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Plastic Engineering Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Quality Engineer

Riverside, MO · On-site

$69K - $89K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Minimum 2-5 years of Quality Engineering experience in automotive manufacturing. * Strong working knowledge of plastic injection molding processes. * Experience with SPC, PFMEA, Control Plans, APQP ...

Quality Engineer

Riverside, MO · On-site

$69K - $89K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Minimum 2-5 years of Quality Engineering experience in automotive manufacturing. * Strong working knowledge of plastic injection molding processes. * Experience with SPC, PFMEA, Control Plans, APQP ...

Quality Engineer

Kansas City, MO

$80K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... that plastic injection molded components meet all customer, internal, and regulatory requirements. This role supports production, engineering, and suppliers by applying automotive quality tools ...

Senior Process Engineer (REQ865)

Saint Louis, MO · On-site +1

$98K - $127K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Engineering, or related technical discipline. * 7+ years of experience managing capital equipment projects within a plastics manufacturing environment. * Chemical manufacturing background.

Senior Process Engineer (REQ865)

Maryland Heights, MO · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Engineering, or related technical discipline. * 7+ years of experience managing capital equipment projects within a plastics manufacturing environment. * Chemical manufacturing background.

Principal Mechanical R&D Engineer

Hazelwood, MO · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... plastic components, and assemblies. Create, review, and release production-intent CAD models, assemblies, and engineering drawings using SolidWorks and applicable drafting standards, including GD&T.

Principal Mechanical R&D Engineer

Hazelwood, MO · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... plastic components, and assemblies. * Create, review, and release production-intent CAD models, assemblies, and engineering drawings using SolidWorks and applicable drafting standards, including GD&T.

Principal Mechanical R&D Engineer

Hazelwood, MO · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... plastic components, and assemblies. Create, review, and release production-intent CAD models, assemblies, and engineering drawings using SolidWorks and applicable drafting standards, including GD&T.

Lead Mechanical Engineer

Hazelwood, MO · On-site

$104K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... types of engineering activities which are generally considered within the realm of mechanical ... Support of plastic treatment characterization, qualification, and long-term performance * Drive ...

Lead Mechanical Engineer

Hazelwood, MO · On-site

$102K - $123K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... types of engineering activities which are generally considered within the realm of mechanical ... Support of plastic treatment characterization, qualification, and long-term performance * Drive ...

Lead Mechanical Engineer

Hazelwood, MO · On-site

$102K - $123K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... types of engineering activities which are generally considered within the realm of mechanical ... Support of plastic treatment characterization, qualification, and long-term performance * Drive ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Union, MO

$68K - $92K/yr

Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance of plastic containers with engineering design and performance specifications * Research, design, evaluate, and ...

Lead Mechanical Engineer

Hazelwood, MO · On-site

$104K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... types of engineering activities which are generally considered within the realm of mechanical ... Support of plastic treatment characterization, qualification, and long-term performance * Drive ...

Showing results 41-60

Plastic Engineering information

See Missouri salary details

$34.2K

$61.2K

$101.8K

How much do plastic engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 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:

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.

Mechanical Engineer II

Hunter Engineering Company

Bridgeton, MO

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Hunter Engineering Company rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 490 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Looking to build your career with a company that values innovation, stability, and people? Join our dedicated team as a R&D Engineer II - Mechanical, in Bridgeton, MO!

Since 1946, Hunter Engineering has been aligning cutting-edge technology with a strong commitment to quality. As a family-owned, American-made company, Hunter is the global leader in automotive service equipment, with our products used in over 130 countries by top vehicle manufacturers, tire companies, and service centers.

We’re proud to be recognized as a Best Places to Work finalist by the St. Louis Business Journal for five consecutive years (2022 – 2026) – a testament to our commitment to our people. Here, employees are supported, challenged, and take pride in their work. We offer exceptional benefits, a healthy work-life balance, and meaningful opportunities for professional growth.

If you’re ready to join a team that’s shaping the future of automotive service, read on.

As a R&D Engineer II - Mechanical, you will develop mechanical components and subsystems through the process of investigation, specification development, design, analysis, and testing.

What You’ll Do:

  • Design, develop, and test new products for the Automotive Service Industry
  • Achieve reliable function that satisfies project scope criteria through the selection of parts, materials, and manufacturing processes
  • Validate concepts through analysis and testing including design of test fixtures and special instrumentation where necessary
  • Design parts and assemblies consisting of sheet metal, weldments, machined parts, castings, plastics, sensors, and electronics
  • Collaborate with other functional groups to meet project deliverables
  • Core contributor with the ability to lead smaller projects
  • Occasional travel to manufacturing and customer sites required (<10%)
  • Additional duties as assigned

What You’ll Bring:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar field.
  • 5+ years machine design experience.
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills
  • Must be a proactive, creative self-starter, & proficient with CAD (Creo preferred).
  • Preferred to have design experience with the following:
    • Sheet metal
    • Weldments
    • Mechanisms
    • Machined parts
    • Tooled components
    • Hydraulics
    • System integration
    • Structure analysis
    • Material Selection
    • Heat treatment
    • Patent experience
    • GD&T
  • General knowledge of vehicles and their suspension systems is helpful.

What We Offer:

  • Industry-Leading Healthcare Coverage
  • Profit-Sharing Plan with Safe Harbor Contribution
  • Generous Paid Time Off & Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Free Onsite Fitness & Recreation Center

Join us in our mission to ‘Align People and Innovation to Drive Excellence!’

  • Make Lives Better Together
  • Take Pride in the Extraordinary
  • Define the Standard

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