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Plastic Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This position will focus on the development of various plastic components, with an emphasis on medical products. In this role you will work alongside a group of passionate engineers to create ...

Plastics Engineer

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Director of Engineering MAKS Plastics, LLC is a rotational molding and thermoforming ... plastic component supplier for the RV, Marine and Custom industries. Our products are diversified ...

Plastics Engineer

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Director of Engineering MAKS Plastics, LLC is a rotational molding and thermoforming ... plastic component supplier for the RV, Marine and Custom industries. Our products are diversified ...

Will serve as the technical expert for plastic part design and development on a multi-disciplinary Engineering team. Products include (but are not limited to) LED headlamps & fog lamps, LED signal ...

Plastics Engineer

Devens, MA · On-site

$75K - $105K/yr

Extrusion/Injection Molding Plastics Engineer Pay Range: $75,000 - $105,000 Employment Type: Full-Time/ Permanent Responsibilities * Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve productivity ...

We are looking for a Plastics Engineer to join McCLARIN Composites. Are you: * Someone who has a thorough understanding of the properties of different plastics and materials as well as polymer ...

Description Lead the development of new plastic injection tooling projects to meet a wide range of ... Train engineers at supplier plants in Asia to utilize new tooling materials and fabrication ...

We are looking for a Plastics Engineer to join McCLARIN Composites. Are you: * Someone who has a thorough understanding of the properties of different plastics and materials as well as polymer ...

We are looking for a Plastics Engineer to join McCLARIN Composites. Are you: * Someone who has a thorough understanding of the properties of different plastics and materials as well as polymer ...

Plastics Engineer

Troy, MI · On-site

$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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Plastic Engineer information

See salary details

$36.5K

$65.3K

$108.5K

How much do plastic engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastic engineer in the United States is $65,265.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $79,500.00 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.

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Cities with the most Plastic Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Plastic Engineer jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Plastic Engineer jobs?

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Infographic showing various Plastic Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,265 per year, or $31.4 per hour.

Junior Plastics Engineer

Manchester, NH • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

DEKA Research & Development is looking for a Junior Plastics Engineer with manufacturing exposure, to work as part of the growing team. This position will focus on the development of various plastic components, with an emphasis on medical products. In this role you will work alongside a group of passionate engineers to create innovative solutions that truly make a difference.
How you will make an impact as a Junior Plastics Engineer:
  • Provide direction and input to the development team as a plastics expert:
    • Plastics assembly process development
    • Transfer to high volume manufacturing
    • Manufacturing feasibility and design for manufacturing principles
    • Material selection
    • Prototype development
  • Source and lead external suppliers in areas including; plastic injection molding, tooling, assembly equipment and materials.
  • Work with internal and external manufacturing teams to develop robust manufacturing stations.
To be successful in this role as a Junior Plastics Engineer, you will need the following skills and experience:
  • Degree in Plastics, Manufacturing, or other related engineering discipline with plastics experience
  • Understanding of various plastic materials and rubbers, including medical grade materials
  • Practical experience with Plastic Molding, such as: Scientific injection molding experience, mold design experience, micro-molding experience, compression/transfer molding experience, LIM experience, familiarity with blow molding, familiarity with thermoforming techniques
  • Understanding in component assembly including prototype to high volume manufacturing, design of experiments, assembly fixture design, as well as documentation for assembly (Ops, IQ/OQ/PQs, PFMEAs)
  • Practical experience with plastics assembly methods including ultrasonic welding, laser welding and bonding techniques
  • Familiarity with medical device manufacturing requirements and testing for medical products preferred
  • Demonstrated Problem Solving Skills
  • Self-motivated & passionate
  • Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Must be highly motivated, focused on results and detail oriented
  • Must be able to work in an open group environment
  • Some travel may be required

About DEKA:
One hour from the beach, Boston, and the mountains, the historic Amoskeag Millyard once housed the largest textile mills in the world. It is now home to DEKA Research & Development, where we are taking the same innovation and cutting-edge technology into the modern age.
Behind DEKA's brick walls sits a team of professionals who strive to make a difference every day through thoughtful engineering, design, and manufacturing. Here at DEKA, some of the most innovative and life-changing products of our time are created, and new ideas are always welcome and explored.