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Plastic Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer

Statesville, NC · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

R-100910** ** - Plastics Design Engineer Wastequip has a great opportunity for a Design Engineer to join our Container Engineering group. This role will sit in Statesville North Carolina ...

- Plastics Design Engineer Wastequip has a great opportunity for a Design Engineer to join our Container Engineering group. This role will sit in Statesville North Carolina manufacturing facilities.

- Plastics Design Engineer Wastequip has a great opportunity for a Design Engineer to join our Container Engineering group. This role will sit in Statesville North Carolina manufacturing facilities.

- Plastics Design Engineer Wastequip has a great opportunity for a Design Engineer to join our Container Engineering group. This role will sit in Statesville North Carolina manufacturing facilities.

- Plastics Design Engineer Wastequip has a great opportunity for a Design Engineer to join our Container Engineering group. This role will sit in Statesville North Carolina manufacturing facilities.

$70 - $95/hr

Must be familiar with design procedures and a variety of manufacturing processes such as plastic ... This engineering position could include project management and must have ability to perform ...

- Plastics Design Engineer Wastequip has a great opportunity for a Design Engineer to join our Container Engineering group. This role will sit in Statesville North Carolina manufacturing facilities.

- Plastics Design Engineer Wastequip has a great opportunity for a Design Engineer to join our Container Engineering group. This role will sit in Statesville North Carolina manufacturing facilities.

Design Engineer

Carrollton, GA · On-site

$70 - $95/hr

Must be familiar with design procedures and a variety of manufacturing processes such as plastic ... This engineering position could include project management and must have ability to perform ...

- Plastics Design Engineer Wastequip has a great opportunity for a Design Engineer to join our Container Engineering group. This role will sit in Statesville North Carolina manufacturing facilities.

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Must be familiar with design procedures and a variety of manufacturing processes such as plastic ... This engineering position could include project management and must have ability to perform ...

Creative Plastics, a designer, and manufacturer of award winning, quality displays for a variety of markets, including retailers in the Health and Beauty sector, is seeking a Design Engineer. As a ...

Creative Plastics, a designer, and manufacturer of award winning, quality displays for a variety of markets, including retailers in the Health and Beauty sector, is seeking a Design Engineer. As a ...

Design Engineer

Dalton, GA · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Creative Plastics, a designer, and manufacturer of award winning, quality displays for a variety of markets, including retailers in the Health and Beauty sector, is seeking a Design Engineer.As a ...

Design Engineer: Concept engineering and feasibility study for exterior trim components. Design and ... Specialize in metals and plastic molding processes. Define and maintain craftsmanship ...

Plastics background in injection molding Plastic Part Design-Consumer Packaging/Medical Device a plus * CAD design software: Pro Engineer, Creo, Solidworks, Catia, etc. * Analysis software: Moldflow ...

Showing results 41-60

Plastic Design Engineer information

See salary details

$35K

$94.9K

$122.5K

How much do plastic design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastic design engineer in the United States is $94,938.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $118,000.00 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.
More about Plastic Design Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Plastic Design Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Plastic Design Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Plastic Design Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Plastic Design Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Plastic Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,938 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Design Engineer

Wastequip Inc

Statesville, NC • On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 hours ago


Wastequip rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

274th of 499 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

## Design EngineerApplylocations: Statesville, NC: Charlotte, NC: Kannapolis, NCposted on: Posted 30+ Days Agojob requisition id: R-100910**Job Description:**Job Description – Plastics Design Engineer Wastequip has a great opportunity for a Design Engineer to join our Container Engineering group. This role will sit in Statesville North Carolina manufacturing facilities.This individual will design waste containers and associated products in accordance with customer requirements and company standards. Included in the design process are responsibilities such as: performing design calculations, developing and releasing drawings and 3D models of new and revised products, and developing product specifications and BOMs, among other responsibilities.**\*This position can work out of our home office in Charlotte, NC with 15% travel****or out of our Statesville, NC facility.\*****Essential Duties and Responsibilities*** Design and develop new products considering manufacturability and cost effectiveness.* Assist/Create business case to support capital investments into new products* Produce Sales drawings for customer visual aids and marketing materials* Produce production drawings and specifications* Create complete Bills of Material (BOMs)* Maintain product data & documentation within Vault & ERP system* Lead projects to align product data from multiple Business Units.* Conduct research and create design concepts/proposals for projects.* As required, use AutoCad (2D) & Inventor (3D) for designs.* Travel to Wastequip production & office facilities to evaluate product and receive training.**Qualifications*** Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering or equivalent* Design experience in AutoCAD/Inventor* Minimum of (2) years of work experience in a manufacturing operation, preferably one involving rotomolding or injection molding* Experienced in using Finite Element Analysis is a plus* Knowledge of Machining, Welding, Fabrication and/or Waste Industry experience a plus* Must possess an attitude of safety in all aspects of the job* Must possess technical, problem solving, and analytic skills with ability to think strategically* Ability to communicate effectively* Ability to achieve successful results within deadlines* Must be teamwork oriented**Company Benefits:**• 2 Medical Plan Options - Base HSA (High Deductible) and Buy-UpMedical Plans• Prescription (Rx) Insurance• Health Savings Account (HSA)• 2 Dental Plan Options - Base Dental and Buy-Up Dental Plans• Vision Insurance• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA’s)• Health Care FSA• Dependent Care FSA• Company Paid Base Life Insurance• Company Paid Accident, Death & Dismemberment Insurance• Company Paid Business Travel Accident Insurance• Company Paid Disability Insurance Short-Term Disability (STD) and Base Long-Term Disability (LTD)Insurance• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)• Voluntary Hospital, Accident & Critical Illness (Cancer) Insurance• 401(K) Retirement Plan with 50% Company Match• Voluntary Pet Insurance• Vacation and Personal/Sick Time• Paid Grandparent Leave• Paid Bonding Leave• Adoption Assistance• Education Assistance (Tuition Reimbursement) #J-18808-Ljbffr

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