Tooling Engineer - Kalamazoo Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 69,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Kalamazoo is partnering with manufacturers to fill Tooling Engineer roles. The position focuses on designing and optimizing tooling for diverse manufacturing processes, collaborating with production teams, and leading tooling improvement initiatives.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in tooling design, strong CAD/CAM proficiency (SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD), and a proven track record in tool life cycle management and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of tooling design, development, and optimization within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD) for tooling design and simulation.
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, stamping, machining, die casting) and their tooling requirements.
• Experience with tool life cycle management, preventive maintenance, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, and optimizes tooling for manufacturing processes.
• Collaborates with production teams to identify tooling needs and improve existing designs.
• Conducts root cause analysis of tooling failures and implements corrective actions.
• Manages tooling lifecycle, including procurement, maintenance, and end-of-life.
• Develops and maintains tooling specifications, standards, and documentation.
• Evaluates new tooling technologies and materials for potential application.

Skills

Tooling design

CAD/CAM

Manufacturing processes knowledge

Tool life cycle management

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

AutoCAD

Mastercam

Job description

Tooling Engineer | Kalamazoo, MI

Salary Range: $69,000 - $108,000 depending on experience

Are you a seasoned 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 community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in Kalamazoo seeking Tooling Engineers to lead and enhance their operations.

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 Kalamazoo 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

• Designs, develops, and optimizes tooling for manufacturing processes.
• Collaborates with production teams to identify tooling needs and improve existing designs.
• Conducts root cause analysis of tooling failures and implements corrective actions.
• Manages tooling lifecycle, including procurement, maintenance, and end-of-life.
• Develops and maintains tooling specifications, standards, and documentation.
• Evaluates new tooling technologies and materials for potential application.

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.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD) for tooling design and simulation.
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, stamping, machining, die casting) and their tooling requirements.
• Experience with tool life cycle management, preventive maintenance, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with CAD/CAM software for mold design and manufacturing (e.g., SolidWorks, Catia, Mastercam).
• Familiarity with various manufacturing processes, such as injection molding, stamping, or die casting.
• Knowledge of metrology tools and techniques for part inspection and quality control (e.g., CMM, optical comparators).
• Understanding of automation concepts and robotics in a manufacturing environment.
• Certification in relevant areas like GD&T, Six Sigma, or Lean Manufacturing.

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 Design 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.