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Entry Level Plastics Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Entry Level Plastics Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$31.3K

$72.4K

$123.1K

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

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level plastics engineer in Riverside, CA is $72,363.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,700.00 and $81,900.00 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 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.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Entry Level Plastics Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA? For Entry Level Plastics Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Plastics Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Plastics Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Entry Level Plastics Engineer jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Entry Level Plastics Engineer job openings:

Tooling Technician I/II

Sorenson Engineering

Yucaipa, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Sorenson Engineering, located in Yucaipa, California, has for 65 years been a globally recognized leader in micro technology solutions for Aerospace/Defense, RF interconnect, Microwave Test, Fiber Optics, and Medical industries. Our focus is delivering value through innovation by using our expertise in precision screw machining, electroplating, value engineering, and contact assembly. We are AS9100D / ISO9001:2008 registered and certified with Nadcap accreditations for Heat Treatment (including Induction Annealing) of BeCu, and Chemical Processing, including our state-of-the-art Gold plating facility.

We deliver ultra-precise Micro Technology Solutions for the most challenging component applications. We thrive in a culture of innovation, attracting exceptional individuals who continually seek new challenges. As a leader in next-generation microtechnology, our highly skilled problem solvers face the industry's toughest challenges, performing on a global level, to advance the leading edge of high-precision solutions.

Sorenson Engineering is seeking candidates with experience inspecting products using quality plans and various metrologies including, concentricity gauges, drop gauges, pin gauges, OGP, Keyence, and VICI devices.

Summary:

Operate lathes, mills or grinders to cut, sharpen, bore, grind, repair or make tools on metal or plastic materials to job requirements.

Level I

Entry level position learning to follow procedures for cutting and sharpening tools and/or basic tool making.

Level II

Intermediate level position experienced in cutting and sharpening tools and/or tool making.

Level III

Advanced level position experienced in cutting and sharpening tools and/or tool making. Demonstrates troubleshooting skills and techniques. Trains others.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Knowledge of lathes, mills and/or grinders to make tools or parts for the production process.
  • Inspects, fabricates and finishes tools (i.e., using visual inspection techniques, microscopes, micrometers, automated measuring instruments, chamfering, buffering, polishing, and/or other finishing techniques).
  • Read and interpret drawings.
  • Understands and performs basic machine maintenance and housekeeping procedures.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Good attendance and punctuality are essential components of solid employee performance and are measured by objective standards.

Knowledge and Abilities:

Able to interpret instructions both written and oral. Able to work in a team with co-workers to resolve work issues. Advanced level math with knowledge of measuring techniques and the ability to work with micromachining tolerances (example: 0.0002). Able to communicate effectively in English.

Education and Experience:
High School Diploma. Previous work experience in tool grinding preferred.

Physical Demands:
Must be able to stand long periods of time, occasionally exert push force up to 50 pounds, must have good eyesight and hand dexterity, and able to identify and distinguish colors.

Work Environment:
Will be exposed to noise, moving mechanical parts, oils/solvents, fumes, and odors that may affect the eyes, ears, nose, throat and/or skin.

I

Compensation Disclosure:
In accordance with California law, the salary range for this position reflects a good faith estimate of the base compensation. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
EOE - Disability/Vet. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Background Checks & Drug Testing:
Background screenings and pre-employment drug tests may be conducted following a conditional offer of employment, where permitted by law.

California Applicant Privacy Notice:
If you are a California resident, personal information collected as part of your application will be processed in accordance with applicable California law.

You may have the right to request access to, correct, or delete your personal information, subject to certain exceptions.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy:
https://www.sorensoneng.com/privacy-policy/

To submit a request, please contact us at privacy@sorensoneng.com or call 855-479-4241. We may require verification of your identity before processing your request.