Tooling Engineer - Plainwell Area

Tooling Engineer | Plainwell, MI

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

Are you a meticulous professional with a passion for designing and improving tooling for manufacturing processes? The Pivot Group is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We are collaborating with companies in Plainwell seeking experienced Tooling Engineers.

The Opportunity

We are collaborating with multiple companies in Plainwell 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, develop, and optimize new and existing tooling, jigs, and fixtures for manufacturing processes.
• Analyze and troubleshoot tooling-related production issues, implementing effective corrective actions.
• Oversee the maintenance, repair, and calibration of manufacturing tooling to ensure operational readiness.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (design, production, quality) to ensure tooling meets product specifications and manufacturing requirements.
• Evaluate and select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes for tooling fabrication, considering cost and performance.
• Manage tooling projects from concept through production launch, adhering to budget and schedule constraints.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives for tooling performance, lifespan, and cost efficiency.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 3-5+ years of experience in tooling design, development, or maintenance within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for tool design and simulation.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes (e.g., CNC machining, injection molding, stamping), materials science, and GD&T.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and implement solutions for complex tooling issues.
• Experience managing tooling projects from concept through production, including vendor coordination.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with Additive Manufacturing (3D printing) for tooling or fixturing.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.
• Proficiency with advanced simulation software (e.g., Moldflow, FEA) for tool performance analysis.
• Project Management experience leading complex tooling development projects.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Tooling Engineer, Tool Design Engineer, Mold Engineer, Die Engineer, Fixture Engineer, Manufacturing Tooling Engineer, Process Tooling Engineer, Tooling Specialist

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.