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

Mechanical Design Engineer

Tinley Park, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Innovation thrives when engineers are empowered to think differently, experiment boldly, and solve ... Expertise in plastic part design, metal part design, hands-on experience with sheet metal, and ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Tinley Park, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Innovation thrives when engineers are empowered to think differently, experiment boldly, and solve ... Expertise in plastic part design, metal part design, hands-on experience with sheet metal, and ...

Sr. Product Design Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role is ideal for engineers passionate about thermal systems, mechanical design, and ... Understanding precision machining, seal welding, molding (plastic & metal), soldering, stamping ...

Engineer, Design & Innovation

Glenview, IL · On-site

$134K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Purpose As a Design & Innovation Packaging Engineer, you will support innovative and disruptive ... applicable to rigid plastic packaging development work) a plus Ability to support pilot line ...

Lead FEA Mechanical Design Engineer

Rosemont, IL

$129K - $161K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Specific areas include elastic and creep plastic stress analysis, thermal stress analysis, fatigue ... programming for developing user subroutines (i.e. C++ and/or PYTHON) * Developed knowledge of CAD ...

Lead FEA Mechanical Design Engineer

Rosemont, IL

$129K - $161K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Specific areas include elastic and creep plastic stress analysis, thermal stress analysis, fatigue ... programming for developing user subroutines (i.e. C++ and/or PYTHON) * Developed knowledge of CAD ...

Mechanical Engineer/Designer

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Mechanical Engineer/Designer WeatherTech is seeking a well-qualified Mechanical Engineer/Designer ... (Solidworks or UG NX preferred) * Experience or working knowledge of aluminum and plastic ...

Project Engineer

South Elgin, IL · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Metal to plastic conversion * Identifying new opportunities through design change and developing the piece part design * Identify sources for design, build and prototyping activities * Perform mold ...

Project Engineer

South Elgin, IL · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Metal to plastic conversion * Identifying new opportunities through design change and developing the piece part design * Identify sources for design, build and prototyping activities * This does not ...

Project Engineer

Elgin, IL

$120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Project Engineering Injection Molding 1st shift E-Verify Location: Elgin, IL | On-Site Job Summary ... ensure compliance to Chemtech Plastics Injection Mold Standards. * Manage the design and ...

Project Engineer

South Elgin, IL · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Main engineering contact for our customers and tooling suppliers.Responsible for assigned duties ... as, Prototyping new parts and providing design recommendationsMetal to plastic ...

CNC Programmer

Grayslake, IL · On-site

$27.38 - $37.21/hr

Work with Die Cast Tooling/Plastic Injection * Work with design engineers to discuss mold design considerations, potential manufacturing challenges, and necessary modifications. * Understanding of ...

Mechanical Engineer

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We're looking for a highly motivated Mechanical Engineer to join our team and design, develop, and ... Knowledge of single and multilayer laminated bus bars, injection molded plastics design, Electro ...

Showing results 21-40

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 16, 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.

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.

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

Curtisswright

Arlington Heights, IL

$94K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Curtiss-Wright rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 490 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Curtiss-Wright is seeking a full-time Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for Arens Controls in the Industrial Division. The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will lead the design, development, and problem resolution of new automotive shift selector products and their related component technologies and processes for the continuously evolving industrial vehicle market. The development work performed by the Senior engineer will help to expand Curtiss-Wright's business presence in the commercial truck/bus, electric vehicle, construction, agriculture, sports and recreation, and off-highway markets. This is a dynamic industry that offers the opportunity to work in a field with large potential growth. The Senior Engineer will work directly with other engineers and cross functional teams and contribute to the entire scope of product life cycle including concept, design, development, analysis, validation, launch, and production support. On-site prototype capabilities available to the engineer include a machine shop, PolyJet rapid prototyping, 5-axis machining, metal forming, etc. This position may interface directly with the Curtiss-Wright India and China engineering teams providing guidance on engineering analysis and technical processes. This position may also interact with the Curtiss-Wright power-electronics team for design reviews and consulting. Though not a supervisory position, the Sr. Engineer will provide engineering assistance and consultation to other engineers and departments on technical matters.

Location: Arlington Heights, IL

Salary Range: $94,700 - $120,000 per year

Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in IL. Criteria such as the candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.

We Take Care of Our People

Paid Time Off I 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing I Health and Wellness Benefits I Learning and Development Opportunities I Referral Program I Competitive Pay I Recognition I Employee Stock Purchase PlanI Inclusive & Supportive Culture *

Your Challenge:

  • Perform on-going conceptual and detailed design, design review and engineering analysis in support of New Product Introduction (NPI) projects.

  • Ensure all objectives regarding aesthetics, functionality, specifications, and manufacturability are met.

