Tooling Engineer - Traverse City Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 76,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network partners with Traverse City manufacturers to connect experienced Tooling Engineers with local opportunities. This role focuses on designing, developing, and optimizing tooling for diverse manufacturing processes, collaborating with production teams to improve tooling performance and reliability.

Based in Traverse City, MI, the position emphasizes quality and cost-conscious tooling solutions, with potential opportunities across West Michigan manufacturing partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 5+ years in tooling design and optimization within manufacturing.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software including SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA.
• Experience with tooling for injection molding, stamping, machining, or die casting.
• Experience with root-cause analysis and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, and optimizes tooling for manufacturing processes.
• Collaborates with production teams to troubleshoot and improve tooling.
• Conducts root cause analysis of tooling failures and implements corrective actions.
• Specifies and procures new tooling, ensuring compatibility and cost-effectiveness.
• Manages tooling inventory and maintenance schedules.
• Develops and maintains tooling documentation, including drawings and specifications.
• Implements best practices for tooling design, fabrication, and maintenance.

Skills

Tooling experience

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

CAD/CAM (SolidWorks/AutoCAD/CATIA)

Job description

Tooling Engineer | Traverse City, MI

Salary Range: $76,000 - $116,000 depending on experience

Are you a skilled professional 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 in the manufacturing community. We are collaborating with companies in Traverse City seeking experienced 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 working with companies in Traverse City that are adding Tooling Engineers to their teams. These organizations value quality over speed in hiring. By connecting with us, you position yourself for opportunities that align with what you're looking for.

Key Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, and optimizes tooling for manufacturing processes.
• Collaborates with production teams to troubleshoot and improve existing tooling.
• Conducts root cause analysis of tooling failures and implements corrective actions.
• Specifies and procures new tooling, ensuring compatibility and cost-effectiveness.
• Manages tooling inventory and maintenance schedules.
• Develops and maintains tooling documentation, including drawings and specifications.
• Implements best practices for tooling design, fabrication, and maintenance.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical 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 tooling design and simulation.
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, stamping, machining, die casting) and their associated tooling requirements.
• Demonstrated experience in problem-solving and implementing continuous improvement initiatives related to tooling performance and longevity.
• Knowledge of materials science, heat treatment, and surface finishes applicable to tooling components.

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 and inspection techniques for tooling validation (e.g., CMM, optical comparators).
• Certification in Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Tooling Engineer, Tooling Design Engineer, Mold Designer, Die Designer, Manufacturing Engineer (Tooling), Fixture Design Engineer, Jig and Fixture Engineer, Tool Maker, CNC Tooling Engineer, CAD/CAM Engineer (Tooling

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.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out at https://www.thepivotgroup.org. The Pivot Group Network offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.