1

Plastic Compounding Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

We're addressing the global challenges of ending plastic waste, taking climate action, and ... This role provides hands-on support for compounding, injection molding, paint application, and ...

Process Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$70K - $104K/yr

We manufacture injection molding/plastic products for automotive, office furniture, polymer compounding, waste and recycling industries. We focus on driving organizational excellence through a people ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Plastic Compounding information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$17

$27

How much do plastic compounding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for plastic compounding in Michigan is $17.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Plastic Compounding vs Plastic Processing Technician?

AspectPlastic CompoundingPlastic Processing Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, laboratoriesManufacturing lines, production facilities
Industry UsageMaterial formulation, resin productionProcessing, molding, and finishing plastics
Common Search/ComparisonPlastic Compounding vs Plastic Processing Technician

Plastic compounding involves creating custom plastic formulations by mixing raw materials, while a plastic processing technician operates machinery to mold or shape plastics. Both roles are essential in plastics manufacturing but focus on different stages of production. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers identify the right career path or job opportunity within the plastics industry.

What is plastic compounding?

Plastic compounding is the process of blending polymers with additives, fillers, and colorants to create customized plastic materials with specific properties. This process helps manufacturers produce plastics that meet particular requirements for strength, flexibility, color, or other characteristics. Compounding can be performed using various equipment, such as extruders, to ensure consistent mixing and quality. The resulting compounded plastic pellets are then used in injection molding, extrusion, or other manufacturing methods to produce finished products.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in plastic compounding, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in plastic compounding often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent material quality, troubleshooting machinery issues, and ensuring precise formulation of additives. Managing these challenges requires attention to detail, a strong understanding of polymer science, and effective communication with quality control and production teams. Staying updated with the latest equipment and process technologies, as well as participating in ongoing training, can also help address these issues and contribute to a smoother workflow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Plastic Compounding, and why are they important?

To excel in Plastic Compounding, you need a solid understanding of polymer science, material handling, and quality control, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant technical training. Familiarity with compounding extruders, mixers, and laboratory testing equipment, as well as knowledge of safety standards and certifications like OSHA, is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving skills make individuals stand out in this field. These competencies ensure the production of high-quality plastic materials, maintain workplace safety, and support efficient manufacturing processes.
What job categories do people searching Plastic Compounding jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Plastic Compounding jobs in Michigan are:
Infographic showing various Plastic Compounding job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,772 per year, or $17.7 per hour.
Associate Lab I

Associate Lab I

LyondellBasell

Lansing, MI • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


LyondellBasell rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 90 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

LyondellBasell is a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. With a nearly 70-year legacy that includes a Nobel Prize in Chemistry and our proprietary MoReTec recycling technology, LYB is enabling a more sustainable future for generations to come.  LYB develops high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. LYB places high priority on diversity, equity and inclusion and is Advancing Good with an emphasis on our planet, the communities where we operate and our future workforce. We're addressing the global challenges of ending plastic waste, taking climate action, and supporting a thriving society, while generating value for our customers, investors, and society.

Come Join an Inclusive Team

The Lansing Technical Center (LMO) is seeking a Laboratory Technician to primarily support operations within the Finishing/Paint Applications Lab as well as provide additional support within the Fabrication/High Bay area. This role provides hands-on support for compounding, injection molding, paint application, and accredited testing activities that serve application development engineers, production facilities, and customers. The technician will also manage automotive OEM paint systems, perform paint mixing and specimen preparation, and complete technical documentation aligned with OEM requirements. #LI-ZO1 

A Day in the Life

Because the Lansing lab supports a wide range of functions, the ideal candidate will be primarily responsible for the Finishing/Paint Applications Lab. They will also be adaptable and comfortable supporting work in the Fabrication/High Bay area. Responsibilities include the following: 


General & Safety:

  • Follow all corporate and facility safety guidelines, as well as HR policies
  • Support raw material management, including inventory, ordering, and SDS review, in collaboration with manufacturing plants

Finishing / Paint Applications Lab:

  • Serve as the primary technician for paint mixing protocols and substrate specimen painting
  • Perform ISO 17025-accredited paint application tests following established OEM standards
  • Execute equipment and test quality protocols
  • Maintain quality documentation, including technical writing and compliance reviews
  • Participate in laboratory accreditation audits
  • Assist operations, engineering, and customer teams as needed

Fabrication / High Bay Responsibilities:

  • Weigh laboratory-scale polypropylene compound raw material blends
  • Perform pilot-scale compounding of TPO materials using twin screw extrusion lines
  • Manage molding requests for internal development engineers and external production/customer needs
  • Operate injection molding machines and mold test specimens according to ASTM, ISO, and OEM standards
  • Conduct routine equipment, cleaning and maintenance
You Bring This Value

Schedule:

  • Ability to work 40+ hours per week, Monday-Friday, with schedule flexibility until approximately 7 p.m.


Education: 

  • Minimum High School diploma, GED or equivalent


Work Experience: 

  • Previous laboratory or manufacturing experience preferred
What We Offer

Benefits starting day one:

  • Choice of Preferred Provider or Consumer Driven Medical Plan including Prescription Drug Coverage
  • Dental, Vision and Employee Assistance Program
  • 401(k) Plan with Company Match of 6%             
  • Retirement (Pension) Plan          
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life, AD&D and LTD Insurance
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Vacation and Holidays
  • Educational Assistance


Why LyondellBasell?

  • Safety focused organization
  • Grow personally and professionally
  • Work with others to develop innovative solutions
Competencies
Build Partnerships
Drive Innovation
Grow Capabilities
Promote Inclusion
Motivational Fit
Technical Skills
Deliver Results

Learn more about our benefits:  Benefits/Health & Welfare | LyondellBasell

Stay Connected!

  • Visit our LYB Website
  • Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram
  • Like us on Facebook
  • Subscribe to our YouTube channel
    LyondellBasell is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.  The US EEO is the Law poster is available here.
    LYB is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation related to LYB's recruiting process, please email us at Careers@lyb.com.
    Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
    LyondellBasell does not accept or retain unsolicited resumes or phone calls and/or respond to them or to any third party representing job seekers.
    Privacy Statement: For information regarding how LyondellBasell processes your personal data, please read our Privacy Statement.

What LyondellBasell employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom