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Plastic Engineering Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Founded in 1987 by three young plastic-engineering entrepreneurs, Team 1 Plastics has grown into a highly automated, technology-driven organization known for its commitment to innovation, reliability ...

Production Assistant

Albion, MI ยท On-site

$15/hr

Founded in 1987 by three young plastic-engineering entrepreneurs, Team 1 Plastics has grown into a highly automated, technology-driven organization known for its commitment to innovation, reliability ...

All engineering Plastics are highly processable and can be manufactured in various colors. It is used in numerous areas such as automobiles, home appliances, IT devices, etc. Products that may ...

All engineering Plastics are highly processable and can be manufactured in various colors. It is used in numerous areas such as automobiles, home appliances, IT devices, etc. Products that may ...

All engineering Plastics are highly processable and can be manufactured in various colors. It is used in numerous areas such as automobiles, home appliances, IT devices, etc. Products that may ...

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 ...

2nd Shift Material Handler

Albion, MI ยท On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Founded in 1987 by three young plastic-engineering entrepreneurs, Team 1 Plastics has grown into a highly automated, technology-driven organization known for its commitment to innovation, reliability ...

2nd Shift Material Handler

Albion, MI ยท On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Founded in 1987 by three young plastic-engineering entrepreneurs, Team 1 Plastics has grown into a highly automated, technology-driven organization known for its commitment to innovation, reliability ...

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Showing results 1-20

Plastic Engineering information

See Michigan salary details

$31.8K

$56.9K

$94.6K

How much do plastic engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastic engineering in Michigan is $56,885.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $69,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.
Infographic showing various Plastic Engineering job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,885 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Technical Service Engineer - Eng Plastics

LG Chem America, Inc.

Troy, MI โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 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%