Tooling Engineer - Holt Area

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

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in West Michigan connects skilled Tooling Engineers with Holt-based manufacturers seeking experienced tooling professionals. This role focuses on designing, developing, testing, and maintaining tooling across manufacturing processes, with emphasis on lifecycle management and continuous improvement.

Ideal candidates hold a Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering degree and 5+ years of tooling experience, with proficiency in CAD tools and DFMA principles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of tooling design, development, and optimization in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in CAD software for tooling design and analysis (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA).
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and their impact on tooling performance.
• Experience with DFM/ DFA principles and tooling/product design.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test tooling for manufacturing processes.
• Analyze and troubleshoot tooling issues, implementing corrective actions.
• Collaborate with design and production teams to optimize tool performance and manufacturability.
• Manage tooling lifecycle, including procurement, maintenance, and end-of-life planning.
• Evaluate new tooling technologies and materials for process improvement.
• Develop and maintain tooling documentation, including specifications and maintenance procedures.
• Conduct root cause analysis for tooling failures and implement preventative measures.

Skills

Tooling design

CAD software

Manufacturing processes

DFM/ DFA

Troubleshooting tooling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

CATIA

Moldflow

Job description

Tooling Engineer | Holt, MI

Salary Range: $68,000 - $107,000 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 Holt 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 partner with manufacturers across Holt seeking Tooling Engineers who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test tooling for manufacturing processes.
• Analyze and troubleshoot tooling issues, implementing corrective actions.
• Collaborate with design and production teams to optimize tool performance and manufacturability.
• Manage tooling lifecycle, including procurement, maintenance, and end-of-life planning.
• Evaluate new tooling technologies and materials for process improvement.
• Develop and maintain tooling documentation, including specifications and maintenance procedures.
• Conduct root cause analysis for tooling failures and implement preventative measures.

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 software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA) for tooling design and analysis.
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing processes, materials, and their impact on tooling performance.
• Experience with DFM/DFA principles and their application to tooling and product design.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot tooling issues and implement effective corrective actions.

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, Mold Design Engineer, Fixture Design Engineer, Manufacturing Tooling Engineer, CNC Tooling Engineer, Die Design Engineer, Tool and Die Engineer, Process Tooling Engineer, Jig and Fixture Engineer, Production 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.