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Plastic Engineering Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

... Engineering Manager to lead metal fabrication of samples and all department jobs. This person will also need to utilize other techniques outside of metal including painting, wood, and plastics ...

Possess an Engineering Degree from an accredited university, Mechanical degree highly preferred ... Deep understanding of industry-specific processes including plastic injection molding, metal ...

Industrial or Mechanical Engineering preferred. • Related sourcing experience acquiring materials, components, and services preferred. • Experience with steel, aluminum, wood and/or plastics ...

Industrial or Mechanical Engineering preferred. • Related sourcing experience acquiring materials, components, and services preferred. • Experience with steel, aluminum, wood and/or plastics ...

Senior Sourcing Engineer

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

$142K - $143K/yr

Industrial or Mechanical Engineering preferred. • Related sourcing experience acquiring materials, components, and services preferred. • Experience with steel, aluminum, wood and/or plastics ...

Showing results 21-40

Plastic Engineering information

See Arkansas salary details

$30.2K

$54K

$89.7K

How much do plastic engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 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.
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.

Quality Engineer - Plastics Manufacturing - Base Salary to 88k/year - Little Rock, AR

AllSearch Professional Staffing

Little Rock, AR • On-site

$68K - $88K/yr

Full-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Quality Engineer - Plastics Manufacturing - Base Salary to 88k/year - Little Rock, AR

  • Our client is a well-established manufacturing organization seeking a Quality Engineer to serve as the primary quality resource on 2nd shift. This position will support quality systems, manufacturing quality initiatives, inspections, testing activities, root cause investigations, and continuous improvement efforts to ensure products consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements.
  • This is a hands-on, onsite position working 2nd shift, Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM, within a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities:

  • Support daily Quality Department activities and priorities on 2nd shift.
  • Assist with product containment activities and corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
  • Perform and support inspections, testing, measurements, and quality verification activities.
  • Develop, maintain, and improve quality standards, procedures, and documentation.
  • Audit and support Quality Management System (QMS) compliance with ISO 9001 requirements.
  • Monitor manufacturing quality performance and quality metrics.
  • Investigate product and process quality issues and support root cause analysis activities.
  • Document nonconformances, corrective actions, and quality improvement initiatives.
  • Assist with quality assurance goal setting and performance tracking.
  • Coordinate quality-related activities with internal departments and external service providers.
  • Support customer quality requirements and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Participate in new product development and manufacturing process improvement efforts.
  • Ensure quality deviations are documented and approved by appropriate stakeholders.
  • Assist with capital equipment projects, implementation activities, and commissioning efforts.
  • Track and report key quality metrics including PPM, scrap, process capability indices, and audit findings.
  • Prepare reports and communicate quality performance data to leadership and cross-functional teams.
  • Utilize statistical analysis tools to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
  • Perform destructive testing, burst testing, and failure analysis activities as required.

Qualifications:

  • 2+ years of Quality Engineering experience within a product manufacturing environment.
  • Experience supporting manufacturing quality, quality assurance, or quality control processes.
  • Understanding of Quality Control (QC) standards, methodologies, and continuous improvement practices.
  • Experience with measurement and inspection equipment including calipers, micrometers, CMMs, profilometers, or similar precision measurement tools.
  • Experience interpreting measurement accuracy, tolerances, and inspection requirements.
  • Knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and ISO 9001 requirements.
  • Experience performing root cause analysis and supporting corrective and preventive action (CAPA) initiatives.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP systems.
  • Ability to work onsite in a manufacturing environment with varying noise and temperature conditions.
  • Availability to work 2nd shift Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM.

Compensation:

  • Base salary in the 60k - 88k/year range.
  • Annual bonus opportunity up to 15% based on individual and company performance.
  • Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage.
  • 401k with company match.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and 12 paid holidays.
  • Employee discount programs and fitness membership assistance.
  • Educational assistance and professional development opportunities.
  • Career advancement opportunities within a stable manufacturing organization.

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