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Key Plastics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Plastics Technician, you'll play a key role in producing the plastic bottles used in our high-volume manufacturing operation. You'll operate, set up, troubleshoot, and perform changeovers and ...

Plant Manager (Plastics) - Ann Arbor $130,000.00 -135,000.00 An award-winning plastics manufacturer ... Key Responsibilities: * Ensure health and safety compliance. * Optimize production schedules and ...

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Key Plastics information

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How much do key plastics jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for key plastics in the United States is $12.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $13.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Key Plastics?

Key Plastics typically refers to companies specializing in the manufacturing and supply of plastic components, often for the automotive, consumer goods, or industrial sectors. These companies design, engineer, and produce plastic parts using various molding and fabrication techniques. The term can also refer to specific roles within such companies, such as engineers or technicians who work with plastic materials. Key Plastics companies may offer services ranging from prototyping and tooling to full-scale production, ensuring quality and efficiency in the plastic components they deliver.

What are some of the typical challenges faced by production associates at a plastics manufacturing company like Key Plastics?

Production associates at plastics manufacturing companies such as Key Plastics often work in fast-paced environments where attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols are crucial. Common challenges include managing multiple machine operations, maintaining quality standards under tight deadlines, and troubleshooting equipment issues. Associates also need to adapt quickly to changes in production schedules and work collaboratively with quality control and maintenance teams to ensure smooth operations. Developing strong problem-solving skills and staying up-to-date with manufacturing best practices can help overcome these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plastics process technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plastics Process Technician, you need a solid understanding of plastics manufacturing, machine operation, and quality control, often supported by technical training or relevant experience. Familiarity with injection molding machines, robotics, and quality management systems like ISO 9001 is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork help individuals excel in this role. These abilities ensure efficient production, consistent product quality, and a safe working environment in the plastics industry.

What is the difference between Key Plastics vs Plastic Fabricator?

AspectKey PlasticsPlastic Fabricator
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some roles may need technical trainingUsually requires similar certifications, including technical training or vocational certificates
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, assembly lines, or production plantsWorkshop or manufacturing setting, often involving custom fabrication
Industry UsageUsed across plastics manufacturing, automotive, and packaging industriesCommonly found in custom plastic fabrication, signage, and industrial applications

Key Plastics and Plastic Fabricator roles share similar credentials and work environments, often within manufacturing settings. While Key Plastics may focus on specific plastic products, Plastic Fabricators typically handle custom projects. Both roles are essential in the plastics industry, with overlapping skills and industry usage.

More about Key Plastics jobs

What cities are hiring for Key Plastics jobs?

Cities with the most Key Plastics job openings:

What states have the most Key Plastics jobs?

States with the most job openings for Key Plastics jobs include:

Infographic showing various Key Plastics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $26,000 per year, or $12.5 per hour.

Plastics Mechanical Engineer

360 Recruiter Accelerator

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 hours ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop, document, and optimize injection molding processes for new and existing plastic components, including parameter definition and process window establishment.

  • Collaborate with product design teams to apply DFM principles, providing input on part geometry, material selection, and tolerances to ensure robust manufacturability.

  • Plan and execute mold trials and tool qualifications, including capability studies, dimensional validation, and process verification against specifications.


Job description

Job Description Step into a key engineering role with a company that designs and manufactures high-performance plastic components for demanding applications. This is a chance to own the injection molding process end-to-end, from concept through tool qualification, and directly influence product quality, manufacturability, and cost. You'll join a team that values rigorous engineering, robust quality systems, and continuous improvement on the shop floor.

About the Role: You will be responsible for developing, optimizing, and validating plastic injection molding processes and tooling to meet stringent dimensional and quality requirements. Working closely with design, tooling, and manufacturing teams, you will ensure parts are engineered for manufacturability and comply with relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements. Your work will have a direct impact on production efficiency, product performance, and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities: Develop, document, and optimize injection molding processes for new and existing plastic components, including parameter definition and process window establishment. Collaborate with product design teams to apply DFM principles, providing input on part geometry, material selection, and tolerances to ensure robust manufacturability. Lead mold design reviews with toolmakers, assessing gate locations, cooling layouts, venting, and steel conditions to achieve dimensional stability and cycle time targets.

Plan and execute mold trials and tool qualifications, including capability studies, dimensional validation, and process verification against specifications. Define and implement dimensional metrology strategies, including measurement plans, inspection methods, and sampling schemes for critical features. Partner with quality engineering to align molding processes with quality systems, control plans, and regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance and traceability.

Troubleshoot molding and tooling issues on the production floor, driving root cause analysis and corrective actions to stabilize processes and reduce scrap. Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, yield improvement, and cost optimization while maintaining quality standards. Key Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

3+ years professional experience as a mechanical or plastics engineer in injection molding operations. Proven experience in plastic injection molding process engineering within a manufacturing environment. Hands-on background in mold design review and tooling qualification for production molds.

Strong understanding of dimensional metrology techniques and interpretation of engineering drawings and GD&T. Practical experience working within formal quality systems, including process control, documentation, and nonconformance management. Solid knowledge of relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements for plastics components and manufacturing processes.

Demonstrated ability to conduct structured root cause analysis and implement data-driven process improvements. Effective cross-functional communication skills, with the ability to work closely with design, tooling, production, and quality teams. Desirable Skills: Experience with advanced molding technologies such as scientific molding, hot runner systems, or multi-cavity high-volume tools.

Familiarity with CAD tools for reviewing part and mold designs. Exposure to statistical tools and methodologies, such as DOE and capability analysis, for process optimization. Background in automotive, medical, or other highly regulated industries.

Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles applied to plastics processing.