Tooling Engineer - Grand Rapids Area

Tooling Engineer | Grand Rapids, MI

Salary Range: $69,000 - $108,000 depending on experience

Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for designing and improving tooling for manufacturing processes? The Pivot Group is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in Grand Rapids seeking Tooling Engineers to lead and enhance their operations.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Grand Rapids region seeking Tooling Engineers. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates—not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and modify tooling, jigs, fixtures, and gauges.
• Optimize existing tooling for enhanced performance, efficiency, and lifespan.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot tooling failures, implementing effective corrective actions.
• Collaborate with production and design teams to define tooling requirements and specifications.
• Manage the procurement, fabrication, and repair of all manufacturing tooling.
• Conduct tooling trials, validations, and first article inspections.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules for tooling assets.

Recommended Qualifications

• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software for tooling design and simulation.
• Strong understanding of tooling design principles for manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, stamping, casting).
• Knowledge of material science, heat treatment, and surface finishes for various tooling materials.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot tooling issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Familiarity with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and metrology for precision tooling.
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, EDM, grinding, and additive manufacturing.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with advanced manufacturing technologies (e.g., additive manufacturing for tooling, laser machining)
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
• Proficiency in FEA or other simulation software for tool performance analysis
• Project management experience with a focus on new product introduction (NPI) or capital equipment projects

Job Titles That Should Apply

Tooling Engineer, Tool Design Engineer, Die Design Engineer, Mold Design Engineer, Jig and Fixture Engineer, Tool Maker, Manufacturing Tooling Engineer, Tooling Specialist, Tooling Development 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.