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Plastic Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

TMC

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Plastics Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

The Plastics Engineer role involves expertise in understanding plastic materials, their properties ... Perform material analysis to assess plastic types and properties * Optimize processes to improve ...

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Midland-Marvel Recruiters

Plastics Engineer

Troy, MI

$80K - $130K/yr

Large plastic resins supplier has an excellent opportunity available in the Detroit, Michigan area for an Applications Development Engineer. Summary & Objectives This position is responsible for ...

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Manufacturing Plastics Process Engineer

Evart, MI · On-site

The Plastics Process Engineer is responsible for setting up, adjusting, and maintaining plastic ... Set up and start up plastic molding/extrusion machines and auxiliary equipment according to ...

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Manufacturing Plastics Process Engineer

Evart, MI · On-site

The Plastics Process Engineer is responsible for setting up, adjusting, and maintaining plastic ... Set up and start up plastic molding/extrusion machines and auxiliary equipment according to ...

fng

Manufacturing Plastics Process Engineer

Evart, MI · On-site

The Plastics Process Engineer is responsible for setting up, adjusting, and maintaining plastic ... Set up and start up plastic molding/extrusion machines and auxiliary equipment according to ...

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All JobsPlastic Engineer JobsPlastic Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Plastic Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$31.8K

$56.9K

$94.6K

How much do plastic engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastic engineer in Michigan is $56,885.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $69,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a plastic engineer do?

A Plastic Engineer specializes in designing, developing, and manufacturing products made from plastic materials. They work with various types of plastics to create items ranging from packaging and consumer goods to automotive parts and medical devices. Their responsibilities may include selecting the appropriate plastic material, optimizing manufacturing processes, ensuring product quality, and considering environmental impacts such as recyclability. Plastic Engineers often collaborate with other engineers and designers to innovate and improve plastic products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plastic engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plastic Engineer, you need a solid background in polymer science, material properties, and design engineering, typically supported by a degree in chemical, materials, or plastic engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, injection molding machinery, and relevant industry certifications like Six Sigma or PMP is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help distinguish top professionals in this field. These competencies ensure the development of high-quality, cost-effective plastic products and successful collaboration with manufacturing and design teams.

What are the typical challenges a plastic engineer faces when scaling up from prototype to mass production?

Plastic Engineers often encounter challenges when transitioning a design from prototype to large-scale manufacturing, such as material selection discrepancies, maintaining consistent quality, and optimizing mold design for efficiency. Balancing cost-effectiveness with durability and performance is crucial, as even minor design changes can have significant impacts on production time and expenses. Collaborating closely with design, production, and quality assurance teams helps address these challenges and ensures a smooth scale-up process.

What is the difference between Plastic Engineer vs Materials Scientist?

AspectPlastic EngineerMaterials Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Plastic Engineering, Polymer Science, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Physics
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, R&D labs, product design facilitiesResearch labs, academia, industrial R&D
Industry UsagePlastic product development, injection molding, extrusionMaterial development, testing, and analysis across various materials

Plastic Engineers focus on designing, developing, and testing plastic products and processes, often working directly in manufacturing settings. Materials Scientists study the properties and behaviors of various materials, including plastics, to innovate and improve materials across industries. While both roles require knowledge of polymers, Plastic Engineers are more application-oriented, whereas Materials Scientists are research-focused.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Plastic Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Plastic Engineer job openings:

Plastic Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastic Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,885 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Plastics Engineer

Detroit, MI • On-site

TMC
See more jobs at TMCexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

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Job description

The Plastics Engineer role involves expertise in understanding plastic materials, their properties, and processing techniques to optimize molding operations and ensure high-quality product outcomes. This position requires strong problem-solving skills and proficiency in managing the entire lifecycle of plastic material applications, from analysis through production.


This position is located in Alda, NE. Relocation package available.


Responsibilities

  • Perform material analysis to assess plastic types and properties
  • Optimize processes to improve molding efficiency and product quality
  • Apply molding techniques effectively across plastic manufacturing operations
  • Implement quality control measures to maintain high standards
  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to plastic processing and production

Preferred Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in plastics engineering
  • Demonstrated problem-solving capabilities

Company Description

Our Company
Throughout the housing industry, Jim Merrick was considered one of the three pioneers in the invention of automated housing machine tools. Starting with the invention of the Window Frame Clamp back in 1960, Merrick Machine Company, under the Triad brand name, has gone on to develop wood wall panel framing, steel stud framing, fastening, sub-component, and stair equipment and machines.

Over 50 years down the road, Merrick Machine Company is under the direction of Jim's grandson, Russ Merrick who oversees six different companies: Merrick Machine Co., Triad Fastener, FuTek Tooling (all in Alda, NE), and Triad Products Co. (Hastings, NE).