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Plastic Engineering Technology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Plastics Engineer

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Engineering REPORTING TO: Director of Engineering MAKS Plastics, LLC is a rotational molding and ... Stay updated with industry trends and advancements in thermoforming technology * Ensure compliance ...

Senior Process Engineer

Mukwonago, WI · On-site

$102K - $132K/yr

Education and Experience Requirements * BS in Plastics Engineering Technology or equivalent * 5+ years of hands-on thermoplastics processing experience. * RJG Master Molder I/II strongly preferred.

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Plastic Engineering Technology information

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$53

How much do plastic engineering technology jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for plastic engineering technology in the United States is $32.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.24 and $38.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Plastic Engineering Technology vs Mechanical Engineering Technician?

AspectPlastic Engineering TechnologyMechanical Engineering Technician
CredentialsAssociate degree or diploma in Plastic Engineering TechnologyAssociate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Work EnvironmentPlastic manufacturing plants, labs, R&DManufacturing, maintenance, and testing facilities
Industry UsagePrimarily in plastics and polymer industriesBroader manufacturing sectors including plastics

Plastic Engineering Technicians focus on plastics-specific processes, materials, and product development, while Mechanical Engineering Technicians work across various mechanical systems. Both roles require technical education and support manufacturing, but Plastic Engineering Technology specialists have specialized knowledge in plastics, making them essential in plastics-focused industries.

What is Plastic Engineering Technology?

Plastic Engineering Technology is a specialized field focused on the design, development, and manufacturing of plastic products and materials. Professionals in this area work with various polymers to create goods ranging from packaging to automotive parts. They apply principles of engineering, chemistry, and material science to improve plastic properties, ensure product quality, and optimize manufacturing processes. Careers in plastic engineering technology can be found in industries such as automotive, medical devices, consumer products, and packaging.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Plastic Engineering Technologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plastic Engineering Technologist, you need a solid background in polymer science, materials engineering, and manufacturing processes, typically supported by a relevant degree or diploma. Familiarity with CAD software, injection molding machines, and quality control systems is commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this field. These competencies are vital for ensuring efficient production, maintaining product quality, and driving innovation in plastics manufacturing.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Plastic Engineering Technology, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Plastic Engineering Technology often encounter challenges such as staying up-to-date with rapidly evolving materials, navigating complex manufacturing processes, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Addressing these challenges typically involves ongoing professional development, close collaboration with cross-functional teams (such as R&D, quality assurance, and production), and leveraging industry-standard software and testing protocols. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as projects frequently require coordination across departments and with external suppliers.
More about Plastic Engineering Technology jobs
What states have the most Plastic Engineering Technology jobs? States with the most job openings for Plastic Engineering Technology jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Plastic Engineering Technology jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Plastic Engineering Technology jobs are:
Infographic showing various Plastic Engineering Technology job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,400 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Technical Service Engineer - Eng Plastics

LG Chem America, Inc.

Troy, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

LG Chem's Engineered Plastics portfolio contains products such as Polycarbonate, PBT, Polyamide and mPPO and TPEE. All Engineered Plastics are highly processable and can be manufactured in various colors. They are used in numerous areas such as automobiles, home appliances, IT devices, etc. Products that may resonate in everyday life include Automotive interiors (console, arm rest, dashboard items, door trim, switches), exteriors (front and rear lamp housing, spoiler, side mirror housing, bumpers, radiator grill) and engine compartment (engine cover, air intake manifold, cylinder head cover, etc) notebook or smartphone, interior compartments etc.

We are actively searching for a technical service/application development engineer to join our team based in Troy, MI. This is an individual contributor role and the incoming will work with a sales team to develop new customers for our Engineering Plastics.

What You’ll Be Doing

Essential Functions (include but are not limited to):

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Visit customer and introduce product to customers
  • Solution Partner Activity – consult with customers to provide solutions to issues or support product development
  • Develop product specifications – develop expertise with new materials and analyze market information to determine feasibility to develop tailored specifications for customers.
  • Investigate needs and provide actionable solutions for customers
  • Provide technical support by creating process guides and applying plastic and extrusion expertise to resolve customer issues
  • Develop and recommend innovative projects using insights from market research and material studies.
  • Provide technical reports and written materials to support product introduction and data evaluation
  • Conduct in-person or virtual seminars to train and support customers
  • Provide products recommendations based on customer needs
  • Plan product testing with internal or external test laboratories

Qualifications, Skills and Experience: What We’re Looking For

Education/Qualifications:

Bachelor or advanced degrees in relevant polymer fields such as Chemical engineering, polymer engineering, chemicals, etc. highly preferred

Requirements:

  • 5+years of experience in material development and market development at a plastic (Engineering thermoplastics resins) manufacturer (polymerization or compounding). Ideal candidates will have experience of technical service at plastic compounder) and/or experience of plastic analysis.
  • 5+years experience of material development or approval as engineer or technical manager at OEM or Tier 1 of automotive, home appliances or consumer products.
  • 5+years of experience in injection or processing of thermoplastics. Experience may include plastic post processing (paint, metal plating etc.)
  • This is an individual contributor role carrying out customer development activities while being a member of a larger team.
  • Strong communication and coordination skills.
  • Bilingual Spanish and English is desirable but not required.

Ideal Candidate

  • Proactive and self-driven, with a strong sense of ownership.
  • A clear and structured communicator who can build trust with stakeholders.
  • Highly organized, with the ability to synthesize and simplify complex information.
  • Solution-oriented and capable of driving improvements independently.
  • Skilled in use of PCs and related software (Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.)
  • Knowledge of SAP (ERP) system is preferred.

Personal competences & knowledge:

  • Confident and reliable interaction with all levels of the organization, customers and suppliers
  • Proactive, committed, and skilled in effective communication
  • Enhanced team performance through coaching, mentoring, and sharing expertise.
  • Curious spirit and ability to work independently under high pressure
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced matrixed environment
  • Self-starter with excellent organizational and time management skills
  • Strategic management competency: pro-actively identify problems, targets, relevant issues.
  • Skilled in data evaluation, strategic planning, forecasting, and process development
  • Strong knowledge of procedures and methodologies with ability to analyze, select appropriate approaches, and forecast risk and profit.
  • Interpret data trends to guide business decisions, identify requirements, and manage technical project delivery
  • Lead implementation of new projects and develop innovative solutions using existing technologies.
  • Ability to produce clear, thorough documentation with exceptional attention to detail
  • Strong team player with high social and cross-cultural competence
  • Quick learner with exceptional flexibility
  • Skilled at encouraging teamwork and a collaborative approach
  • Agile thinker with a positive attitude toward change and commitment to growth
  • Willingness to travel up to 50%