Tooling Engineer - Plainwell Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Plainwell (MI); On-site; USD 72,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is seeking a Tooling Engineer in Plainwell, MI to design and improve tooling for high-volume manufacturing. You will collaborate with design and production teams to ensure tooling meets specifications and manufacturability.

With 5+ years in tooling design and strong CAD/CAM skills (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA), you will lead tooling trials, validate performance, manage inventories, and drive cost-effective

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of tooling design, development, and manufacturing within a high-volume production environment.
• Proficient in CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes such as injection molding, stamping, machining, and assembly.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and optimize tooling for improved efficiency, quality, and cost‑effectiveness.
• Experience with materials selection for tooling applications and understanding of heat treatment processes.

Responsibilities

• Designs and develops tooling, fixtures, and jigs for manufacturing processes.
• Collaborates with design and production teams to ensure tooling meets product specifications and manufacturability requirements.
• Performs root cause analysis and implements corrective actions for tooling-related issues.
• Conducts tooling trials and validation to optimize performance and extend tool life.
• Manages tooling inventory, maintenance schedules, and procurement processes.
• Implements and maintains tooling standards, documentation, and best practices.

Skills

Tooling design

Manufacturing engineering

CAD/CAM proficiency

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

CATIA

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

CATIA

Mastercam

Job description

Tooling Engineer | Plainwell, MI

Salary Range: $72,000 - $111,000 depending on experience

Are you a forward-thinking 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 in the manufacturing community. We partner with companies in Plainwell seeking skilled 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 Plainwell 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 ensure tooling meets product specifications and manufacturability requirements.
• Performs root cause analysis and implements corrective actions for tooling-related issues.
• Conducts tooling trials and validation to optimize performance and extend tool life.
• Manages tooling inventory, maintenance schedules, and procurement processes.
• Implements and maintains tooling standards, documentation, and best practices.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in tooling design, development, and manufacturing within a high-volume production environment.
• Proficient in CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA) for designing and analyzing tooling.
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing processes such as injection molding, stamping, machining, and assembly.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and optimize tooling for improved efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Experience with materials selection for tooling applications and understanding of heat treatment processes.

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).
• Ability to perform DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and DFA (Design for Assembly) analyses.
• Knowledge of metrology tools and techniques for part inspection and quality control.
• Certification in Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Tooling Engineer, Tool Engineer, Fixture Design Engineer, Mold Design Engineer, Die Design Engineer, Manufacturing Tooling Engineer, Process Tooling Engineer, Automation Tooling Engineer, Special Tooling Engineer, Tooling Design Specialist

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.