ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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

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 ...

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 ...

STSI (Staffing Technical Services Inc.)

Be Seen First

Design Engineer, Metals (35549)

Wood Dale, IL

DESIGN ENGINEER, Metals Itasca, IL (onsite) Direct Hire, Pay: $70-$95K Plus annual bonus Benefits ... Expertise in working with multi-materials such as wood, metal, plastics, and glass preferred

Actalent

Mechanical Design Engineer

Saint Charles, IL

$90K - $115K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer The Mechanical Design Engineer develops advanced mechanical designs for ... Develop advanced mechanical designs for standard and custom plastic assembly products that meet ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Acuity Brands

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 ...

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 Aug 9, 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 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 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 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 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 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 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,877 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Design Engineer

Durex Industries

Cary, IL • On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Design Engineer
Composed of Chromalox, Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax businesses, Electrical Thermal Solutions (ETS), part of Spirax Group, creates electrical process heating and temperature management solutions, including industrial heaters and systems, heat tracing, and a range of component technologies.
Durex Industries has over 40 years' expertise in the thermal control business. A trusted custom thermal solutions supplier and engineering design partner for customers across a range of industry sectors, it also offers engineering, manufacturing, testing and laboratory and quality assurance services.
Durex serves businesses in sectors including process industries, life sciences, plastics processing, food and packaging, aerospace, defense, and security. Its innovative bespoke solutions - such as retrofitting heating elements to prevent outdoor beverage dispensers from failing in low temperatures and custom-made circulation heaters to heat fuel in large ship engines.
Join us as we continue to provide solutions to our customers and the world!
The Role:
As the Product Design Engineer, you will provide product design support for assigned product group(s), Product Manager or sales staff through product design, creation, design, validation, confirmation of specifications and validation of manufacture-ability within existing technologies.
Your Responsibilities:
  • Creating design concepts for new and existing customers that conform to application specifications, specifications, performance requirements and applicable agency approvals.
  • Ensuring designs for manufacturing perform to and meet all customer application parameters.
  • Providing design support to manufacturing and manufacturing engineering to ensure manufacturing.
  • Acting as the product design focal point for customer design changes or application assistance.
  • Acting as the product design focal point for all tooling requirements related to specific designs for manufacturing.
  • Acting as the product design focal point for quality assurance performance parameters as related to specific product designs.
  • Completing assigned projects on-time and manage data reporting for completeness and accuracy.

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering
  • 5+ years of design experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Expertise in the use of SolidWorks preferred
  • Proficient with the Microsoft Office Program
  • Safety/quality minded
  • Good work ethic
  • Organized and detail oriented
  • Ability to effectively communicate to employees, supervisors and management
  • Self-starter
  • Takes responsibilities for own actions including the impact of own decisions on others.

Pay Range: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
At Durex Industries, we are not only an employer, but also an advocate for equal opportunity and inclusivity. We are dedicated to fostering a work environment that conforms to the highest standards of hiring and is free from discrimination and harassment.
Durex Industries is an equal opportunity employer; Our commitment extends to all aspects of employment, ensuring that no individual is mistreated or discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as defined by federal, state, or local laws.

Apply