Tooling Engineer - Rockford Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Rockford (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Rockford, MI is building its talent network for Tooling Engineers. We partner with West Michigan manufacturers seeking skilled tooling professionals and connect candidates with opportunities that align with their career goals.

The role focuses on designing tooling, fixtures, and molds; optimizing tooling for efficiency; performing root-cause analyses; managing tooling procurement and maintenance; and developing documentation to support quality and continuous

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or 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) and simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing processes, materials, and their properties (e.g., machining, injection molding, stamping).
• Experience with tool room operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated ability to improve tooling performance, reduce costs, and optimize production efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Designs and develops tooling, fixtures, and molds for manufacturing processes.
• Collaborates with design and production teams to optimize tooling for efficiency and quality.
• Performs root cause analysis on tooling failures and implements corrective actions.
• Manages tooling procurement, maintenance, and inventory.
• Conducts simulations and analyses to validate tooling designs.
• Implements continuous improvement initiatives for tooling processes.
• Develops and maintains tooling documentation, including specifications and drawings.

Skills

Tooling design

Root cause analysis

Process optimization

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

CAD/CAM (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA)

Simulation tools

Tooling procurement

Mold design

Job description

Tooling Engineer | Rockford, MI

Salary Range: $70,000 - $109,000 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 Rockford 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 are collaborating with manufacturing firms in Rockford that are seeking skilled Tooling Engineers. These organizations are dedicated to maintaining high standards and are looking for professionals who can contribute effectively. By joining our network, you position yourself for opportunities aligned with your career goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Designs and develops tooling, fixtures, and molds for manufacturing processes.
• Collaborates with design and production teams to optimize tooling for efficiency and quality.
• Performs root cause analysis on tooling failures and implements corrective actions.
• Manages tooling procurement, maintenance, and inventory.
• Conducts simulations and analyses to validate tooling designs.
• Implements continuous improvement initiatives for tooling processes.
• Develops and maintains tooling documentation, including specifications and drawings.

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) and simulation tools
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing processes, materials, and their properties (e.g., machining, injection molding, stamping)
• Experience with tool room operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting
• Demonstrated ability to improve tooling performance, reduce costs, and optimize production efficiency

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with CAD/CAM software beyond basic viewing
• Familiarity with Six Sigma or Lean manufacturing principles
• Certification in a relevant area (e.g., GD&T, specific software, project management)
• Ability to speak multiple languages, particularly those common in international manufacturing
• Demonstrated experience in continuous improvement initiatives related to tooling processes

Job Titles That Should Apply

Tooling Engineer, Mold Design Engineer, Fixture Design Engineer, Tooling Design Engineer, Manufacturing Tooling Engineer, CNC Tooling Engineer, Die Design Engineer, Jig and Fixture Engineer, Production Tooling Engineer, Process Tooling 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.