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Plastic Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Process Engineer

Wytheville, VA · On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

Bachelor's degree in industrial, Chemical, Plastics, Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering is preferred. * Possess an understanding of blends and how resin is produced from other manufacturers.

Process Engineer II

Winchester, VA · On-site

$39.44 - $59.17/hr

The incumbent will leverage their engineering expertise and problem-solving skills to drive ... Plastics processing and/or extrusion experience. * Formal problem-solving training, such as Kepner ...

Process Engineer II

Winchester, VA · On-site

$82K - $123K/yr

The incumbent will leverage their engineering expertise and problem-solving skills to drive ... Plastics processing and/or extrusion experience. * Formal problem-solving training, such as Kepner ...

Process Engineer II

Winchester, VA · On-site

$82K - $123K/yr

The incumbent will leverage their engineering expertise and problem‑solving skills to drive ... Plastics processing and/or extrusion experience. * Formal problem‑solving training, such as ...

A Bachelor of Science Degree in an engineering discipline * 8+ years of experience in manufacturing ... Plastics processing and/or extrusion experience. * Formal problem-solving training, such as Kepner ...

Process Engineer III

Winchester, VA · On-site

$98K - $147K/yr

A Bachelor of Science Degree in an engineering discipline * 8+ years of experience in manufacturing ... Plastics processing and/or extrusion experience. * Formal problem-solving training, such as Kepner ...

Process Engineer III

Winchester, VA · On-site

$98K - $147K/yr

A Bachelor of Science Degree in an engineering discipline * 8+ years of experience in manufacturing ... Preferred * Plastics processing and/or extrusion experience. * Formal problem-solving training ...

Process Engineer III

Winchester, VA · On-site

$47.33 - $71/hr

A Bachelor of Science Degree in an engineering discipline * 8+ years of experience in manufacturing ... Plastics processing and/or extrusion experience. * Formal problem-solving training, such as Kepner ...

What We are Seeking - BS in Mechanical Engineering with 3+ years of manufacturing experience preferably in the plastics industry. - A history of successful Project Management skills resulting in on ...

The Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and supporting manufacturing ... extrusion, plastics, chemical processing, or advanced manufacturing preferred. * Hands-on ...

Quality Engineer

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

Quality Engineer Full-time Regular 4484- Plastics Mfg Virginia Beach, VA, US 9 days ago Requisition ID: 1600 Salary Range: $70,000.00 To $110,000.00 Annually Who We Are : IMS Gear is a global ...

Plant Engineer

Hopewell, VA · On-site

$87K - $98K/yr

From lipids for tomorrow's medicines, biosurfactants for green detergents, additives for plastics ... The Plant Engineer is responsible for providing day-to-day technical support to plant operations ...

Plant Engineer

Hopewell, VA · On-site

$87K - $98K/yr

From lipids for tomorrow's medicines, biosurfactants for green detergents, additives for plastics ... Plant Engineer is responsible for providing day-to-day technical support to plant operations ...

From lipids for tomorrow's medicines, biosurfactants for green detergents, additives for plastics ... The Plant Engineer is responsible for providing day-to-day technical support to plant operations ...

Plant Engineer

Hopewell, VA · On-site

$87K - $98K/yr

From lipids for tomorrow's medicines, biosurfactants for green detergents, additives for plastics ... The Plant Engineer is responsible for providing day-to-day technical support to plant operations ...

Quality Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$62K - $80K/yr

Knowledge of plastic materials a plus * Practitioner of scientific method * Proficient knowledge of ISO based Quality Management Systems. * Mechanical engineering experience preferred * Knowledge of ...

Showing results 21-40

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:

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.

Process Engineer

Wytheville, VA • On-site

Lane Enterprises Inc
Construction • 51 - 200 employees

$80K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop, implement, and support manufacturing processes and equipment to ensure process repeatability, product quality, labor efficiency, and cost attainment.

  • Identify productivity improvement opportunities, review equipment conditions, and work with plant teams to develop and execute improvement plans.

  • Create and maintain standard operating procedures, technical work instructions, and lead continuous improvement initiatives.


Lane Enterprises rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description:

Lane Enterprises is excited to welcome a Process Engineer to their team! As a Process Engineer you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and supporting new and existing manufacturing processes and equipment that ensure process repeatability, product quality, labor efficiency, and cost attainment. 


From generous benefits, including bonus opportunities and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), to great employee retention, this is a fantastic opportunity to join a thriving organization!

Benefits: Lane offers a generous benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Pension plan, Flexible Spending, Company paid Life Insurance, Voluntary Life Insurance, ESOP opportunity, and a generous bonus incentive plan.


Essential Responsibilities:

  • Increases production efficiencies by identifying productivity improvement opportunities and working with plants to implement these opportunities.
  • Create Preventative Maintenance program and provide project management for effective implementation of optimized processes and equipment.
  • Review the condition of existing manufacturing lines and work with the plant teams to develop and execute equipment/line improvement plans.
  • Support new production tooling runs and changeovers.
  • Train employees as needed.
  • Assist the plant teams in reviewing their equipment needs and helping to prioritize these needs for capital planning purposes.
  • In conjunction with the VP, Facilities Superintendent, manage key equipment installations.
  • Implement and maintain continuous improvement program and drive best practices through standardized processes.
  • Ability to train and drive a culture of continuous improvement methodology. In addition, leading and supporting the plants continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Lead groups to systematically problem solve and identify root causes and permanent corrective action for key manufacturing issues.
  • Develop standard operating procedures for key manufacturing processes.
  • Create technical work instructions for equipment.
  • Provide formal updates and reviews to HDPE Division Manager, on key projects, tooling runs, and improvement activities being implemented.
Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in industrial, Chemical, Plastics, Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering is preferred.
  • Possess an understanding of blends and how resin is produced from other manufacturers.
  • Proven experience in developing/optimizing equipment/process, in Plastics Manufacturing, specifically Extrusion, Vacuum forming, or Injection Molding.
  • Experience with different types of extruders and an understanding of the Extrusion process, a plus.
  • Clear understanding in the application of statistics, Design of Experiments (DOE), and root cause analysis.
  • Solid analytical & systematic problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to communicate at all levels of the organization.
  • Experience participating in equipment installations as a project contributor.
  • Proficient in MS Office.
  • Prior experience in plastic manufacturing software a plus (General Ledger, Finance, Parts Inventory).
  • Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer.
  • Subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting of objects up to 50 pounds; may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, and extreme noise when working at plant locations.
  • Ability to travel as needed to support plant requirements.
  • Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and strong mathematical aptitude.

Lane Enterprises is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)


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