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Plastic Engineering Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Jobgether

Our partner is looking for a Regional Product Manager - Engineering Plastics based in Netherlands. This is a high-impact commercial leadership role with responsibility for an engineering plastics ...

Pretium Packaging

Process Engineer

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$90K - $130K/hr

Bachelor's or associate's degree in mechanical/plastics engineering or related field. * Reheat blow process and automation experience * Experience with the following manufacturers of machinery: Aoki ...

Charles Industries, LLC.

Manufacturing Engineer

Canton, MO · On-site

$71K - $91K/yr

A bachelor's degree in engineering, plastics engineering, or a related field is preferred. * Minimum of 3 years of engineering or manufacturing experience, preferably with a background in ...

Charles Industries, LLC.

Manufacturing Engineer

Canton, MO · On-site

$71K - $91K/yr

A bachelor's degree in engineering, plastics engineering, or a related field is preferred. * Minimum of 3 years of engineering or manufacturing experience, preferably with a background in ...

Pretium Packaging

Process Engineer

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

Bachelor's or associate's degree in mechanical/plastics engineering or related field. * Reheat blow process and automation experience * Experience with the following manufacturers of machinery: Aoki ...

US Farathane

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Riverside, MO

$106K - $132K/yr

US Farathane has been a leading source of plastics manufacturing, supplying the automotive industry ... Lead and manage daily activities of the engineering department, including manufacturing, process ...

USF

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Riverside, MO · On-site

$106K - $132K/yr

US Farathane has been a leading source of plastics manufacturing, supplying the automotive industry ... Lead and manage daily activities of the engineering department, including manufacturing, process ...

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All JobsPlastic Engineering JobsPlastic Engineering Jobs in Missouri

Plastic Engineering information

See Missouri salary details

$34.2K

$61.2K

$101.8K

How much do plastic engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastic engineering in Missouri is $61,219.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $74,600.00 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 Missouri are hiring for Plastic Engineering jobs?

Cities in Missouri with the most Plastic Engineering job openings:

Plastic Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastic Engineering job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,219 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Sr. Design Engineering Manager

Jefferson City, MO • On-site

American Plastics
See more jobs at American Plasticsexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Full-time

Description

American Plastics, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative plastic-injection molded products for the household & garage storage and commercial cleaning end-markets.

We are seeking a skilled Sr. Design Engineer specializing in plastics to join our team at our Innovation Center, in Jefferson City, MO. This position will lead a team of  design engineers  and  will be responsible for designing and developing plastic components and products, ensuring functionality, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness. The role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, utilizing CAD software, and staying updated on industry trends and technologies. This position will report to the Vice President of Engineering.

· Product Design: Conceptualize, design, and develop plastic components and products according to project requirements, considering factors such as functionality, aesthetics, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.

· CAD Modeling: Utilize CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) to create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings of plastic parts and assemblies.

· Prototyping: Oversee the prototyping process, including selecting appropriate materials, collaborating with prototype technicians, and validating designs for fit, form, and function.

· Material Selection: Evaluate and select suitable plastic materials based on performance requirements, environmental factors, and cost considerations.

· Design Optimization: Continuously improve designs for efficiency, performance, and cost reduction through analysis, simulation, and testing.

· Manufacturability: Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are optimized for production processes such as injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming.

· Quality Assurance: Work closely with quality control teams to establish and implement quality standards for plastic components and products, ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

· Documentation: Prepare and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including technical drawings, specifications, and design change records.

· Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including product management, manufacturing, quality assurance, and procurement to achieve project goals and deadlines.

· Research and Innovation: Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in plastic design, and incorporate innovative solutions into product development processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or plastics Engineering

• Excellent at leading and developing a team

• Experience of hands-on injection molding experience a plus.

• 7 + Years experience with Product Design of plastic injection molded products

• SolidWorks knowledge.

• Experience with prototyping techniques and rapid iteration processes.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

• Effective communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work in cross-functional teams.

• Familiarity with design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles.

• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Strong communication skills.

If you are interested in joining the American Plastics team and want to work in a fast-paced, progressive environment, we want to hear from you. We offer a competitive salary, full benefit package including medical/dental, 401k, and paid vacation.

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