Tooling Engineer - Grand Rapids Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 74,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking a Tooling Engineer to design and optimize tooling, fixtures, and jigs for manufacturing processes. You will work with design and production teams to improve manufacturability, perform root cause analysis on tooling issues, and manage tooling procurement.

Applicants should have 5+ years of tooling experience in manufacturing, plus proficiency in CAD/CAM tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and CATIA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in tooling design, development, and optimization within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA) for tooling design and analysis.
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing processes, materials, and their impact on tooling performance.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex tooling issues and implement effective solutions to improve production efficiency and quality.

Responsibilities

• Designs and develops tooling, fixtures, and jigs for manufacturing processes.
• Collaborates with design and production teams to optimize tooling for manufacturability.
• Performs root cause analysis on tooling failures and implements corrective actions.
• Manages tooling procurement, including vendor selection and specification development.
• Conducts tooling trials and validates performance against engineering requirements.
• Implements and maintains tooling preventative maintenance programs.
• Utilizes CAD/CAM software for tooling design and simulation.

Skills

Team collaboration

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

CATIA

Mastercam

Job description

Tooling Engineer | Grand Rapids, MI

Salary Range: $74,000 - $113,000 depending on experience

Are you a skilled 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 building meaningful connections in the manufacturing community. We are collaborating with companies in Grand Rapids 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 collaborating with manufacturing firms in Grand Rapids that are seeking skilled Tooling Engineers. These organizations are dedicated to maintaining high standards and are looking for professionals who can contribute effectively. By joining our network, you position yourself for opportunities aligned with your career goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Designs and develops tooling, fixtures, and jigs for manufacturing processes.
• Collaborates with design and production teams to optimize tooling for manufacturability.
• Performs root cause analysis on tooling failures and implements corrective actions.
• Manages tooling procurement, including vendor selection and specification development.
• Conducts tooling trials and validates performance against engineering requirements.
• Implements and maintains tooling preventative maintenance programs.
• Utilizes CAD/CAM software for tooling design and simulation.

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.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA) for tooling design and analysis.
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing processes, materials, and their impact on tooling performance (e.g., stamping, injection molding, casting).
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex tooling issues and implement effective solutions to improve production efficiency and quality.

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 (e.g., stamping, casting, CNC machining).
• Knowledge of metrology tools and techniques (e.g., CMM, optical comparators, laser scanning) for tool validation.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to perform basic stress analysis or simulations for tool performance optimization.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Tooling Engineer, Tooling Design Engineer, Jig and Fixture Designer, Manufacturing Tooling Engineer, Process Tooling Engineer, Mold Design Engineer, Die Design Engineer, Fixture Design Engineer, Production Tooling Engineer, Senior Tooling 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.