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Plastic Engineering Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

... engineering. The engineer will work under the direct supervision of a manager and/or more experienced team members, to support the improvements in manufacturing quality, capacity, and stability ...

Technical degree (Plastics Engineering) or Equivalent Experience * 0-4 years of experience in an Engineering role supporting injection molding (tooling, quality, design, manufacturing, etc.

New

$70K - $90K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field. * Minimum of 3 to 7 years of experience in plastic injection ...

To learn more about playing for Team Amcor, visitwww.amcor.comILinkedInIGlassdoorIFacebook IYouTube Processing Engineer Manager - Plastics (RHB & SBM) Position Summary The Processing Engineer is ...

... Plastic Engineering department. The Injection Molding Engineer functions with a high degree of autonomy, and is responsible for developing processes for new products and optimizing existing ones to ...

Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field. (or equivalent experience) * 2-5 years of experience in plastics processing ...

Position Summary The Processing Engineer is responsible for optimizing and supporting all plastics processing operations related to reheat and blow and stretch blow molding for high‑quality food ...

This role requires a technically strong professional with an engineering background, preferably in Plastics or Materials Engineering, who can leverage deep knowledge of plastics materials ...

$120K - $130K/yr

Demonstrated engineering leadership experience, including supervising, coaching, and developing engineers and technical manufacturing employees. * Strong knowledge of plastic processing technologies ...

Four-year degree in Engineering or related discipline, preferably from an education institution specializing in Plastics Engineering, or equivalent experience * 5 years processing experience.

$123K - $127K/yr

Coordinating the engineering support of existing products and development of future products to ... Demonstrated extensive experience in detailed plastic part design and manufacturing. Required ...

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Plastic Engineering information

See Kentucky salary details

$31.7K

$56.7K

$94.2K

How much do plastic engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastic engineering in Kentucky is $56,685.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,100.00 and $69,000.00 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.

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Plastic Engineering jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Plastic Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Plastic Engineering job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,685 per year, or $27.3 per hour.
RXinsider LTD.
Marketing • 11 - 50 employees

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description

Engineer I is the entry level engineering position for manufacturing engineering. The engineer will work under the direct supervision of a manager and/or more experienced team members, to support the improvements in manufacturing quality, capacity, and stability through solving problems, developing solutions, and executing strategies. The position is intended to prepare engineers new to the medical device industry for advancement to the next level of Engineer II.

The Engineer I role is responsible for day-to-day production support, developing, maintaining and improving production processes. This role will be responsible for supporting and optimizing injection molding processes for plastic components used in manufacturing operations. This role ensures high-quality production, cost efficiency, and compliance with industry standards while driving continuous improvement initiatives.

  • Develop and validate injection molding processes for new and existing products.
  • Establish and maintain process parameters to ensure consistent quality and efficiency.
  • Implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement strategies.
  • Collaborate with tooling vendors for mold design, maintenance, and improvements.
  • Specify and procure injection molding machines, auxiliary equipment, and automation systems.
  • Participate in equipment development, provide support of User Requirement Specification (URS) creation, Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) and Site Acceptance Test (SAT) activities.
  • Troubleshoot tooling and equipment issues to minimize downtime.
  • Develop and maintain process documentation, including work instructions, process monitoring sheets and pFMEAs.
  • Conduct root cause analysis and corrective actions for defects and process deviations.
  • Provide support for CAPA (Corrective Action and Preventive Action), and NC’s (Non-conformances) efforts as assigned.
  • Ensure compliance with new QMSR and customer requirements.
  • Work closely with product development and design engineering to ensure manufacturability of plastic parts.
  • Act as subject matter expert for plastics engineering activities to support new product introduction (NPI) and participate in design reviews.
  • Provide technical guidance to production teams and train operators on best practices.
  • Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as cycle time, scrap rate, and efficiency.
  • Prepare reports and present findings to management for decision-making.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or other engineering discipline.
  • 0 years of experience required.
  • Proactive learner.
  • Strong knowledge of polymer materials and their properties.
  • Must have good interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Proficient in CAD, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Knowledge of scientific molding principles.
  • Certification in plastics engineering or related field.
Physical / Mental Demands

Working conditions are normal for an office environment.

Work may require weekend and evening work.

Work may require travel.

Physical activity includes sitting, walking, standing, bending, squatting, reaching above shoulders and lifting up to 40 pounds.

Work under stress in a fast-paced environment.

Must be alert, able to concentrate, and use good judgment.

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