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Plastic Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Plastic Engineering preferred. * Laboratory/Quality Assurance experience of 2 years working in a manufacturing environment. * Must have ...

Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Plastic Engineering preferred. * Laboratory/Quality Assurance experience of 2 years working in a manufacturing environment. * Must have ...

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 ...

Bachelor's Degree in Plastic Engineering, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related field is preferred or at least 5 year's related experience in BOPP or plastic films ...

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 ...

Bachelor's Degree in Plastic Engineering, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related field is preferred or at least 5 year's related experience in BOPP or plastic films ...

Bachelor's Degree in Plastic Engineering, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related field is preferred or at least 5 year's related experience in BOPP or plastic films ...

Bachelor's Degree in Plastic Engineering, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related field is preferred or at least 5 year's related experience in BOPP or plastic films ...

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Plastic Engineering information

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$36.5K

$65.3K

$108.5K

How much do plastic engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastic engineering in the United States is $65,265.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $79,500.00 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.
More about Plastic Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Plastic Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Plastic Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Plastic Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Plastic Engineering jobs include:
Infographic showing various Plastic Engineering job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,265 per year, or $31.4 per hour.

Sr. Engineering Manager - Design

American Plastics LLC

Jefferson City, MO โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Job Type
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.
โ€ข Product Design: Conceptualize, design, and develop plastic components and products according to project requirements, considering factors such as functionality, aesthetics, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.
โ€ข CAD Modeling: Utilize CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) to create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings of plastic parts and assemblies.
โ€ข Prototyping: Oversee the prototyping process, including selecting appropriate materials, collaborating with prototype technicians, and validating designs for fit, form, and function.
โ€ข Material Selection: Evaluate and select suitable plastic materials based on performance requirements, environmental factors, and cost considerations.
โ€ข Design Optimization: Continuously improve designs for efficiency, performance, and cost reduction through analysis, simulation, and testing.
โ€ข Manufacturability: Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are optimized for production processes such as injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming.
โ€ข Quality Assurance: Work closely with quality control teams to establish and implement quality standards for plastic components and products, ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
โ€ข Documentation: Prepare and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including technical drawings, specifications, and design change records.
โ€ข Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including product management, manufacturing, quality assurance, and procurement to achieve project goals and deadlines.
โ€ข 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
โ€ข Bachelor's degree in mechanical or plastics Engineering
โ€ข Excellent at leading and developing a team
โ€ข Experience of hands-on injection molding experience a plus.
โ€ข 7 + Years experience with Product Design of plastic injection molded products
โ€ข SolidWorks knowledge.
โ€ข Experience with prototyping techniques and rapid iteration processes.
โ€ข Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
โ€ข Effective communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work in cross-functional teams.
โ€ข Familiarity with design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles.
โ€ข Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
โ€ข 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.