and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct root cause analysis for tooling failures and propose preventive measures.
• Manage tooling lifecycle, including procurement, maintenance, and end-of-life processes.
• Develop and maintain tooling specifications, documentation, and quality standards.
• Evaluate new tooling technologies and materials to enhance manufacturing capabilities.

Skills

CAD/CAM software

Tooling design

DFM/DFA principles

Manufacturing processes knowledge

Tooling optimization

Tooling testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

CATIA

Mastercam

Job description

Tooling Engineer | Caledonia, MI

Salary Range: $76,000 - $116,000 depending on experience

Are you a forward-thinking 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 in the manufacturing community. We partner with companies in Caledonia seeking skilled 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 partnering with organizations in Caledonia that are seeking Tooling Engineers. These companies are committed to building strong teams and are looking for professionals who can lead initiatives effectively. By connecting with The Pivot Group Network, you position yourself for roles that match your background and aspirations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test manufacturing tools, dies, and fixtures.
• Analyze tooling performance and recommend improvements for efficiency and cost reduction.
• Collaborate with production teams to troubleshoot tooling issues and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct root cause analysis for tooling failures and propose preventive measures.
• Manage tooling lifecycle, including procurement, maintenance, and end-of-life processes.
• Develop and maintain tooling specifications, documentation, and quality standards.
• Evaluate new tooling technologies and materials to enhance manufacturing capabilities.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in tooling design, development, and optimization within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA) for tooling design and analysis.
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing processes (e.g., stamping, injection molding, die casting) and their associated tooling requirements.
• Demonstrated experience with DFM/DFA principles and their application to tooling design.
• Knowledge of different tool steels, heat treatments, and surface coatings for optimal tool performance and longevity.

Bonus Qualifications

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

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, Automation 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.