ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Plastic Engineering Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Way Engineering

Journeyman Plumber

Houston, TX · On-site

Way Engineering is a leading mechanical and plumbing contractor specializing in commercial air ... plastic solvent, soldering, and brazing. * Install piping systems including domestic water ...

Varsity Tutors

Structural Engineering Tutor

Pearland, TX · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain moment distribution, plastic analysis, seismic design principles, and load path analysis while preparing students for structural engineering courses, the PE examination, and ...

Varsity Tutors

Structural Engineering Tutor

Houston, TX · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain moment distribution, plastic analysis, seismic design principles, and load path analysis while preparing students for structural engineering courses, the PE examination, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPlastic Engineering JobsPlastic Engineering Jobs in Houston, TX

Plastic Engineering information

See Houston, TX salary details

$34.9K

$62.3K

$103.6K

How much do plastic engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastic engineering in Houston, TX is $62,327.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,300.00 and $75,900.00 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 near Houston, TX are hiring for Plastic Engineering jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Plastic Engineering job openings:

Plastic Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastic Engineering job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,327 per year, or $30 per hour.

Executive Director - Plastics Market Research & Analysis

Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

Houston, TX • On-site

$200 - $245/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Dow Jones rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 19 rated publishing

Job description

About the Role:

As Executive Director - Plastics Market Research & Analysis, you will be a member of the research leadership team responsible for developing and stewarding plastics market research and analysis. You will report to the Vice President of Research.

About the Team:

Dow Jones Energy delivers trusted price transparency, benchmarks, analytics, news, and insights across the global energy, chemicals, metals, and fuel supply value chains. Our offerings support institutional investors, analysts, and traders navigating spot, wholesale, and retail markets, as well as emerging segments tied to the global energy transition.

Through authoritative data, real-time intelligence, and deep market expertise, Dow Jones Energy enables financial professionals to mitigate risk and make high-stakes commercial decisions in volatile, fast-evolving global markets.

You Will:
  • Direct primary research focused on the global market coverage of commodity plastics (with an emphasis in polyolefins), recycled plastics and engineering resins
  • Acts as a liaison between Dow Jones Energy & external suppliers
  • Oversee the plastics price forecasting process and communicate key forecast messages internally and externally
  • Establish and maintain a reputation for plastics market expertise (HDPE, LLDPE, LDPE, PP, EPS, PC, ABS, Recycled Plastics) by overseeing and deploying subject matter experts to industry events, media opportunities, client engagements and internal functions
  • Build and maintain industry contact relationships across producers, consumers, traders, and the financial community
  • Ensure that the team follows Dow Jones Energy price discovery standards
  • Collaborate with sales personnel to identify new business opportunities for sales and consulting engagements
  • Coordinate market content for consulting projects and client development
  • Advise content leaders on research topics and ideas to improve existing weekly and monthly reports and strategic analyses
  • Develop market presentations and pursue opportunities to present information in client meetings and conferences
  • Actively market the plastics & engineering resins services
  • Contribute to Dow Jones Energy team dynamics to ensure consistent global coverage and analysis
  • Serve as a key stakeholder for marquee value chain events
You Have:
  • 15+ years’ plastics manufacturing and/or chemical industry experience, including market intelligence and/or strategic planning
  • Experience in managing 10+ direct reports & mentoring skip-level reports which includes highly experienced multi-disciplinary, market experts
  • The ability to identify and articulate core/essential issues within complex problems and deliver insights and solutions
  • Experience managing ambiguity with minimal direction
  • Strong MS Office suite, PowerBI, Spotfire and/or Tableau experience
  • Advanced knowledge of Excel manipulation including VBA scripting (Python knowledge a plus)
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
  • Chemical engineering, chemistry, business or, economics degree -OR- equivalent work experience (post-graduate academic work in a technical field such as PhD or master’s in data science chemical or petroleum engineering will be considered in lieu of experience)
Our Benefits
  • Comprehensive Healthcare Plans
  • Paid Time Off
  • Retirement Plans
  • Comprehensive Insurance Plans
  • Lifestyle programs & Wellness Resources
  • Education Benefits
  • Family Care Benefits & Caregiving Support
  • Commuter Transit Program
  • Subscription Discounts
  • Employee Referral Program

Learn more about all our US benefits

#LI-Hybrid

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. EEO/Disabled/Vets

Reasonable Accommodation

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application and/or interview process. If you need assistance or accommodation in completing your application or participating in an interview due to a disability, email us at talentresourceteam@dowjones.com. Please put \"Reasonable Accommodation\" in the subject line and provide a brief description of the type of assistance you need. This inbox will not be monitored for application status updates.

Please refer to the privacy notice at the bottom of this page for submitting any data access, deletion, or other data subject rights requests, where permitted under your local laws and regulations.

Business Area: Dow Jones - Energy Job Category: Data Analytics/Warehousing & Business Intelligence Union Status: Non-Union role Base Pay Range: $200,000 - $245,000

We’re committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation to attract top talent. This pay range reflects our good faith estimate for the role and may vary based on a candidate’s experience, skills, location, and other relevant factors.

For bonus-eligible roles, targets are determined based on multiple considerations, including market benchmarks and individual contributions.

For benefits-eligible roles, we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package covering health, retirement, wellbeing, and more, along with optional benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees.

Dow Jones is a global provider of news and business information, delivering content to consumers and organizations around the world across multiple formats, including print, digital, mobile and live events. Dow Jones has produced unrivaled quality content for more than 130 years and today has one of the world’s largest newsgathering operations globally.

It is home to leading publications and products including the flagship Wall Street Journal, America’s largest newspaper by paid circulation; Barron’s, MarketWatch, Mansion Global, Financial News, Dow Jones Risk & Compliance and Dow Jones Newswires. Dow Jones is a division of News Corp (Nasdaq: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV).

#J-18808-Ljbffr

What Dow Jones employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply