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Plastic Engineering Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

Varsity Tutors

Structural Engineering Tutor

Conway, AR · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain moment distribution, plastic analysis, seismic design principles, and load path analysis while preparing students for structural engineering courses, the PE examination, and ...

Trex Company

Process Engineer II

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

... plastic composites, ensuring efficient operation and adherence to quality standards. This role is a key member of our Engineering team RESPONSIBILITIES * Put safety first - Always! * Lead and foster ...

Trex

Process Engineer II

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

... plastic composites, ensuring efficient operation and adherence to quality standards. This role is a key member of our Engineering team RESPONSIBILITIES * Put safety first - Always! * Lead and foster ...

Trex Company

Manager, Controls Engineering

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$115K - $165K/yr

The Controls Engineering Manager will lead a team of controls engineers and technicians, set ... TREX], we take pride in being the largest recycler of plastic film in the country as well as caring ...

Trex

Manager, Controls Engineering

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$115K - $165K/yr

The Controls Engineering Manager will lead a team of controls engineers and technicians, set ... TREX], we take pride in being the largest recycler of plastic film in the country as well as caring ...

Snap-on Inc

Senior Design Engineer

Conway, AR · On-site

Including the design of plastic molded parts, metal castings, sheet metal, and assembly techniques. * Capable of performing engineering analysis to support designs, i.e. tolerance stack, FEA, flow ...

Koch Industries

Manufacturing Engineer

Paragould, AR · On-site

$67K - $86K/yr

... or plastics manufacturing * Experience with automation, conveyor & vision systems, and/or robotics * Experience initiating and/or executing engineering projects At Koch companies, we are ...

Snap-on Inc

Senior Design Engineer

Conway, AR · On-site

Including the design of plastic molded parts, metal castings, sheet metal, and assembly techniques. * Capable of performing engineering analysis to support designs, i.e. tolerance stack, FEA, flow ...

Snap-on Inc

Senior Design Engineer

Conway, AR

Including the design of plastic molded parts, metal castings, sheet metal, and assembly techniques. * Capable of performing engineering analysis to support designs, i.e. tolerance stack, FEA, flow ...

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All JobsPlastic Engineering JobsPlastic Engineering Jobs in Arkansas

Plastic Engineering information

See Arkansas salary details

$30.2K

$54K

$89.7K

How much do plastic engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastic engineering in Arkansas is $53,968.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,100.00 and $65,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is plastic engineering?

Plastic engineering is a specialized branch of engineering that focuses on the design, development, processing, and manufacturing of plastic materials and products. Professionals in this field work with various types of plastics, developing new materials, improving manufacturing processes, and creating innovative products for industries such as automotive, packaging, medical devices, and consumer goods. Plastic engineers also address challenges related to sustainability and recycling, aiming to make plastic products more environmentally friendly.

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, materials engineering, and manufacturing processes, typically supported by a degree in chemical or plastics engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, injection molding machinery, and quality control systems is essential in this field. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for excelling in complex project environments. These competencies ensure the development of innovative, high-quality plastic products and efficient manufacturing operations.

What are some common challenges faced by plastic engineers when working on new product development, and how are they typically addressed?

Plastic engineers often encounter challenges such as selecting the right polymer materials, ensuring manufacturability, and meeting strict quality and regulatory standards. These challenges are typically addressed by collaborating closely with material scientists, product designers, and manufacturing teams to select optimal materials and refine designs for specific applications. Engineers also conduct rigorous testing and simulations to predict performance and identify potential issues early in the development process. Ongoing professional development and staying updated with advancements in polymer technology are crucial for overcoming these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Plastic Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectPlastic EngineeringMechanical Engineering
CredentialsBachelor's in Plastic Engineering or related fieldBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentPlastic product design, manufacturing, and materials testingMechanical systems design, analysis, and manufacturing
Industry UsagePlastics manufacturing, automotive, packagingAutomotive, aerospace, industrial machinery
Common Search IntentPlastic Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering

Plastic Engineering focuses on the development, processing, and testing of plastic materials and products, often within manufacturing settings. Mechanical Engineering covers a broader range of mechanical systems and devices, including metals and other materials. While both fields involve design and manufacturing, Plastic Engineering specializes in plastics, making it more specific to industries like plastics production and packaging.

How do you become a plastic engineer?

