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Plastic Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Quality Engineer

Norfolk, VA

$69K - $90K/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 Quality ...

Experience with injection molding, plastic extrusion, metal casting, forging, or related ... A collaborative approach to solving complex engineering challenges. * Effective project management ...

The Project Engineer is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing injection molding projects from initial kickoff through production launch, ensuring alignment with customer requirements ...

Structural Engineer

Hopewell, VA · On-site

$76K - $114K/yr

... plastics, solvents, packaging, paints, coatings, adhesives, and electronics. Our reliable and ... We are seeking a Structural Engineer to join the capital projects engineering team at AdvanSix.

The Project Engineer is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing injection molding projects from initial kickoff through production launch, ensuring alignment with customer requirements ...

The Project Engineer is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing injection molding projects from initial kickoff through production launch, ensuring alignment with customer requirements ...

Controls Engineer

Franklin, VA · On-site

$80K - $104K/yr

The Controls Engineer reports to the Engineering and Maintenance Manager. Location: Franklin, IN ... Knowledge of discrete manufacturing processes (especially plastics) * Experience with SCADA/MES and ...

Experience with injection molding, plastic extrusion, metal casting, forging, or related ... A collaborative approach to solving complex engineering challenges. * Effective project management ...

Mechanical Engineer

Winchester, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Job Category Mechanical Engineer, Technical Expertise, Industrial Knowledge * Employee Type FT ... and plastic belting for straight running, turn-curve, lotension, and self-stacking spirals ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

$69K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 5 hours ago


Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated, hands on and detail-oriented Quality Engineer to join our team. This role is responsible for developing, optimizing, and maintaining manufacturing processes to ensure high-quality production of single use supplies including medical device components. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment, with a strong background in process engineering, lean manufacturing, and quality systems within a regulated industry.

Essential Functions: Knowledge and experience with quality tools, such as CAPA, six sigma, lean manufacturing, PPAP, FMEA, problem solving techniques, and root cause analysis. Participate in APQP and NPI activities Lead, document, and track FMEAs Responsible for coordinating suppliers and verifying quality standards in accordance with industry and customer requirements Develop and implement supplier management programs Identify technical problems as well as cost reductions with suppliers Manage Supplier corrective actions Provide quality support in all aspects of the Product Life Cycle (design & development, qualification, testing, release to production and release to customer) Conduct quality investigations (CAPA and NCR) and Material Review Board (MRB) Coordinates activities between cross-functional teams in support of FRACAS (Failure Reporting and Corrective Action System). Drives root cause corrective actions (RCCA) for quality issues Utilizes and implements systematic RCCA and Six Sigma methods, tools, and techniques.

Supports 3rd party, customer, internal and external audits Supports inspection and ensures compliance of engineering (formal and dry run) verification, acceptance, and qualification tests Define Quality Standards, Identify Critical to Quality (CTQ) requirements and apply Key Process Indicators Develops Quality Assurance Plans with the participation of cross-functional teams. Position requires allocation of varied assignments, projects, challenges and other tasks as assigned. Authors validation protocols and reports Skills & Abilities Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and create project plans.

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from the customer and/or management. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. To be considered you'll need: Bachelor's Degree and minimum 4 years of prior relevant experience.

Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior related experience. Knowledge of plastic materials a plus Practitioner of scientific method Proficient knowledge of ISO based Quality Management Systems.

Mechanical engineering experience preferred Knowledge of Quality Engineering and Advanced Quality principles (Six Sigma methodology, Root Cause/Corrective Action, DMAIC, Design for Manufacturability). Proficient in understanding of engineering drawings, documentation, including dimensioning, and tolerance. Experience working with project management and interfacing with customers.

You will thrive if you: enjoy an autonomous work environment. have a LEAN mindset. are the first person to help.

seek out opportunities to bring added value. Company Benefits & Perks 401K Health Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision Wellness Program Life Insurance Corporate Sponsored Events Skill growth opportunities Short Term Disability Ability to Advance Working with energetic & creative problem solvers A mission worthy of your energy and expertise Applicants for this position must successfully pass background, drug screen and reference check. It is impossible to list every requirement for, or responsibility of, any position.

Similarly, we cannot identify all the skills a position may require since job responsibilities and the Company's needs may change over time. Therefore, the above job description is not comprehensive or exhaustive. The Company reserves the right to adjust, add to or eliminate any aspect of the above description.

The Company also retains the right to require all employees to undertake additional or different job responsibilities when necessary to meet business needs.