ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Plastic Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

EFOR

Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Design Engineers - R&D (2 postes ouverts) Location: Chicago Area (On-site - 100%) Start Date: ASAP ... Experience with plastic components or plastics processing is a strong advantage. * Exposure to ...

Durex Industries

Design Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Design Engineer Composed of Chromalox, Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax businesses ... Durex serves businesses in sectors including process industries, life sciences, plastics processing ...

Chromalox

Design Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Design Engineer Composed of Chromalox, Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax businesses ... Durex serves businesses in sectors including process industries, life sciences, plastics processing ...

OPTO International

Be Seen First

Design Engineer

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

The Design Engineer will work within OPTO's component driven modular based store fixture system to ... Expertise in working with multi-materials such as wood, metal, plastics, and glass. * Basic ...

Aegis Worldwide

Machine Design Engineer

Carol Stream, IL

$43.27 - $57.69/hr

... the plastics industry for over 40 years. The company designs and builds its machinery entirely in ... They are seeking a Machinery Design Engineer to own custom equipment designs from initial concept ...

Saigepartners

Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Design Engineer - Medical Packaging The Design Engineer is responsible for leading the design and ... Working knowledge of plastics commonly used in sterile barrier systems (e.g., PETG, HIPS, PP

Daifuku North America

Design Engineer

Hobart, IN · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

We are known as experts in engineering, manufacturing, and servicing innovative automated materials ... Plastics, metals, alloys, and chemistry * Manufacturing considerations * Design cost, budgets, and ...

Daifuku

Design Engineer

Hobart, IN

We are known as experts in engineering, manufacturing, and servicing innovative automated materials ... Plastics, metals, alloys, and chemistry * Manufacturing considerations * Design cost, budgets, and ...

Del Medical

Mechanical Design Engineer

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

... Design Engineer, you will play a key role in the design and development of medical devices from ... Experience with injection molding, plastics, and machining. * Leadership experience, including ...

ITW Automotive

Design Engineer

Richton Park, IL · On-site

... Engineering experience required · 3D CAD design skills and experience required. · Order ... plastics, injection molding, and tooling is preferred · Knowledge of automotive industry and ...

Suncast Corporation

Senior Design Engineer

Batavia, IL · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

The Senior Design Engineer is responsible for taking a product concept and developing it into a ... Good design experience with Plastics, sheet metal, metal castings (Die and sand) with knowledge of ...

suncast

Senior Design Engineer

Batavia, IL

The Senior Design Engineer is responsible for taking a product concept and developing it into a ... Good design experience with Plastics, sheet metal, metal castings (Die and sand) with knowledge of ...

suncast

Senior Design Engineer

Batavia, IL · On-site

The Senior Design Engineer is responsible for taking a product concept and developing it into a ... Good design experience with Plastics, sheet metal, metal castings (Die and sand) with knowledge of ...

suncast

Senior Design Engineer

Batavia, IL · On-site

The Senior Design Engineer is responsible for taking a product concept and developing it into a ... Good design experience with Plastics, sheet metal, metal castings (Die and sand) with knowledge of ...

Acuity, Inc.

Senior Design Engineer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

In everything the Lead Design Engineer does, both in projects and daily tasks, LEAN Process ... plastic extrusions, plastic injection molding, and spinning. Generates and tracks capital ...

suncast

Senior Design Engineer

Batavia, IL · On-site

The Senior Design Engineer is responsible for taking a product concept and developing it into a ... Good design experience with Plastics, sheet metal, metal castings (Die and sand) with knowledge of ...

Suncast

Senior Design Engineer

Batavia, IL · On-site

The Senior Design Engineer is responsible for taking a product concept and developing it into a ... Good design experience with Plastics, sheet metal, metal castings (Die and sand) with knowledge of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPlastic Design Engineer JobsPlastic Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Plastic Design Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$36.1K

$97.9K

$126.3K

How much do plastic design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastic design engineer in Chicago, IL is $97,877.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,900.00 and $121,700.00 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 Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Plastic Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Plastic Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Plastic Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastic Design Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,877 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Design Engineer

EFOR

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Design Engineers – R&D (2 postes ouverts)

Location: Chicago Area (On-site – 100%)

Start Date: ASAP


Position Overview

We are seeking two Design Engineers to support R&D project teams at our client's Chicago-area site, working on drug delivery device components and assembly systems. We're hiring for two distinct focus areas — please indicate which profile best matches your background when applying.


Profile 1 – Mechanical Design & Prototyping

Contributes to the design and development of mechanical components and assemblies, working closely with engineering, prototyping, and manufacturing teams.


Key Responsibilities

  • Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for medical device products using SolidWorks.
  • Support R&D development activities from concept through prototyping and testing.
  • Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams on assembly line design and optimization.
  • Create and update 3D models, drawings, and technical documentation.
  • Participate in prototyping activities, including 3D printing and early-stage product iterations.
  • Contribute to design verification and testing activities.
  • Support data analysis related to design performance and testing results when required.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
  • Around 5 years of experience in mechanical design or product development.
  • Experience with SolidWorks CAD software.
  • Solid knowledge of mechanical design principles.
  • Experience with plastic components or plastics processing is a strong advantage.
  • Exposure to assembly lines or manufacturing environments is preferred.
  • Experience with 3D printing / rapid prototyping is a plus.
  • Experience preparing or supporting technical documentation (design records, drawings, specifications) is a plus.


Profile 2 – Design Control & Verification


Focused on design control documentation, process compliance, and test method development rather than hands-on CAD or tolerance analysis. Requires building a solid understanding of the device and how it functions to support documentation and verification activities.


Key Responsibilities

  • Support and maintain design control documentation throughout the product development lifecycle.
  • Ensure project activities align with and follow the established development process.
  • Develop, plan, and execute mechanical test methods in support of design verification.
  • Support validation activities and design verification planning.
  • Work closely with engineering teams to understand device functionality and translate it into clear documentation.
  • Track and support non-technical/process-oriented deliverables to keep the project on track.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, quality, manufacturing) to ensure documentation accuracy and completeness.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
  • Around 5 years of experience in mechanical design or product development.
  • Strong experience in mechanical test method development, validation, and design verification planning and execution.
  • Solid understanding of design control processes within a medical device or regulated environment.
  • Experience with drug delivery or injection devices is a strong plus.
  • Comfortable working on documentation-heavy, process-driven tasks rather than deep technical/CAD work.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.


Additional Requirements (both profiles)


  • Ability to work on-site in the Chicago area.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced R&D environment.
  • Availability to start immediately (ASAP).


Apply