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Plastic Compounding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator

Covington, GA ยท On-site

$20.50 - $21/hr

Plastic compounding experience is preferred. The salary range for this position is $20.50 -$21.00 per hour. Factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience ...

Machine Operator

Covington, GA ยท On-site

$20.50 - $21/hr

Plastic compounding experience is preferred. The salary range for this position is $20.50 -$21.00 per hour. Factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience ...

Machine Operator

Covington, GA ยท On-site

$20.50 - $21/hr

Plastic compounding experience is preferred. The salary range for this position is $20.50 -$21.00 per hour. Factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience ...

A.) in a Chemistry related or Material Science field from a four-year college or university with 3 years or more related experience in the Rubber, Plastics Compounding or Coatings Industry; or ...

Lab Technician

Mentor, OH ยท On-site

$28/hr

A.) in a Chemistry related or Material Science field from a four-year college or university with 3 years or more related experience in the Rubber, Plastics Compounding or Coatings Industry OR ...

A.) in a Chemistry related or Material Science field from a four-year college or university with 3 years or more related experience in the Rubber, Plastics Compounding or Coatings Industry; or ...

Lab Technician

Mentor, OH ยท On-site

$28/hr

A.) in a Chemistry related or Material Science field from a four-year college or university with 3 years or more related experience in the Rubber, Plastics Compounding or Coatings Industry OR ...

Preferred candidate possesses a working knowledge of plastic compounding * Strong interpersonal skills and able to engage and inspire the workforce to action Competencies Build Partnerships Deliver ...

Showing results 41-60

Plastic Compounding information

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$13

$20

$31

How much do plastic compounding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for plastic compounding in the United States is $20.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.60 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.
More about Plastic Compounding jobs
What states have the most Plastic Compounding jobs? States with the most job openings for Plastic Compounding jobs include:
Infographic showing various Plastic Compounding job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,189 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Plastic Process Technician - Nights

Cascade Engineering

Grand Rapids, MI โ€ข On-site

$24.76 - $39.78/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 hours ago


Job description

Description
Cascade Engineering is a Family of Companies that invests in our triple bottom line philosophy - People, Planet and Profit. We have been in business for over 50 years in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 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 centered leadership culture based on the principles of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
Are you looking for a positive and encouraging environment? Are you seeking a position where you are included, recognized and celebrated? You belong here! Are you excited for what is ahead? We are too!
Scope of Responsibility
Cascade Engineering is currently hiring for the position of Set Up/Process Technician level 3 or 4. In this role, you will be responsible for setting up, shutting down, mold changes and troubleshooting mold defects and machines. In this opportunity, you will have the ability to develop and grow your technical skills.
You will have an opportunity to work with a diverse, supportive and driven team across all the plants! With this opportunity, you will be collaborating with your team to produce high quality components while learning to build new processes and work as a team to solve complex issues while working with large-scale plastic molding presses.
Location: Buursma Plant (4950 37th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512)
Shift: Night shift from 6pm - 6:10am (working 3 days one week, 4 days the next including every other weekend)
Target Pay: The target starting base salary for this position is $24.76 - $39.78/hour (plus $1.20 shift premium plus quarterly bonus incentive). Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Cascade Engineering considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
General Responsibilities
Day to day - Responsible for starting up and shutting down of plastic injection molding equipment. Conducting timely and accurate installations and removal of injection molds and dies. Assisting with troubleshooting of plastic injection molding presses
Troubleshooting - In this role, you will lean on your extensive knowledge of plastics and communicate any equipment issues/breakdowns to maintenance. Troubleshoot molding defects such as splay and short shots and identify continuous improvement opportunities. You will have the opportunity to work in a team environment to diagnose, troubleshoot and solve complex issues dealing with robots, hot stamp technology and other tooling issues
Support - While working collaboratively with all levels of the team you will be responsible for offering support where needed. This could include cleaning hoppers, doing moisture checks and setting up dryers. You could be called upon to help with various mold changes, crane operation and color changes
Culture Bearer
  • Understands and supports the values of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL)
  • Exhibits high moral and ethical standards and high integrity
  • Values people regardless of their background
  • Exhibits the traits of a servant leader
  • Exhibit the principles of 7 Habits and Emotional Intelligence
  • Encourages open dialogue and communication
  • Develops high trust relationships within all levels of the organization
  • Pursues Excellence

At Cascade Engineering, we welcome and celebrate diversity and inclusion. We are committed to fostering an authentic workplace where everyone belongs and thrives, and we look forward to welcoming candidates who are enthusiastic about contributing to our community. If you are passionate about this role, we encourage you to apply. We recognize that women and people of color are often underrepresented in manufacturing and want to see this change. When making hiring decisions, we believe in considering the whole person and the life experiences they bring to our teams. Our diversity drives our innovation and has been integral to our success.
Requirements
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent; or equivalent experience (4-5+ years of plastics experience)
  • Must have a valid driver's license or be able to use all 4 limbs such as arms, legs (upper and lower limbs), torso/trunk at the shoulder. Have coordination of eyes, hands and feet. Not have any known/documented convulsive disorders and corrected vision (obtain doctor's note verifying proof of the corrected vision)
  • Technical experience with plastic injection molding required, along with hands-on experience with raw materials, mold set-up, and troubleshooting skills
  • Must be well organized
  • Able to operate in a fast pace environment
  • Basic computer skills
  • Effective communicator, both written and verbal; good visual skills and reasoning ability

Preferred Education
  • Associates Degree in Plastics is preferred
  • Previous Lock Out/Tag Out experience is preferred
  • Prior Overhead Chain and Crane is preferred
  • Previous Routsis or Paulson training is preferred

Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance - Starting on Day 1
  • Life Insurance (Company Paid and Supplemental)
  • 401K with match - Starting on Day 1
  • Quarterly Bonus Program
  • Paid Time Off
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Short and Long Term Disability (Company Paid)
  • Onsite Health Clinic

Perks
  • Weekly Pay
  • Flexible Hours & Scheduling
  • Attendance Recognition Program
  • Voucher programs for Safety Shoes and Prescription Safety Glasses
  • Employee Discount Programs
  • Employee Referral & Retention Bonus Program
  • Adoption Assistance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Free Uniforms / T-shirts
  • Smoking Cessation Products and Program