Tooling Engineer - Ludington Area

Tooling Engineer | Ludington, MI

Salary Range: $72,000 - $111,000 depending on experience

Are you a detail-oriented professional with a passion for designing and improving tooling for manufacturing processes? The Pivot Group is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career advancement. We are collaborating with leading companies in Ludington seeking experienced Tooling Engineers.

The Opportunity

We partner with manufacturers across Ludington seeking Tooling Engineers who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize tooling, dies, jigs, and fixtures for manufacturing processes.
• Manage the full lifecycle of tooling, from concept and procurement to maintenance and retirement.
• Troubleshoot and resolve tooling-related issues to minimize production downtime and improve efficiency.
• Implement and oversee preventative maintenance programs for tooling to ensure longevity and performance.
• Collaborate with production, design, and quality teams to ensure tooling meets product specifications and manufacturing requirements.
• Evaluate and select appropriate materials and manufacturing methods for new and existing tooling.
• Conduct root cause analysis for tooling failures and implement corrective and preventive actions.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3-5+ years of experience in tooling design, manufacturing, or maintenance within a production environment.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA) for tooling design and drafting.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes such as machining, stamping, injection molding, or casting.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot tooling issues, implement corrective actions, and optimize tooling performance.
• Knowledge of various tooling materials, heat treatments, and surface finishes.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) for tooling, jigs, and fixtures.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification/experience.
• Proficiency in advanced CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, PowerMill) or simulation tools.
• Project management experience or certification.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Tool Engineer, Manufacturing Tooling Engineer, Die Design Engineer, Mold Design Engineer, Jig and Fixture Engineer, Tooling Design Engineer, Process Tooling Engineer

Why Pivot Group

The Pivot Group 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.

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. The Pivot Group 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.