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Entry Level Plastics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Loder Instrument Co. Inc.

Be Seen First

Entry-Level or Journeyman Machinist

Redmond, WA · On-site

$45K - $90K/yr

Inc. is growing and looking for an Entry-Level or Journeyman Machinist to join our team full-time. ... Work with a variety of materials including metals and plastics * Programming experience with ...

Currier Plastics

Automation Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Summary MOS Plastics Inc., a Currier company, is a medical-focused company specializing in ... We are seeking a hands-on Entry-Level Automation Engineer to support automation, controls, and ...

GCX

Mechanical Engineer - Entry Level

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

... Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer to join our engineering team. This role is well suited for early ... plastics, die castings, labels, and sheet metal parts. * Create and revise 3D CAD models ...

Currier Plastics

Automation Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Summary MOS Plastics Inc., a Currier company, is a medical-focused company specializing in ... We are seeking a hands-on Entry-Level Automation Engineer to support automation, controls, and ...

MSR-FSR

Plastic Fabricator Apprentice

Chandler, AZ · On-site

Essential Duties & Responsibilities 1. Read, understand, and follow work orders, engineering ... plastics, or machine shop experience preferred (apprentice/entry-level candidates encouraged to ...

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Entry Level Plastics Engineer information

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$30K

$69.4K

$118K

How much do entry level plastics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level plastics engineer in the United States is $69,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Plastics Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Plastics Engineer, you need a background in materials science or chemical engineering, with knowledge of polymer properties and processing techniques. Familiarity with CAD software, injection molding machinery, and relevant industry standards or certifications (like Six Sigma or ISO) is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help you excel in collaborative environments and troubleshoot manufacturing issues. These skills are crucial for ensuring product quality, optimizing production, and supporting innovation in plastics applications.

What are some typical projects or tasks an Entry Level Plastics Engineer might work on in their first year?

As an Entry Level Plastics Engineer, you can expect to work on projects such as assisting in the design and testing of plastic components, supporting manufacturing process improvements, and conducting material property analyses. You may be involved in troubleshooting production issues, collaborating with senior engineers to develop prototypes, and ensuring products meet quality and regulatory standards. This role often requires close teamwork with manufacturing, quality assurance, and design departments, providing valuable exposure to the full product lifecycle and opportunities to learn from experienced professionals.

What does an Entry Level Plastics Engineer do?

An Entry Level Plastics Engineer assists in the design, development, testing, and manufacturing of plastic products and components. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers, learning about different types of plastics, processing methods like injection molding, and quality control practices. Their responsibilities may include conducting material tests, evaluating product prototypes, troubleshooting production issues, and supporting process improvements. This role is ideal for recent graduates with a background in chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field. Entry level plastics engineers often gain hands-on experience and foundational knowledge that prepares them for more advanced positions in the plastics industry.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes management responsibilities or working in high-cost regions.

What is the difference between Entry Level Plastics Engineer vs Junior Plastics Designer?

AspectEntry Level Plastics EngineerJunior Plastics Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Plastics Engineering, Materials Science, or related fieldBachelor's in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, R&D labs, design officesDesign studios, product development teams, manufacturing settings
Industry UsagePlastic product manufacturing, automotive, packagingConsumer products, packaging, product design
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Entry Level Plastics Engineer and a Junior Plastics Designer lies in their focus areas. Engineers typically work on material selection, process optimization, and product testing, while designers focus on aesthetics, ergonomics, and conceptual development. Both roles often collaborate in product development but serve distinct functions within the plastics industry.

More about Entry Level Plastics Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Plastics Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Plastics Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Plastics Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Plastics Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Plastics Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Plastics Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Plastics Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Plastics Engineer jobs are:
Entry Level Plastics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Plastics Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Locum Tenens, 7% Internship, 46% As Needed, 20% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,362 per year, or $33.3 per hour.
Plastic Engineer

Plastic Engineer

International Medical Industries

Pompano Beach, FL

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Description

Engineer I is the entry level engineering position for manufacturing engineering. The engineer will work under the direct supervision of a manager and/or more experienced team members, to support the improvements in manufacturing quality, capacity, and stability through solving problems, developing solutions, and executing strategies. The position is intended to prepare engineers new to the medical device industry for advancement to the next level of Engineer II.


The Engineer I role is responsible for day-to-day production support, developing, maintaining and improving production processes. This role will be responsible for supporting and optimizing injection molding processes for plastic components used in manufacturing operations. This role ensures high-quality production, cost efficiency, and compliance with industry standards while driving continuous improvement initiatives.

  • Develop and validate injection molding processes for new and existing products.
  • Establish and maintain process parameters to ensure consistent quality and efficiency.
  • Implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement strategies.
  • Collaborate with tooling vendors for mold design, maintenance, and improvements.
  • Specify and procure injection molding machines, auxiliary equipment, and automation systems.
  • Participate in equipment development, provide support of User Requirement Specification (URS) creation, Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) and Site Acceptance Test (SAT) activities.
  • Troubleshoot tooling and equipment issues to minimize downtime.
  • Develop and maintain process documentation, including work instructions, process monitoring sheets and pFMEAs.
  • Conduct root cause analysis and corrective actions for defects and process deviations.
  • Provide support for CAPA (Corrective Action and Preventive Action), and NC's (Non-conformances) efforts as assigned.
  • Ensure compliance with new QMSR and customer requirements.
  • Work closely with product development and design engineering to ensure manufacturability of plastic parts.
  •  Act as subject matter expert for plastics engineering activities to support new product introduction (NPI) and participate in design reviews.
  • Provide technical guidance to production teams and train operators on best practices.
  • Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as cycle time, scrap rate, and efficiency.
  • Prepare reports and present findings to management for decision-making.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree or higher in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or other engineering discipline.
  • 0 years of experience required.
  • Proactive learner.
  • Strong knowledge of polymer materials and their properties.
  • Must have good interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Proficient in CAD, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Job Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of scientific molding principles.
  • Certification in plastics engineering or related field.

Physical / Mental Demands:

Working conditions are normal for an office environment.

Work may require weekend and evening work.

Work may require travel.

Physical activity includes sitting, walking, standing, bending, squatting, reaching above shoulders and lifting up to 40 pounds.

Work under stress in a fast-paced environment.

Must be alert, able to concentrate, and use good judgment.

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