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

Helm Tool

Mold Design Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Founded in 1977, Helm Tool is a world-class plastic injection mold manufacturing and engineering ... In the role of Mold Design Engineer for Helm Tool, you will be an essential member of the team ...

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.)

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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

New

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 ...

New

Daifuku

Design Engineer

Hobart, IN · On-site

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

... 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 ...

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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 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 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.

Mold Design Engineer

Helm Tool

Schaumburg, IL • On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

For immediate hire, Helm Tool is searching for a focused and motivated Mold Design Engineer to join our team. The successful candidate will work with a team of seasoned design professionals in a modern mold shop using the latest in machining technology.

Founded in 1977, Helm Tool is a world-class plastic injection mold manufacturing and engineering company. We maintain a large and diversified customer base. Many of our employees have been here 10+ years.

In the role of Mold Design Engineer for Helm Tool, you will be an essential member of the team ensuring a smooth transition from design to production. You are responsible for adhering to mold specifications, preparing component and assembly drawings, and resolving design issues. Must have a thorough understanding of mold function, plastics, and interaction between the two. Even if you do not meet all the criteria listed below, we encourage those with strong design and engineering skills to apply.

Duties/Responsibilities of the Mold Design Engineer:

  • Design and Modeling: Create and modify 3D CAD models using and 2D drawings for injection mold tooling. Ideally, you will have a minimum of 7-10 years of injection mold design experience.  (Cimatron and Solidworks)
  • Mold Development: Prepare mold specifications, BOM’s, checklists, and component/assembly drawings.
  • Collaboration: Work with engineers, product developers, mold makers, and the molding process team. Create robust tooling through input and feedback from the team.
  • Troubleshooting: Identify and resolve technical design issues and ensure tooling is up to the Helm Tool standard of quality.
  • Part Design Validity: Identify potential part design issues that could cause molding problems and propose solutions.
  • Print Preparation: Prepare prints for all components with dimensions and proper tolerances and distribute them to the appropriate departments for manufacturing.
  • Moldflow: Understanding the general concept of injection molding including filling, packing, cooling, and part removal. A basic understanding of different plastic materials and their properties. Interpreting simulation results such as fill time, temperature distribution, and warpage predictions. Anticipate issues like voids, weld lines, and warpage.
  • Customer Interaction: Interface with customers regarding product changes and design reviews. Listen to customer needs and concerns and deliver viable solutions.
  • Reverse Engineering: Lead reverse engineering projects with inspection, re-designing, and upgrading of transfer tooling. Actively engage with both internal and external customers on refining of both new and existing products.
  • Project Management: Involved in project management throughout the entire engineering process as well as supporting manufacturing during the build.
  • Software Systems: Well versed in the MS Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc). Adaptability to proprietary software as well.
  • Math/Reasoning: Exceptional math skills (arithmetic, statistics, metric system conversion, ratios, rates, percentages, and shop math). Critical thinking, logical problem solving, attention to detail, communication, and a strong work ethic.

Helm Tool offers competitive wages, 401K, health and dental insurance.

Wages are dependent on experience.

Company Description

Design and manufacture of injection molds. From prototype to production. Specialties include high cavitation and stack molds.