To become a plastic engineer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in plastics engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships and developing skills in materials science, polymer processing, and CAD software can enhance job prospects; professional certifications may also be beneficial.

Is plastic engineering hard?

Plastic engineering can be challenging as it requires understanding material properties, manufacturing processes, and design principles. Success in the field often depends on strong problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and familiarity with tools like CAD software. It typically involves continuous learning and practical experience to master complex concepts.

What does a plastic engineer do?

A plastic engineer designs, develops, and tests plastic materials and products, focusing on improving their performance, durability, and manufacturability. They work with raw materials, manufacturing processes, and quality control, often using CAD software and testing equipment to ensure product specifications are met.
Plastic Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastic Engineering job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,968 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Category Manager - Plastic

Westrock Coffee

Alexander, AR • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Westrock Coffee rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

389th of 442 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Dynamic, self-motivated and results oriented leader with a proven record of generating and building relationships, managing projects from concept to completion, and demonstrating exceptional communication skills. Adaptable and transformational manager with an ability to develop opportunities that further establish organizational goals.
Job Duties:
  • Develop sourcing Category Management plans for Plastics Packaging (films, PP cups, lids, bottles, sleeves, shrink wrap) supporting food and beverage manufacturing. Analyze and calculate total cost of procurement and use category strategies to drive multi-year sourcing plans that maintain flat to down costs in inflationary and volatile resin markets.
  • Source and assess trustworthy and capable plastics packaging partners across domestic and international markets.
  • Develop and maintain supplier evaluation systems to ensure quality, price, delivery, sustainability, and service performance; conduct regular compliance and business reviews.
  • Create and deploy structured sourcing processes that drive Best Value supplier relationships and continuous improvement across the Global Sourcing organization.
  • Partner with packaging suppliers to reduce waste, improve recyclability, increase recycled content, and introduce higher quality or lower total cost packaging solutions.
  • Collaborate with Product Development and Packaging Engineering on innovation, new materials, and next-generation single-serve, RTD, and flexible packaging solutions.
  • Execute contracts, RFIs, RFPs, proposals, and supplier agreements ensuring commercial, legal, and technical compliance.
  • Interface with Global Sourcing Quality Assurance to ensure specifications, food-contact compliance, and sustainability standards are consistently met.
  • Support commercialization of New Product Development (NPD) projects in partnership with Sales and Operations teams.
  • Serve as liaison between Procurement and Manufacturing to ensure clear communication, forecast alignment, and supply continuity.

Attributes
  • Demonstrates superior interpersonal, coaching, and communication skills across all organizational levels.
  • Identifies opportunities to drive change, improvement, and innovation.
  • Provides honest, constructive, and timely feedback.
  • Celebrates success and recognizes contributions of others.

Accountability
  • Motivated, self-directed, and detail oriented.
  • Takes full responsibility for own actions and category outcomes.
  • Follows up personally and monitors progress to ensure commitments are met.
  • Holds self and suppliers accountable for performance and results.
  • Demonstrates strong decision-making skills and financial KPI management.
  • Exhibits strong attention to detail.

Communication
  • Ability to contribute to and execute a strategic vision for a Global Procurement organization.
  • Ability to effectively delegate and work with cross-functional teams.
  • Effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize workload.
  • Ensures information and ideas flow in all appropriate directions.
  • Shares information openly while respecting confidentiality.
  • Conveys information clearly and ensures understanding.

Teamwork
  • Experience working as both a member and leader of teams.
  • Works collaboratively toward shared goals.
  • Supports team objectives and successes.
  • Addresses conflict professionally and directly.
  • Collaborates effectively across functions.

Qualifications:
  • 8+ years of experience in Category Management, Procurement, or Supply Chain Management, preferably within food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods.
  • Bachelor's degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Engineering, or Business; advanced degree a plus.
  • Preferred professional certifications: CPSM, CPM, MCIPS, CPIM, PMP, APICS, ISM.
  • Experience with plastics packaging including films, rigid plastics, lids, cups, bottles, and sleeves.
  • Experience managing diverse supplier bases, contracts, risk, forecasting, and category strategies.
  • Strong computer skills including Word, Excel, Outlook, and NetSuite or similar ERP systems.
  • Ability to perform in a fast-paced, high-change manufacturing environment.
  • Strong financial acumen with understanding of P&L impact and cost drivers.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Vets / Disabled

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