Tooling Engineer - Zeeland Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Zeeland (MI); On-site; USD 67,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Zeeland, MI is seeking a Tooling Engineer to lead the design, development, and optimization of tooling for high-volume manufacturing. You will partner with production and design teams to ensure manufacturability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness across projects.

Ideal candidates have a strong background in tooling design, CAD/CAM software, and a track record of driving improvements through root-cause analysis and rigorous project management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years designing and manufacturing tooling in high-volume production.
• Strong CAD/CAM proficiency and tooling optimization experience.

Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, and optimizes tooling for manufacturing processes.
• Collaborates with production and design teams to ensure manufacturability and efficiency.
• Conducts root cause analysis and implements corrective actions for tooling-related issues.
• Manages tooling projects from concept to completion, including budget and timeline.
• Selects materials and methods for tooling components.
• Performs maintenance and calibration of tooling equipment.
• Maintains tooling documentation and CAD models.

Skills

5+ years tooling

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional

Budget management

GD&T knowledge

Process knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

CATIA

Job description

Tooling Engineer | Zeeland, MI

Salary Range: $67,000 - $106,000 depending on experience

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 Zeeland 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.

The Opportunity

We are collaborating with manufacturing firms in Zeeland 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, develops, and optimizes tooling for manufacturing processes.
• Collaborates with production and design teams to ensure manufacturability and efficiency.
• Conducts root cause analysis and implements corrective actions for tooling-related issues.
• Manages tooling projects from concept to completion, including budget and timeline.
• Selects appropriate materials and manufacturing methods for tooling components.
• Performs preventative maintenance and calibration of tooling equipment.
• Develops and maintains tooling documentation, including specifications and CAD models.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in tooling design, development, and manufacturing within a high-volume production environment.
• Proven expertise in CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA) for designing and analyzing tooling components.
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing processes (e.g., stamping, injection molding, die casting, machining) and their associated tooling requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot tooling issues, implement corrective actions, and optimize tooling performance for cost and efficiency.
• Knowledge of GD&T principles and their application in tooling design and inspection.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with mold flow simulation software (e.g., SolidWorks Plastics, Moldex3D).
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing processes for tooling (e.g., 3D printed inserts, jigs, fixtures).
• Proficiency in a scripting language (e.g., Python) for automating design tasks or data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to implement Lean principles or Six Sigma methodologies in tooling development.
• Knowledge of advanced material properties and their application in tooling for high-performance manufacturing.

Job Titles That Should Apply

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

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.