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Plastic Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

MAPMG

Plastic Surgeon

Mclean, VA · On-site

$510K/yr

Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery Specialist The Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group (MAPMG) is ... programming, and advancing best practices through research. What You Can Expect: * A broad ...

Canon Virginia, Inc.

Sr Engineer

Newport News, VA · On-site

$96K - $121K/yr

The Skills & Expertise You Bring- A Bachelor's degree in Polymer/Plastics Engineering or Mechanical Engineering and 8-12 years' experience in injection/blow molding field or tool design, including a ...

Canon Virginia, Inc.

Sr Engineer

Newport News, VA · On-site

$96K - $121K/yr

The Skills & Expertise You Bring- A Bachelor's degree in Polymer/Plastics Engineering or Mechanical Engineering and 8-12 years' experience in injection/blow molding field or tool design, including a ...

Canon Virginia, Inc.

Sr Engineer

Newport News, VA

$96K - $121K/yr

The Skills & Expertise You Bring- A Bachelor's degree in Polymer/Plastics Engineering or Mechanical Engineering and 8-12 years' experience in injection/blow molding field or tool design, including a ...

Optical Cable Corporation

Materials Engineer

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$59K - $99K/yr

This engineering position will lead the organization in managing the plastic materials and extrusion possessing technology in the plant. The engineer will lead the engineering department in material ...

New

Marmon

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$90K - $123K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or related field * 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience, ideally ...

Marmon

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$90K - $123K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or related field * 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience, ideally ...

Marmon

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Charlottesville, VA

$90K - $123K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or related field * 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience, ideally ...

Canon Virginia, Inc.

Sr Engineer

Newport News, VA · On-site

$96K - $121K/yr

The Skills & Expertise You Bring - A Bachelor's degree in Polymer/Plastics Engineering or Mechanical Engineering and 8-12 years' experience in injection/blow molding field or tool design, including a ...

Canon Careers

Sr Engineer

Newport News, VA · On-site

$96K - $121K/yr

... Polymer/Plastics Engineering or Mechanical Engineering and 8-12 years experience in injection/blow molding field or tool design, including a minimum of 2-4 years experience at CVI and/or CETI is ...

Australia-Employment

Process Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Degree in Plastics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; equivalent hands‑on experience considered. * Strong knowledge of thermoplastic materials, mold ...

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All JobsPlastic Engineer JobsPlastic Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Plastic Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$36.2K

$64.7K

$107.6K

How much do plastic engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastic engineer in Virginia is $64,706.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,100.00 and $78,800.00 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 Virginia are hiring for Plastic Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Plastic Engineer job openings:

Plastic Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastic Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,706 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Plastic Technician

Daleville, VA • On-site

ELDOR AUTOMOTIVE POWERTRAIN USA
See more jobs at ELDOR AUTOMOTIVE POWERTRAIN USAexternal

$21 - $24/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform mold and machine changeovers safely and efficiently while minimizing downtime.

  • Set up, start up, and optimize injection molding machines to achieve production and quality targets.

  • Troubleshoot processing, equipment, and tooling issues to minimize downtime and improve productivity.

Job description

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Eldor Corporation, our parent company in Orsenigo, Italy has remained a leading supplier of ignition system components for gas-powered vehicles for over 50 years. The US plant officially opened and produced its first products in 2018. With a local sales & technical office in Detroit, as well as our global “sister” companies - Eldor USA remains strongly positioned for continuous growth. 


Eldor Automotive Powertrain USA is looking for a Plastics Technician to join our Plastics department within our production facility located in Daleville, VA. 


ABOUT THE ROLE

The Plastics Technician is responsible for optimizing the performance of injection molding processes by ensuring equipment operates safely, efficiently, and consistently while producing quality parts that meet customer specifications. The Plastic Technician is responsible for supporting production through technical expertise, troubleshooting, continuous improvement, and adherence to safety and quality standards.


Daily Mission: 

  • Perform mold and machine changeovers safely and efficiently while minimizing downtime.
  • Set up, start up, and optimize injection molding machines to achieve production and quality targets.
  • Perform preventive maintenance activities on molds, tooling, and production equipment as assigned.
  • Troubleshoot processing, equipment, and tooling issues to minimize downtime and improve productivity.
  • Support production by responding promptly to machine alarms, process deviations, and equipment failures.
  • Follow all company safety policies, environmental requirements, and standard operating procedures.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area by actively participating in 7S activities and workplace organization initiatives.
  • Collaborate with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to achieve departmental goals.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.


Successful employees in this role typically have the following characteristics: Proactive, diligent, critical thinker & problem-solver, willing to learn and teach others.


ABOUT THE QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED

  • High School Diploma


Experiences Required:

  • Minimum1 year of work experience with plastic injection molding processes and equipment.
  • Ability to use Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and Visio. 
  • SAP experience preferred.


Technical Knowledge/Skills (Preferred):

  • Knowledge of construction of plastic injection molds, including hot runner systems.
  • General knowledge of maintenance systems (PM, TPM), electrical and electronics, PLC programming, Pneumatics, hydraulics, and mechanical systems.
  • Experience determining root cause and corrective action for quality defects (equipment, process, mold, etc.)
  • Ability to read and interpret part drawings with strong understanding of GD&T.
  • Ability to communicate and negotiate individually and as part of a team, Willing to learn new skills and teach others.
  • Ability to stand and/or walk for prolonged periods of time.


BENEFITS

  • Quarterly $ bonuses $
  • Health, dental, and Vision insurance + HSA options
  • Short/Long-Term Disability
  • 401K with employer match
  • Paid-Time-Off + Vacation Days
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Opportunities for advancement and professional development
  • A positive and supportive work environment
  • Access to ONSITE Wellness benefits (Full Gym/Fitness center, Discounted YMCA membership) 
  • Potential for Relocation Assistance 







EOE – Equal Opportunity Employer.



Monday - Friday, Some Overtime (as needed)
4:00 PM - 12:00 AM