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Contract Injection Molding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Libertyville, IL Duration : Long term contract Job Overview : The Molding Technician is responsible ... Set up, operate, and monitor injection molding, blow molding, or compression molding machines.

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Contract Injection Molding information

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How much do contract injection molding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract injection molding in the United States is $24.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is contract injection molding?

Contract injection molding is a manufacturing service where a company outsources the production of plastic parts to a specialized molding company. The service provider uses injection molding machines to produce components based on the client's specifications, drawings, or prototypes. This approach allows companies to leverage expert manufacturing capabilities without investing in costly equipment or maintaining in-house production. It is commonly used in industries such as automotive, medical, and consumer goods to produce high-quality, consistent plastic parts in large volumes. Contract injection molding can also include services like design assistance, material selection, prototyping, and final assembly.

What is the difference between Contract Injection Molding vs Injection Molding Technician?

AspectContract Injection MoldingInjection Molding Technician
CredentialsTypically requires technical training or certification in molding processesRequires technical training, certifications vary by employer
Work EnvironmentWorks on multiple projects for different clients, often at client sites or contract facilitiesWorks primarily in manufacturing plants or injection molding facilities
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly hired by staffing agencies or contract manufacturing firmsEmployed directly by manufacturing companies or plants
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for project-based work or freelance opportunitiesCompared for ongoing, in-house production roles

Contract Injection Molding involves providing molding services on a temporary or project basis, often across multiple clients, requiring flexibility and technical skills. Injection Molding Technicians typically work in a fixed manufacturing environment, focusing on operating and maintaining molding equipment. Both roles require technical knowledge, but their work settings and employment types differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Contract Injection Molding, and why are they important?

To thrive in Contract Injection Molding, you need knowledge of plastics manufacturing processes, blueprint reading, and quality control, often supported by technical training or a relevant associate's degree. Familiarity with injection molding machines, CAD software, and manufacturing ERPs, as well as certifications like RJG or Paulson, are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help professionals excel in troubleshooting and team coordination. These skills ensure efficient production, high-quality output, and the ability to quickly resolve manufacturing challenges.

What are some common challenges faced in contract injection molding roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in contract injection molding often encounter challenges such as managing tight production deadlines, ensuring consistent product quality, and coordinating with multiple clients who have varying specifications. Addressing these requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication with both team members and clients. Staying updated on best practices in mold maintenance, machine calibration, and process optimization can help minimize downtime and defects, leading to more successful project outcomes.
More about Contract Injection Molding jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Injection Molding jobs? Cities with the most Contract Injection Molding job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Injection Molding jobs? The most popular types of Injection Molding jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Injection Molding jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Injection Molding jobs include:
Infographic showing various Contract Injection Molding job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 4% As Needed, 9% Full Time, 85% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,874 per year, or $24.9 per hour.
Cost Engineer - Injection Molding

Cost Engineer - Injection Molding

Kelly Services

Auburn Hills, MI

$105K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Cost Engineer 
Kelly® Engineering is seeking a Cost Engineer for direct hire position at an Auburn Hills, MI based client. If you are passionate about shaping the world we live in and are ready to reengineer your future, trust the experts at hiring experts.  
Salary/Pay Rate/Compensation:  
$105,000-110,000
Overview 
This client is supplier & manufacturer of injection molded parts. Their customer base includes automotive and consumer products. This role supports business development and engineering by providing accurate cost information for quotation process.
You’ll develop cost estimates for new RFQs, engineering changes, VAVE request provided by the commercial group and project managers. This will range from daily requests for price estimates to detailed cost breakdowns for multimillion dollar programs. You’ll propose and present to project teams and customers.
Responsibilities:
  • Prepare detailed BOM for RFQ/RFI by analyzing project plans and technical specifications
  • Perform cost analysis, estimating with team’s input including the plants, expected costs for the project including labor, materials, equipment, cycle times, CAPEX and engineering design & development (ED&D)
  • Validate cost data from various sources for consistency and accuracy
  • Be proactive in suggesting ways to optimize the offer both technically, industrially, economically
  • Prepare cost reports as required and cost breakdown for sales team
  • Assist with the preparation of bids and tenders, providing accurate cost data and cost breakdowns that can aid in winning contracts
  • Use cost estimation tools (ISIS) and methodologies and propose improvements
  • Inform management of technical, capacity, economic, quality, and planning risks
  • Prepare a technical presentation to the RFQ that aligns with the commercial offer, incorporating product description, industrial, planning, quality, risk, and product/process feasibility aspects (Feasibility Matrix)
  • Support the sales team, if necessary, to defend the technical choices of the quote to the client.
  • Develop the project development schedule from the contract award to production launch, integrating both the client's and internal milestones.
  • Commit to the delivery date of the quotes and functionally manage the various contributors to achieve them.
  • Collaborate with procurement to manage costs targets and negotiate contracts
  • Participate to analysis of completed projects to compare estimated costs to actual costs and determine reasons for any discrepancies and to make lesson learn for future RFQs
  • Propose and manage KPIs to gauge costing department performance
     

Qualifications:
  • BS in Mechanical Engineering or related, required
    • CCP (Certified Cost Professional) a plus
  • 3-5+ years’ Cost Engineering experience within injection molding including understanding of injection molded plastics manufacturing, injection mold tooling, and assembly required. Secondary finishing experience a plus
    • Understanding cavitation, labor, process rates, etc.
    • Quotes for low volume (500 parts/day) & high volume (5000 parts/day) delivery
    • Plastic decoration or mechanical assembly a plus
  • Strong analytical skills to evaluate all factors that influence the cost of a product, project or investment, and propose cost-effective solutions
  • Strong knowledge of financial forecasting
  • Proficiency in using cost estimating software and computer-aided design (CAD) programs to assist in cost analysis and forecasting.
  • Attention to detail to build BOM and ensure accuracy in estimating costs
  • Strong problem-solving skills to identify and address potential cost overruns, and recommend cost-saving alternatives.
  • Software skills: MS Office, Cost Estimation Software (ISIS a plus), Open/Viewing CAD files, required
    • Able to learn/utilize data management tools & cost calculation portals
  • Interpersonal skills:
    • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously – this includes proficiency in multitasking, time management, prioritization, and organization
    • Ability to work with customers, purchasing, engineering, sales at all levels from individual contributors to leadership.
    • Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills
    • Lead costing efforts while being and individual contributor on proposal teams
    • Maintain confidentiality on costs, proposals, RFQs
 
What happens next:
Once you apply, you’ll proceed to next steps if your skills and experience look like a good fit. But don’t worry – even if this position doesn’t work out, you’re still in the Kelly Engineering network. That means our team of expert engineering recruiters will have access to your profile, making your opportunities limitless.
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Engineering?

Your engineering skills are in demand, but how do you find the right fit? Easy. At Kelly Engineering, our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. We connect you with leading organizations where you can collaborate on innovative projects, work with cutting-edge technologies and accelerate your growth. Whether you prefer the variety and flexibility of short-term projects or are looking for a long-term opportunity, we’re here to guide you to the next step in your engineering career.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.