Tool Maker - Kentwood Area

Tool Maker | Kentwood, MI

Salary Range: $58,000 - $90,000 depending on experience

Are you a forward-thinking professional with a passion for precision tooling and creating high-quality dies and molds? The Pivot Group is committed to fostering meaningful relationships in the manufacturing community. We partner with companies in Kentwood seeking skilled Tool Makers.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Kentwood region seeking Tool Makers. 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, fabricate, and modify precision tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures.
• Interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings to determine specifications.
• Operate a variety of machine tools, including lathes, mills, grinders, and EDMs, to achieve exact dimensions.
• Perform preventative maintenance and repair on existing tooling to ensure optimal performance.
• Inspect finished tools and components using precision measuring instruments for accuracy and quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to tool function, wear, and manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with engineers and production teams to optimize tool design and functionality.

Recommended Qualifications

• Completion of a recognized Tool Maker apprenticeship or equivalent vocational training.
• Proficiency in operating manual and CNC machining equipment (lathes, mills, grinders, EDM).
• Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints, technical drawings, and CAD models.
• Expertise in using precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, gauges, CMM).
• Strong understanding of metallurgy, material properties, and heat treatment processes.

Bonus Qualifications

• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software for tool design or programming
• Experience with advanced metrology equipment (e.g., CMM, optical comparator)
• TIG/MIG welding and general fabrication skills
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles or continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience with specialized tool steels, carbides, or exotic materials

Job Titles That Should Apply

Tool Maker, Tool and Die Maker, Die Maker, Mold Maker, Jig and Fixture Builder, Precision Machinist, CNC Tool Maker, Tooling Technician

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.