ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Plastic Injection Molding Machine Operator Jobs in Illinois

Thunderbird Metals

Machine Operator - Plastics

Elgin, IL · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Machine Operator - Plastics Position Overview The Machine Operators maintain the operation of injection molding equipment. This includes but is not limited to assembly of components, inspection of ...

Thunderbird LLC.

Machine Operator - Plastics

Elgin, IL · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Machine Operator - Plastics Position Overview The Machine Operators maintain the operation of injection molding equipment. This includes but is not limited to assembly of components, inspection of ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsPlastic Injection Molding Machine Operator JobsPlastic Injection Molding Machine Operator Jobs in Illinois

Plastic Injection Molding Machine Operator information

What is a plastic injection molding machine operator?

A Plastic Injection Molding Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring injection molding machines used to produce plastic parts. They ensure machines run efficiently, troubleshoot issues, perform quality checks, and maintain a clean work environment. Operators may also adjust machine settings, replace molds, and inspect finished products for defects. Their role is essential in manufacturing industries that produce plastic components for automotive, medical, and consumer goods.

What does a plastic injection molding machine operator do during a typical shift?

As a Plastic Injection Molding Machine Operator, your typical shift will involve setting up and monitoring injection molding machines, inspecting finished products for quality, and performing minor equipment maintenance as needed. You will often work on your feet for extended periods in a manufacturing environment and may rotate between day, evening, or overnight shifts depending on the employer. Teamwork is important, as you'll frequently collaborate with supervisors, quality control personnel, and other machine operators to meet production goals. Staying vigilant and responsive to machine alarms or quality issues is a key part of the daily routine.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plastic injection molding machine operator?

To thrive as a Plastic Injection Molding Machine Operator, you need a good understanding of machine operation, mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industry-standard molding machines, quality inspection tools, and safety protocols, as well as certificates in manufacturing or machine operation, are often advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help individuals excel in this role. These abilities ensure efficient production runs, high-quality products, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Plastic Injection Molding Machine Operator jobs in Illinois?

For Plastic Injection Molding Machine Operator jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Plastic Injection Molding Machine Operator jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Plastic Injection Molding Machine Operator jobs in Illinois are:

Plastic Injection Molding Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastic Injection Molding Machine Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Project Engineer - Plastic Injection Molding

Sterling Engineering Inc.

South Elgin, IL • On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Job Description
Title: Project Engineer - Plastic Injection Molding
Location: South Elgin, IL
Pay Rate: $100,000-135,000 + bonus structure
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Comprehensive Benefits Package including:
Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
Matching 401k up to 6% with Safe Harbor
Several paid company days off in addition to paid holidays and PTO
Yearly compensation increases

This is a hands-on opportunity for an engineer with plastics and injection molding experience who enjoys solving complex design challenges, coordinating multiple stakeholders, and seeing projects move from concept to finished production. You’ll have significant exposure to tooling design, mold development, prototyping, customer engineering, material selection, and manufacturing process improvement, with opportunities to work on both domestic and international projects.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead new program development from initial quotation through production.
  • Serve as a primary engineering contact for customers and tooling suppliers.
  • Analyze customer prints and tooling quotation requests and prepare tooling quotations.
  • Procure tooling and coordinate the design and build process.
  • Ensure new tooling is designed and built to support robust, reliable manufacturing processes.
  • Conduct design reviews and preliminary tool reviews with cross-functional teams.
  • Place tooling purchase orders and monitor supplier progress, quality, timing, and compliance with agreed designs.
  • Conduct pre-sampling and post-sampling meetings with project teams.
  • Partner with Sales on technical design projects, including prototyping and design recommendations.
  • Support metal-to-plastic conversion projects and identify opportunities created through product design changes.
  • Develop piece-part designs and identify qualified sources for design, tooling, and prototyping activities.
  • Perform mold simulation analysis using Moldex3D.
Qualifications
  • Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Plastics Technology, or a related field or equivalent professional experience.
  • Must have at least 3–5 years of plastic injection molding experience.
  • Strong computer skills, including CAD—preferably SolidWorks but open to other design software
  • Broad understanding of plastic materials, including PP, ABS, Acetal, and Nylon.
  • Ability to manage projects, coordinate with multiple stakeholders, and follow through on deadlines.
  • Willingness and ability to travel a couple of times a year domestically and internationally when required (Italy, Mexico, China).
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Apply