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Plastic Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Scout Motors

Plastics Material Engineer

Novi, MI · On-site

Strong technical skills and expertise in plastics engineering, applicable to the interior and exterior of the vehicle, coupled with a 1st principles approach to problem solving. * Strong technical ...

Lucid Motors

Sr. Engineer, Closures Plastics

Southfield, MI · On-site

$95K - $131K/yr

Responsible for the design and development of automotive Closures plastic trim parts and assemblies ... Coordinate virtual engineering and physical validation testing activities for your designs.

PTI Engineered Plastics

Be Seen First

Manufacturing Automation Technician/Engineer

Macomb, MI · On-site

$83K - $107K/yr

If you understand the plastics industry and are mechanically inclined, and can work well with ... Verify technical data, CAD files, and engineering drawings for manufacturability and adherence to ...

Hyundai Motor Company

Materials Engineer

Superior, MI · On-site

Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, material science, plastics engineering technology, polymer science/engineering, rubber engineering technology, or a related field * Professional ...

Robroy Industries

Molding Process Engineer

Belding, MI

$88K - $114K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical, Chemical, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent relevant experience. Why Join Us * Competitive salary and full benefits package. * A career ...

Hyundai Motor Company

Materials Engineer

Ypsilanti, MI · On-site

Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, material science, plastics engineering technology, polymer science/engineering, rubber engineering technology, or a related field * Professional ...

Team 1 Plastics

Production Assistant

Albion, MI · On-site

$15/hr

Founded in 1987 by three young plastic-engineering entrepreneurs, Team 1 Plastics has grown into a highly automated, technology-driven organization known for its commitment to innovation, reliability ...

Robroy Industries

Molding Process Engineer

Belding, MI · On-site

$88K - $114K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical, Chemical, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent relevant experience. Why Join Us * Competitive salary and full benefits package. * A career ...

Mann

Lead Product Engineer

Portage, MI · On-site

Knowledge of plastics engineering,metal stamping and casting, or previous involvement in filtration projects a plus We offer * Competitive salary commensurate with experience. * Comprehensive ...

RXinsider LTD.

Process Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

Bachelor's in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial Engineering or similar Work Experience * 3-5+ years of professional experience in an equivalent role such as a Process Engineer

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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 15, 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.

SolidWorks Design Engineer - Automotive Interior Plastics & Trims

Imlay City, MI

Detroit Engineered Products
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Detroit Engineered Productsexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Design Engineer

We are seeking a skilled Design Engineer with expertise in interior injection molded plastics and interior trims to join our team in Imlay City, MI. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience using SolidWorks to design and develop automotive interior components.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Design and develop interior trim components (door panels, instrument panels, consoles, pillars, etc.) using SolidWorks.
  • Create and manage 3D models, detailed drawings, and BOMs for injection molded plastic parts.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (manufacturing, tooling, quality) to ensure design feasibility and cost-effectiveness.
  • Select appropriate plastic materials based on performance, cost, and aesthetic requirements.
  • Support tooling development and troubleshoot molding-related design issues (draft angles, wall thickness, gate locations, etc.).
  • Participate in design reviews and modify designs based on feedback from simulation, testing, or production.
  • Ensure designs meet dimensional tolerances, regulatory standards, and customer specifications.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
  • 3+ years of design engineering experience focused on automotive interior plastics and trims.
  • Expert proficiency in SolidWorks (advanced surfacing, sheet metal, and plastic features).
  • Strong understanding of injection molding design guidelines (shrinkage, undercuts, rib design, boss design, etc.).
  • Knowledge of interior trim joining methods (welding, adhesives, clips, screws).
  • Familiarity with GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis.
  • Ability to work onsite full-time in Michigan.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with Class A surface data and aesthetic part design.
  • Knowledge of low- or high-volume injection molding tooling.
  • Familiarity with FEA or mold flow analysis.
  • Understanding of automotive interior regulations (FMVSS, flammability, etc.).

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