Tooling Engineer - St. Johns Area

the-pivot-group-careers; St. Johns (MI); On-site; USD 76,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in St. Johns, MI is seeking an experienced Tooling Engineer to design and develop tooling for new products and improvements. You will drive performance through analysis, collaboration, and project management from concept through production.

Join a team that values quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement, with opportunities to apply DFM/DFA principles and advanced tooling materials. This is a full-time on-site role in West Michigan manufacturing networks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of tooling design, manufacturing and maintenance in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in CAD software for tooling design and analysis (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and their impact on tooling performance.
• Experience with DFM and DFA for tooling design and assembly.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop tooling for new product introduction and improvements.
• Analyze tooling performance and implement corrective actions to optimize production efficiency and quality.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure tooling meets specs and production requirements.
• Manage tooling projects from concept through production, including budget and timeline.
• Conduct root cause analysis of tooling failures and implement permanent solutions.
• Evaluate tooling materials and manufacturing processes to achieve desired characteristics.
• Develop and maintain tooling documentation, drawings, specs, and maintenance procedures.

Skills

Tooling design

5+ years experience

DFM/DFA

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

CATIA

Moldflow

Job description

Tooling Engineer | St. Johns, MI

Salary Range: $76,000 - $116,000 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 St. Johns 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 multiple companies in St. Johns seeking experienced Tooling Engineers. These organizations value long-term fit and are looking for professionals who bring both skill and alignment. By joining our network, you gain access to opportunities tailored to your goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop tooling for new product introduction and existing product improvements.
• Analyze tooling performance and implement corrective actions to optimize production efficiency and quality.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure tooling meets product specifications and production requirements.
• Manage tooling projects from concept through production, including budget, timeline, and resource allocation.
• Conduct root cause analysis of tooling failures and implement permanent solutions to prevent recurrence.
• Evaluate and select appropriate tooling materials and manufacturing processes to achieve desired product characteristics.
• Develop and maintain tooling documentation, including drawings, specifications, and maintenance procedures.

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 tooling design and analysis.
• 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 for tooling.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex tooling issues to optimize production.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with CAD/CAM software for mold design and analysis (e.g., SolidWorks, Catia, Moldflow).
• Familiarity with various manufacturing processes beyond injection molding, such as stamping, casting, or machining.
• Knowledge of advanced tooling materials and surface treatments for improved tool life and performance.
• Certification in a relevant area, such as a Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
• Experience with automation and robotics in a manufacturing environment.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Tooling Engineer, Mold Design Engineer, Fixture Design Engineer, Manufacturing Tooling Engineer, CNC Tooling Engineer, Die Design Engineer, Tool and Die Maker (Design Focus), Process Tooling Engineer, Production Tooling Engineer, Automation 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.