Tooling Engineer - Ludington Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Ludington (MI); On-site; USD 67,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network is seeking a Tooling Engineer in Ludington, MI to design, develop, and optimize tooling for manufacturing lines. You will lead tooling projects from concept through production, collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet quality and efficiency goals.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor’s in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering with 5+ years in tooling design, and are proficient in CAD/CAM tools (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 (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA) for tooling design and analysis.
• Strong understanding of stamping, injection molding, CNC machining and their tooling requirements.

Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, and optimizes tooling and fixtures for manufacturing processes.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to define tooling requirements and specifications.
• Performs root cause analysis and implements corrective actions for tooling-related issues.
• Manages tooling projects from concept through production, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Conducts simulations and analyses to validate tooling designs and predict performance.
• Establishes and maintains tooling documentation, including drawings, specifications, and maintenance procedures.
• Evaluates and recommends new tooling technologies and materials to improve efficiency and quality.

Skills

Tooling design

CAD/CAM

Manufacturing processes

Root cause analysis

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

CATIA

Job description

Tooling Engineer | Ludington, MI

Salary Range: $67,000 - $106,000 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 Ludington 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 are working with companies in Ludington 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, develops, and optimizes tooling and fixtures for manufacturing processes.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to define tooling requirements and specifications.
• Performs root cause analysis and implements corrective actions for tooling-related issues.
• Manages tooling projects from concept through production, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Conducts simulations and analyses to validate tooling designs and predict performance.
• Establishes and maintains tooling documentation, including drawings, specifications, and maintenance procedures.
• Evaluates and recommends new tooling technologies and materials to improve efficiency and quality.

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 designing and analyzing tooling.
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing processes (e.g., stamping, injection molding, CNC machining) and their tooling requirements.
• Experience with tool life management, predictive maintenance, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with CAD/CAM software beyond basic viewing, including designing and modifying tooling.
• Familiarity with various manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, stamping, die casting) and their specific tooling requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for tooling-related issues.
• Knowledge of different tool steels, coatings, and heat treatment processes.
• Experience with simulation software for mold flow analysis or stress analysis on tooling.

Job Titles That Should Apply

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