Tooling Engineer - Otsego Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Michigan; On-site; USD 74,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network seeking a Tooling Engineer in Otsego, MI to design, develop, and optimize tooling for manufacturing environments.

You will lead tooling projects, collaborate with design and production teams, and manage tooling inventory and procurement. A CAD/CAM background and 5+ years in tooling within manufacturing are preferred; salary ranges from $74,000 to $113,000 depending on experience. This role offers a path to advanced tooling optimization and cost reduction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 5+ years in tooling design within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA).
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials impacting tooling.
• Experience with DFM and DFA principles.

Responsibilities

• Designs and develops tooling, fixtures, and jigs for manufacturing processes.
• Collaborates with design and production teams to optimize tooling for manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
• Conducts root cause analysis of tooling failures and implements corrective actions.
• Manages tooling inventory, maintenance schedules, and procurement processes.
• Evaluates new tooling technologies and materials to improve efficiency and product quality.
• Develops and maintains tooling documentation, including specifications, drawings, and maintenance procedures.

Skills

Root cause analysis

DFM/ DFA principles

Tooling project collaboration

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

CAD/CAM software

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

CATIA

Job description

Tooling Engineer | Otsego, MI

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

Are you ready to take on a challenging and rewarding opportunity in {{role_field}}? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to building meaningful connections in manufacturing. We partner with leading companies in Otsego seeking 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 Otsego 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 and develops tooling, fixtures, and jigs for manufacturing processes.
• Collaborates with design and production teams to optimize tooling for manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
• Conducts root cause analysis of tooling failures and implements corrective actions.
• Manages tooling inventory, maintenance schedules, and procurement processes.
• Evaluates new tooling technologies and materials to improve efficiency and product quality.
• Develops and maintains tooling documentation, including specifications, drawings, and maintenance procedures.

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 in CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA) for designing and analyzing tooling.
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing processes, materials, and their impact on tooling performance.
• Experience with DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and DFA (Design for Assembly) principles.

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, such as stamping, casting, or machining.
• Knowledge of metrology and inspection techniques for tooling validation (e.g., CMM, optical comparators).
• Certification in a relevant area like Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or a specific CAD/CAM platform.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Tooling Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Process Engineer, CNC Programmer, Fixture Design Engineer, Tool and Die Maker, Production Engineer, Jig and Fixture Designer, CAD/CAM Engineer, Machining 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.