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Plastic Tooling Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

JVIS

Tooling Engineer

Shelby Township, MI

The Injection Molding Tooling Engineer will collaborate with team members to develop and improve ... This position requires a minimum of seven years' experience working as a Plastic Injection Tool ...

JVIS

Tooling Engineer

Shelby Township, MI · On-site

The Injection Molding Tooling Engineer will collaborate with team members to develop and improve ... This position requires a minimum of seven years' experience working as a Plastic Injection Tool ...

JVIS USA LLC

Tooling Engineer

Shelby, MI · On-site

The Injection Molding Tooling Engineer will collaborate with team members to develop and improve ... This position requires a minimum of seven years' experience working as a Plastic Injection Tool ...

Quintall

Tooling Development Engineer

Rochester Hills, MI · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Position Summary The Tooling Development Engineer plays a critical role in validating and industrializing injection‑molded tooling for plastic quick connectors, clips, and fastening solutions. This ...

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Plastic Tooling Engineer information

What is a plastic tooling engineer?

A Plastic Tooling Engineer is a specialized professional responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining molds and tooling used in the manufacturing of plastic parts and products. They work closely with product designers, machinists, and production teams to ensure that the tooling meets specifications for quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Their work involves material selection, CAD modeling, troubleshooting tooling issues, and optimizing the manufacturing process for plastic components. Plastic Tooling Engineers play a crucial role in industries such as automotive, consumer goods, and electronics, where precision and reliability in plastic parts are essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plastic tooling engineer?

To thrive as a Plastic Tooling Engineer, you need expertise in mechanical engineering principles, plastics manufacturing, and tooling design, often backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, mold flow analysis tools, and knowledge of industry standards or certifications such as Six Sigma is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and resolving production challenges. These abilities ensure the efficient design, manufacture, and optimization of plastic tooling, leading to high-quality products and cost-effective processes.

What are some common challenges faced by plastic tooling engineers during the design and manufacturing process?

Plastic Tooling Engineers often encounter challenges such as achieving precise tolerances, managing material flow, and minimizing defects like warping or sink marks. Balancing design complexity with manufacturability is crucial, as intricate parts can increase tooling costs and difficulty. Effective communication with product designers, mold makers, and production teams is essential to ensure that tooling meets both quality standards and project timelines. Staying updated on new materials and tooling technologies can also help overcome these challenges and improve production efficiency.

What is the difference between Plastic Tooling Engineer vs Injection Molding Technician?

AspectPlastic Tooling EngineerInjection Molding Technician
Primary FocusDesign, develop, and maintain plastic molds and toolingOperate and troubleshoot injection molding machines
Skills & CertificationsCAD, mold design, manufacturing processesMachine operation, quality control, troubleshooting
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, manufacturing plants, mold shopsProduction floors, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageUsed across automotive, consumer goods, medical devices

The Plastic Tooling Engineer focuses on designing and developing molds, ensuring they meet specifications, while the Injection Molding Technician operates and maintains the molding machines to produce parts. Both roles are essential in plastic manufacturing but differ in their responsibilities and skill sets.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Plastic Tooling Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Plastic Tooling Engineer job openings:

Plastic Tooling Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastic Tooling Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Tooling Engineer

JVIS

Shelby Township, MI

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY: The Injection Molding Tooling Engineer will collaborate with team members to develop and improve product designs for Automotive injection molded components. You are responsible for all phases of the injection mold build (most tooling is sourced in Asia), from early tooling feasibility to start of production, and for the life of the project. Tou will assist the manufacturing plant with quality improvement and cost reduction projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

  • Injection Mold Tool feasibility and Mold Flow Analysis
  • Review Tool Designs, kick-off tooling and follow build process
  • Manage all first sample try-outs, and provide processing input
  • Tool tracking and reporting for current and new programs 
  • Provide support for all engineering changes including cost
  • Engage in continuous improvement opportunities as required.
  • Maintain compliance of IATF 16949 / ISO 9001 / ISO 14001.

Follows all safety, housekeeping (5S) and company policies and procedures.

Coordinates and maintains all job responsibilities in a continuous and flexible manner and performs other related duties and job assignments as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: This position requires a minimum of seven years’ experience working as a Plastic Injection Tool Maker/Designer or Tool Engineer for automotive parts. Experience in automotive injection mold design/building is an absolute requirement; a degree in engineering is secondary and not required.

Good computer skills in Microsoft Software (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Project, and Outlook e-mail) is a must. 

REQUIREMENTS: International travel is required 3 – 4 times per year.  Please note that a clean record is required to obtain a Chinese visa.