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Plastic Design Engineer Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

New

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 ...

New

Product Design Engineer Responsibilities: * Manage and deliver medium-complexity mechanical ... Working knowledge of material properties (e.g., plastics, metals, adhesives) and high-volume ...

Staff Engineer

Livingston, NJ · On-site

$108K - $131K/yr

A. (Formosa Plastics) is a growing, vertically-integrated supplier of plastic resins and ... This position focuses on driving operational excellence through systems design, process ...

Application Developer II

Livingston, NJ · On-site

$95K - $124K/yr

A. (Formosa Plastics) is a growing, vertically-integrated supplier of plastic resins and ... The ideal candidate will be responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of enterprise ...

Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for smart glasses and wearable devices ... Familiarity with materials commonly used in wearables (plastics, magnesium, titanium, adhesives)

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Showing results 1-20

Plastic Design Engineer information

See New York salary details

$38.3K

$103.9K

$134K

How much do plastic design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastic design engineer in New York is $103,866.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,600.00 and $129,100.00 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.
Infographic showing various Plastic Design Engineer job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,866 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

Plastics Design Engineer

Bridgewater, NJ

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

The Opportunity:

Avantor is looking for a Plastics Design Engineer to be responsible for hands-on execution of various project activities. They play a key role in supporting the design, development, and qualification of plastic films, plastic components, and systems - including injection molded parts, extrusion of tubing and film - for biopharmaceutical and related applications from innovation project conception to completion by working closely with customers globally.

This person multitasks in their dynamic position through planning and defining project activities in close partnership with R&D, marketing, sales, supply chain, quality, operations, project management and external customers.

This is a full-time onsite position at our Innovation and Technology Center in Bridgewater, NJ.

As a part of the customer engagement model, this person will also travel up to 20% and work at customer sites as needed to successfully implement the project.

How you will thrive and create an impact:

  • New Product Design: 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 projects, overseeingprototyping, testing, and optimization of plastic parts.
  • Material Selection & Qualification: Evaluate and select appropriate plastic materials based onapplication requirements, perform material qualification, and document findings.
  • Process Optimization: Contribute to process improvements in plastics manufacturing, includinginjection molding, extrusion, and plastics processing.
  • Documentation & Reporting: Prepare and maintain technical documentation, qualificationprotocols, test plans, and reports related to plastics engineering projects.
  • Travels to customers' sites and/or internal Avantor sites to clearly define deliverables, conductvoice of customers and support project generation activities.
  • Facilitates and participates in daily, weekly and monthly project check-in meetings and adjustsplan and activities based on feedback to complete project on time.
  • Presents finding and project outcome and value proposition at internal or customer meetings,industry associations and conferences.
  • Takes initiative to identify and implement innovative approaches and new methodologies bysearching literature and/or participating in discussions.
  • Complies with all safety, environmental and quality policies and procedures.
  • Performs other duties as assigned with or without accommodation.

What we're looking for:

  • Education:

  • Master's or Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering & Technology, Polymer Sciences, or a closely related field.
  • Experience:
  • Master's degree with a minimum of 3 years of experience in plastics engineering, plastics manufacturing, or related roles, preferably in the food, chemical, or pharmaceutical industries.
  • Bachelor's degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience in plastics engineering, plastics manufacturing, or related roles.
  • Knowledge of injection molding, extrusion, and various polymer processing techniques desired.
  • Additional Qualifications:
  • Ability to travel up to 20%.
  • Skilled in preparing and maintaining qualification documents, such as protocols, test plans, and technical reports.
  • Self-motivated, attentive to detail, and able to collaborate well within a research and development team environment.
  • Knowledgeable in injection molding methodologies and troubleshooting procedures.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in CAD and 3D modeling/design software, including SolidWorks or comparable platforms.
  • Well-versed in extrusion operations (including film extrusion) and comprehensive plastics processing.
  • Experienced in material property analysis and selection of engineered plastics.
  • Demonstrates strong attention to detail and advanced problem-solving capabilities.
  • Possesses excellent communication, presentation and collaborative teamwork skills.
  • Ability to interpret an extensive variety of information in written, verbal and diagram formats
  • Strong sense of urgency, initiative, and drive for results
  • Strong organization and prioritization skills

Environmental Working Conditions & Physical Effort:

  • The work environment is a laboratory/office setting, and the appropriate PPE will be required in designated areas.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.
The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!

Pay Transparency:

The expected pre-tax pay for this position is

$86,000.00 - $138,000.00

Actual pay may differ depending on relevant factors such as prior experience and geographic location.

EEO Statement:

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at recruiting@avantorsciences.comand let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the Know Your Rights poster.

Privacy Policy:

We will use the personal information that you have submitted to us in order to consider your application for the relevant role.

Your privacy is important to us. Please click here for our Privacy Policy which explains the purposes for which we will use your personal information and the ways in which we will handle and retain your information. It also explains the rights you have in relation to your information, and how to contact us with any queries or requests.

3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy:

By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.

Avantor offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellness programs, health savings and flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with company match, and an employee stock purchase program. Employees also receive 11 paid holidays, accrue 18 PTO days annually, are eligible for volunteer time off and 6 weeks of 100% paid parental leave (except in states that offer paid family leave). These benefits may not apply to employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement or those subject to other eligibility rules.