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 optimize new and existing tooling, molds, and fixtures.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for tooling issues.
• Oversee the maintenance, repair, and refurbishment of production tooling.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and design teams to improve tooling performance and product quality.
• Evaluate and select appropriate tooling materials and manufacturing processes.
• Manage external tooling suppliers and repair services.
• Develop and maintain tooling documentation, specifications, and maintenance schedules.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering.
• 3-5 years of experience in tooling design, fabrication, or maintenance in a manufacturing setting.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Mastercam).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (e.g., machining, molding, stamping) and material science.
• Experience with Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) and metrology techniques.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot tooling issues and implement effective solutions.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) or mold flow simulation software.
• Certification in Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Knowledge of advanced tooling materials, surface treatments, or coatings.
• Proficiency in CAM software for CNC machining or EDM programming.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Tooling Engineer, Tool Engineer, Tool and Die Engineer, Tool Designer, Tooling Designer, Mold Engineer, Die Engineer, Jig and Fixture Engineer, Manufacturing 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.