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Plastic Injection Mold Designer Jobs in California

Plastic Injection Mold Maker

Harbor City, CA ยท On-site

$17.81 - $25/hr

... for a Plastics Injection Mold "Mold Maker". Essential Functions: Design/Build/Repair tooling ... work with designers, technicians, engineers, and production personnel. Responsible for the ...

Be Seen First

Set up and operate plastic injection molding machines, ensuring optimal performance and product quality. * Monitor machine operation throughout production runs, making adjustments as needed to ...

Plastic Injection Mold Maker (Los Angeles) EZONYX BIO TECHNOLOGIES, Inc We are a dynamic technology start-up currently developing more than 100 innovative products and inventions with multiple ...

Plastic Injection Mold Maker (Los Angeles) EZONYX BIO TECHNOLOGIES, Inc We are a dynamic technology start-up currently developing more than 100 innovative products and inventions with multiple ...

Injection Mold Operator

CA ยท On-site

$20 - $24/hr

... designs and engineering marvels worldwide, from the Fountains of Bellagio to the awe-inspiring ... Plastic Injection Molding Machines. Operate 77, 275 and 750 ton machines to produce high quality ...

$20 - $24/hr

... designs and engineering marvels worldwide, from the Fountains of Bellagio to the awe-inspiring ... Plastic Injection Molding Machines. Operate 77, 275 and 750 ton machines to produce high quality ...

Be Seen First

This energetic leadership role is designed for a proactive, detail-oriented professional eager to oversee and optimize our plastics injection molding operations. As the key leader on the night shift ...

Mold Tech II

CA ยท On-site

$20.75 - $26.75/hr

Top 3-5 mandatory and/or minimum requirements * 1 to 3 years of hands-on experience in a tool room involving plastic injection mold repair or mold maintenance * Knowledge and understanding of mold ...

Mold Tech II

Foothill Ranch, CA ยท On-site

$33 - $34/hr

Tool making certificate working in die cast or plastic injection molding * 5 to 8 years of hands-on experience in a tool room involving plastic injection mold repair or mold maintenance. * 3 to 5 ...

Tool making certificate working in die cast or plastic injection molding * 5 to 8 years of hands-on experience in a tool room involving plastic injection mold repair or mold maintenance. * 3 to 5 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Plastic Injection Mold Designer information

See California salary details

$18

$33

$45

How much do plastic injection mold designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for plastic injection mold designer in California is $33.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.42 and $41.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a plastic injection mold designer do?

A Plastic Injection Mold Designer is responsible for creating the detailed designs and specifications for molds used in the plastic injection molding process. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to develop precise molds that ensure the efficient and accurate production of plastic parts. Their work involves understanding material properties, manufacturing processes, and collaborating with engineers and machinists to troubleshoot and improve mold designs. This role is crucial in industries like automotive, consumer goods, and medical devices where high-quality plastic components are required.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plastic injection mold designer?

To thrive as a Plastic Injection Mold Designer, you need strong CAD proficiency, knowledge of mold design principles, materials science, and a background in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with software like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation tools, as well as experience with manufacturing processes, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for creating efficient, cost-effective molds that meet client specifications and ensure high-quality production.

What are some common challenges faced by plastic injection mold designers in coordinating with manufacturing and engineering teams?

Plastic Injection Mold Designers often face challenges when translating design concepts into manufacturable molds that meet both engineering specifications and production efficiency goals. Effective communication with manufacturing and engineering teams is crucial, as design revisions may be needed to address issues like part tolerances, material selection, or tooling limitations. Designers must balance creativity with practicality, ensuring that molds are robust, cost-effective, and producible within the project's constraints. Regular collaboration and feedback loops help resolve potential conflicts and result in higher-quality outcomes.

What is the difference between Plastic Injection Mold Designer vs Plastic Mold Maker?

AspectPlastic Injection Mold DesignerPlastic Mold Maker
CredentialsTechnical degree or certification in mold design or engineeringTechnical training or apprenticeship in mold fabrication
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD software, collaboration with engineersManufacturing floor, machining, assembly of molds
Primary ResponsibilitiesDesigning mold components and layoutsBuilding and assembling molds based on designs

While both roles are essential in plastic injection molding, the Plastic Injection Mold Designer focuses on creating detailed mold designs using CAD software, whereas the Plastic Mold Maker physically constructs and assembles the molds based on those designs. The designer emphasizes planning and technical drawings, while the maker specializes in fabrication and assembly processes.

What cities in California are hiring for Plastic Injection Mold Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Plastic Injection Mold Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Plastic Injection Mold Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,576 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

Associate injection mold designer - Entry Level.

M.R. Mold & Engineering

Brea, CA โ€ข On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Utilize 3D CAD software to create technical drawings, mold assemblies, and component designs based on engineering specifications.

  • Assist senior mold designers with modifying existing mold designs, updating engineering change notices, and troubleshooting design challenges.

  • Maintain accurate project files, organize engineering documentation, and prepare bill of materials for tool room fabrication.


Job description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Associate Injection Mold Designer to join our engineering and manufacturing team. In this entry-level role, you will work closely with senior designers and engineers to translate product concepts into functional, manufacturable injection mold designs. This position is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate with a foundational background in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) to launch a career in the plastic injection molding industry and gain hands-on, practical engineering experience.

Key Responsibilities

• CAD Drafting & Modeling: Utilize 3D CAD software to create precise technical drawings, detailed mold assemblies, and component designs based on engineering specifications.

• Collaboration & Support: Assist senior mold designers with modifying existing mold designs, updating engineering change notices (ECNs), and troubleshooting design challenges.

• Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Learn and apply foundational principles of injection molding, including core/cavity separation, draft angles, gating, runner systems, and cooling line layouts.

• Documentation Management: Maintain accurate project files, organize engineering documentation, and prepare bill of materials (BOM) lists for tool room fabrication.

• Cross-Functional Communication: Interface with the tool room, production team, and quality department to review design feasibility and support the successful build and sampling of new molds.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Minimum of a 2-year Associate Degree or technical certificate focusing on CAD Design, Mechanical Drafting, Manufacturing Technology, or a closely related field.

• Technical Skills: Foundational proficiency in mainstream 3D modeling software (such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Creo, or NX) acquired through coursework or internships.

• Blueprints & Geometric Dimensioning: Solid understanding of technical drawing standards, blueprint reading, and a basic familiarity with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

• Core Competencies: Strong spatial reasoning, mathematical aptitude, and problem-solving skills with a high degree of attention to detail.

• Soft Skills: Eagerness to learn, strong communication skills, and a collaborative mindset suited for a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Preferred (But Not Required) Qualifications

• Prior internship, co-op, or hands-on experience in a machine shop or manufacturing environment. • Basic understanding of plastic materials, metallurgy, or manufacturing processes.

• Exposure to mold simulation software (e.g., Moldflow)

What We Offer

• Competitive entry-level salary and comprehensive benefits package (Medical, 401k).

• Opportunities for continuing education and advanced training in injection molding technologies.

• A clear path for career progression within our growing engineering


Company Description

M.R. Mold is known globally for its experience and expertise in the mold building industry. We have been building LSR and plastic injection molds since 1985. The company pays 75% of the employee's medical insurance and matching 401K donations at 10%. We value investing in our employees and helping them succeed and grow both personally and professionally. We'd love to have you join the M.R. Mold team.