  • Oversee the use of appropriate modeling and concept visualization techniques in keeping with data and client evaluations.

  • Participate in customer meetings recommending design approaches and solutions to technical problems affecting the customer and consult on critical issues.

  • Interface directly with customer engineering in the design of new components and assemblies. When appropriate and as requested, work closely with clients to create new math models of products.

  • Support all technical based processes on projects such as: Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), Process Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (PFMEA) reviews, IATF 16949 and US Government Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

  • Prepare, deliver, and release detailed engineering specifications and data regarding product testing, using 3D design and 2D documentation. Support and verify design with tolerance analysis.

  • Analyze final design with various plastics and metals for stress using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to ensure product meets customer specifications, making design modifications when appropriate.

  • Coordinate with the Manufacturing and Quality Departments to resolve assembly, design, and measurement/ specification issues.

  • Assist the lab in running tests to validate product design.

  • Ensure that engineering support of new products meets quality, governmental and customer specifications and is current with industry best practices, documenting all quality reviews, tests, and prototypes.

  • Be available for occasional travel to support customers and/or suppliers.

What You Bring:

  • Customer-focus mindset with strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.

  • Thorough experience with CAD, preferably with SolidWorks. Competency in surfacing, sheet metal, assembly and drawings required.

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.

  • 8-12 years of product development or project leadership experience from concept to realization. Preferred industries of automotive, power tools, or healthcare.

  • Experience with tolerance analysis, GD&T.

  • Experience with stress analysis including FEA.

  • Experience with thermal analysis is preferred.

  • Experience with database management systems such as Agile PLM, Infor CSI, or other ERP systems.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft products: Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, MS Project.

  • Knowledge of Kaizen and Lean Manufacturing techniques in the automobile or commercial vehicle industry, preferred.

  • Prior project management experience is preferred.

  • Knowledge of Quality Systems is preferred (e.g. IATF 16949, ISO9001, AS9100, etc.).

  • Understanding and knowledge of manufacturing processes including injection molding, sheet metal stamping, prototyping, etc.

  • Experience with designing products with electromechanical packaging including enclosures, switches, displays, light piping, connectors, cables, etc.

  • Experience with dynamic parts including gears, levers, motors, bearings, springs, etc.

  • Understanding of tribology (wear, lubrication, friction, etc.) and selection of materials and plating

  • Ability to work with physical components, assemblies, and tools in a laboratory setting.

  • Proven track record of product design, assembling prototypes, performing tests, and writing reports.

  • Superior planning and organization skills, ability to operate under pressure and meet deadlines.

  • Highly motivated with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision

  • Ability to work and interface directly with customers on a consistent basis.

Who We Are

Curtiss-Wright Industrial Division, which includes the legacy brands of Arens Controls, Penny & Giles, PG Drives Technology and Williams Controls, is an excellent supplier in providing components and sub-systems which enable customer specific solutions for on- and off-highway vehicles. These include medium- and heavy-duty trucks, buses and motor coaches, construction and agricultural vehicles, materials handling, and other specialty vehicles, as well as sophisticated wheelchairs and scooters for medical mobility.
Arens Controls products comprise state-of-the-art drivetrain components, such as 'by-wire' and mechanical transmission shifters, as well as electronic control systems for the Hybrid Electronic Vehicle (HEV) market.
The products are the legacy of the Arens Controls company founded in 1939 and acquired by Curtiss-Wright in 2013.
Find out more information and view our products here: https://www.cw-industrialgroup.com/About/Arens-Controls

#LI-YH1

No unsolicited agency submittals please. Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal. Resumes submitted directly to any Curtiss-Wright employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Curtiss-Wright.

Compliance Statement

This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening. In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn.

Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contactTalent Acquisition.

For US Applicants:EEO is The Law - click here for more information.

If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.


What Curtiss-Wright employees say

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About Curtiss-Wright

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Curtiss-Wright Actuation Division designs, manufactures and supports electro-mechanical actuation products and systems for use in demanding applications in Aerospace, Defense and Industrial Automation markets. Our market leading solutions help improve the reliability, efficiency and performance of our customers' operations and platforms, as well as reducing their environmental impact with energy efficient electro-mechanical designs and technology. For the Aerospace market, we supply actuation systems for flight control, landing gear, utility and other applications on both commercial and military aircraft. In Ground & Naval Defense markets, we support a wide array of applications ranging from door assist, ramp and hatch actuation, weapons handling systems, radar and launch platform actuation, and robotic (AUV/ROV) actuation. In Industrial Automation, our Exlar® actuators are globally recognized as a leading brand offering high power density, precision and reliability for machine/process applications in automotive, food & beverage, oil & gas, robotics, entertainment and many other industries.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Davidson, NC, US

Year founded

1929

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