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Plastic Design Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Support the Project Engineers with effective design plans for new or LCM products. * Support/lead ... Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and plastic part design experience a plus.

Requirements: * 4 year degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology * 5-10 years of plastic part design, automotive design, or vehicle lighting experience desired. * MS ...

... in plastic part design, automotive design, or electro/mechanical products ยท BS Degree in Engineering required -- preference for Mechanical Engineering (ME), Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET ...

Design, develop, and modify molds and tooling for plastic manufacturing, including thermoplastic ... Create and maintain 3D models, detailed engineering drawings, assemblies, and bills of materials ...

Design, develop, and modify molds and tooling for plastic manufacturing, including thermoplastic ... Create and maintain 3D models, detailed engineering drawings, assemblies, and bills of materials ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

York, PA ยท On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Collaborate with engineering and design teams to develop custom plastic extrusion machinery and systems. * Assist Project Manager in ensuring timely release of mechanical documentation to meet ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

York, PA ยท On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Collaborate with engineering and design teams to develop custom plastic extrusion machinery and systems. * Assist Project Manager in ensuring timely release of mechanical documentation to meet ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

York, PA ยท On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Collaborate with engineering and design teams to develop custom plastic extrusion machinery and systems. * Assist Project Manager in ensuring timely release of mechanical documentation to meet ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

York, PA ยท On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Collaborate with engineering and design teams to develop custom plastic extrusion machinery and systems. * Assist Project Manager in ensuring timely release of mechanical documentation to meet ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

York, PA ยท On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Collaborate with engineering and design teams to develop custom plastic extrusion machinery and systems. * Assist Project Manager in ensuring timely release of mechanical documentation to meet ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

York, PA ยท On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Collaborate with engineering and design teams to develop custom plastic extrusion machinery and systems. * Assist Project Manager in ensuring timely release of mechanical documentation to meet ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

York, PA ยท On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Collaborate with engineering and design teams to develop custom plastic extrusion machinery and systems. * Assist Project Manager in ensuring timely release of mechanical documentation to meet ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

York, PA ยท On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Collaborate with engineering and design teams to develop custom plastic extrusion machinery and systems. * Assist Project Manager in ensuring timely release of mechanical documentation to meet ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

York, PA ยท On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Collaborate with engineering and design teams to develop custom plastic extrusion machinery and systems. * Assist Project Manager in ensuring timely release of mechanical documentation to meet ...

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Showing results 1-20

Plastic Design Engineer information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$35.1K

$95.2K

$122.8K

How much do plastic design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastic design engineer in Pennsylvania is $95,166.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,100.00 and $118,300.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Plastic Design Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania?

For Plastic Design Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Plastic Design Engineer job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,166 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Design Engineer

Truck-Lite

Erie, PA โ€ข On-site

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Essential Job Functions: Align with our company culture, mission, values, philosophy, and policies and procedures by exemplifying our C.L.E.A.R Principles.

โ€ข Curiosity- look for a better way as a solutions-oriented problem solver.

โ€ข Leadership- take ownership and be the catalyst of change.

โ€ข Enthusiasm- be motivated and passionate about your work.

โ€ข Accountability- deliver on commitments and act with integrity.

โ€ข Respect- be present, listen and engage with inclusive open, honest, and direct communication.


Responsibilities include:

  • To develop designs in accordance with the customer specifications.
  • To complete DVP&R and DFMEA plans to support your design intent.
  • Support the design portion of the project by adhering to the department NPI/TS processes and methods.
  • Support the Project Engineers with effective design plans for new or LCM products.
  • Support/lead cost and design improvement projects to contribute to the engineering productivity plan.
  • Effectively manage assigned projects based on cost and with an emphasis on meeting timeline requirements.
  • Work as a member of various cross-functional teams to complete projects within schedule and to budget.
  • Develop formal product definitions and design constraints for Truck-Lite lighting products.
  • Work directly with OE customer engineering teams to develop concepts, designs, FMEAโ€™s, and build and maintain relationships.
  • Position requires compliance with the Technology Control Plan and the Federal Export Control Policy established for the Corporation.


Requirements:

  • 4 Year College degree in either Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • 3 โ€“ 5 years of plastic part design, automotive design, or vehicle lighting experience desired.
  • MS Office Proficiency, 3D Modeling Experience (NX/Unigraphics preferred).
  • Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and plastic part design experience a plus.


**Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship. We do not offer visa sponsorship, transfers, or immigration-related employment support for this role.