Tooling Engineer - Portage Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Portage (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Portage, MI is seeking a Tooling Engineer to design, develop, and test tooling for manufacturing processes, and to lead tooling initiatives with cross-functional teams. Candidates should have a Bachelor's in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering and 5+ years in tooling design, with proficiency in CAD and CAM tools; experience with CNC and process improvement is a plus.

The role focuses on improving efficiency, reducing downtime, and maintaining tooling specs and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related field.
• 5+ years tooling design, manufacturing, and maintenance in a manufacturing setting.
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA) for tooling design.
• Experience with CAM software and CNC machining for tool fabrication.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test tooling for manufacturing processes.
• Analyze tooling for efficiency and cost reduction.
• Collaborate with production teams to troubleshoot tooling issues.
• Manage tooling projects from concept to completion within timelines and budget.
• Conduct root cause analysis of tooling failures and implement corrective actions.
• Develop tooling specifications, documentation, and maintenance procedures.
• Evaluate new tooling technologies and materials for manufacturing.

Skills

Tooling design

Root cause analysis

Team collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

CATIA

Job description

Tooling Engineer | Portage, MI

Are you a dynamic leader 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 and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in Portage seeking experienced Tooling Engineers to drive results.

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.

Salary Range:

$75,000 - $114,000 depending on experience

The Opportunity

We are partnering with organizations in Portage that are seeking Tooling Engineers. These companies are committed to building strong teams and are looking for professionals who can lead initiatives effectively. By connecting with The Pivot Group Network, you position yourself for roles that match your background and aspirations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test tooling for manufacturing processes.
• Analyze existing tooling and recommend improvements for efficiency and cost reduction.
• Collaborate with production teams to troubleshoot tooling issues and implement solutions.
• Manage tooling projects from concept to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines and budget.
• Conduct root cause analysis of tooling failures and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain tooling specifications, documentation, and maintenance procedures.
• Evaluate new tooling technologies and materials for potential application in manufacturing.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in tooling design, manufacturing, and maintenance within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA) for designing and analyzing tooling.
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing processes, materials, and their impact on tooling design and performance.
• Experience with CAM software and CNC machining for tool fabrication.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex tooling issues, improving efficiency and reducing downtime.

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 field, such as a Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) or similar.
• Project management experience, particularly in leading tooling development projects from concept to production.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Tooling Engineer, Tooling Designer, Manufacturing Engineer, Process Engineer, CNC Programmer, Jig and Fixture Designer, Mold Designer, Die 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.