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Plastic Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Avantor, Inc.

Plastics Design Engineer

Bridgewater, NJ · On-site

Develop innovative designs for plastic components, focusing on injected molded parts and extrusion tubing for various applications. * Product Development: Lead and participate in product development ...

AMRESCO

Plastics Design Engineer

Bridgewater, NJ · On-site

Avantor is looking for a Plastics Design Engineer to be responsible for hands-on execution of ... Evaluate and select appropriate plastic materials based onapplication requirements, perform ...

Avantor Inc.

Plastics Design Engineer

Bridgewater, NJ · On-site

Avantor is looking for a Plastics Design Engineer to be responsible for hands-on execution of ... Evaluate and select appropriate plastic materials based onapplication requirements, perform ...

Mack Molding

Plastics Design Engineer

Arlington, VT · On-site

Plans and directs complex engineering design and development projects to support a number of ... Understanding and selecting plastic materials for manufacturing and functional requirements * Plans ...

Mack Molding

Plastics Design Engineer

Arlington, VT · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Plans and directs complex engineering design and development projects to support a number of ... Understanding and selecting plastic materials for manufacturing and functional requirements * Plans ...

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Plastic Design Engineer information

See salary details

$35K

$94.9K

$122.5K

How much do plastic design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastic design engineer in the United States is $94,938.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $118,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a plastic design engineer do?

A Plastic Design Engineer is responsible for designing and developing plastic components and products, often used in industries such as automotive, consumer goods, and electronics. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed models and drawings, select appropriate materials, and ensure that designs meet performance, safety, and cost requirements. These engineers also collaborate with manufacturing teams to optimize mold designs for production efficiency and quality. Their work often involves testing prototypes, troubleshooting design issues, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Overall, they play a crucial role in bringing plastic products from concept to production.

What are some common challenges faced by plastic design engineers when working with manufacturers, and how can they be addressed?

Plastic Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring manufacturability of complex parts, managing material selection constraints, and meeting tight tolerances during production. Effective communication with manufacturers early in the design process helps address these issues, as does familiarity with various molding processes and tooling limitations. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, including tooling engineers and quality assurance, can also help mitigate potential production issues and ensure the final product meets design and quality expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plastic design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plastic Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, materials science (especially polymers), and CAD modeling, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with design software like SolidWorks or CATIA, and knowledge of manufacturing processes such as injection molding, are essential, with certifications in CAD or plastics engineering being advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and effective communication set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills are crucial for developing innovative, manufacturable plastic components that meet performance, cost, and quality standards.

What is the difference between Plastic Design Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectPlastic Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related; certifications like CPD or CSPBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related; certifications like PE or EIT
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, manufacturing plants, R&D centersDesign offices, manufacturing facilities, R&D centers
Industry UsagePlastic product manufacturing, injection molding, packagingMachinery, automotive, consumer products
Common Search/ComparisonPlastic Design Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer

The Plastic Design Engineer specializes in designing plastic components and products, focusing on material properties and manufacturing processes like injection molding. In contrast, the Mechanical Design Engineer works on a broader range of mechanical systems and components, including metals and other materials. Both roles require engineering degrees and similar certifications, but their focus areas and industries differ, making each role unique in its application and expertise.

What is the role of a plastic design engineer?

A plastic design engineer develops and optimizes plastic parts and products by applying principles of materials science, engineering, and CAD software. They focus on creating designs that meet functional, aesthetic, and manufacturing requirements while ensuring cost-effectiveness and compliance with industry standards.
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Plastic Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastic Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,938 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Design Engineer

American Plastics, LLC

Jefferson City, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Description

American Plastics, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative plastic-injection molded products for the household & garage storage and commercial cleaning end-markets.


We are seeking a skilled Design Engineer specializing in plastics to join our team at our Innovation Center, in Jefferson City, Missouri location. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing and developing plastic components and products, ensuring functionality, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness. The role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, utilizing CAD software, and staying updated on industry trends and technologies. This position will report to the Vice President of Engineering.


Product Design: Conceptualize, design, and develop plastic components and products according to project requirements, considering factors such as functionality, aesthetics, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.


CAD Modeling: Utilize CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) to create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings of plastic parts and assemblies.


Prototyping: Oversee the prototyping process, including selecting appropriate materials, collaborating with prototype technicians, and validating designs for fit, form, and function.


Material Selection: Evaluate and select suitable plastic materials based on performance requirements, environmental factors, and cost considerations.


Design Optimization: Continuously improve designs for efficiency, performance, and cost reduction through analysis, simulation, and testing.


Manufacturability: Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are optimized for production processes such as injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming.


Quality Assurance: Work closely with quality control teams to establish and implement quality standards for plastic components and products, ensuring compliance with industry regulations.


Documentation: Prepare and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including technical drawings, specifications, and design change records.


Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including product management, manufacturing, quality assurance, and procurement to achieve project goals and deadlines.


Research and Innovation: Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in plastic design, and incorporate innovative solutions into product development processes.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or plastics Engineering.

Experience of hands-on injection molding experience a plus.

3 + Years experience with Product Design of plastic injection molded products for consumer packaged goods

SolidWorks knowledge.

Experience with prototyping techniques and rapid iteration processes.

Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Effective communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work in cross-functional teams.

Familiarity with design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles.

Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Strong communication skills.



If you are interested in joining the American Plastics team and want to work in a fast-paced, progressive environment, we want to hear from you. We offer a competitive salary, full benefit package including medical/dental, 401k, and paid vacation.


Apply