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Plastic Injection Molding Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Proman Staffing

Injection Molding Technician

Hebron, IL · On-site

$27 - $34/hr

... to Process Engineers. · Train new/current technicians to increase machine knowledge. · Ensures ... Plastics injection molding: 3 years (Required) Shift availability: * Overnight Shift (Required ...

MILWAUKEE TOOL

... Engineer - Plastics is the technical authority for plastic injection molding process development ... This position focuses on process optimization, material performance in molding, molding parameters ...

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Plastic Injection Molding Process Engineer information

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How much do plastic injection molding process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastic injection molding process engineer in the United States is $92,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Plastic Injection Molding Process Engineer do?

A Plastic Injection Molding Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting the injection molding process used to manufacture plastic parts. They design process parameters, select appropriate materials, and ensure the quality and efficiency of production. These engineers collaborate with design, production, and quality teams to resolve technical issues, implement process improvements, and maintain consistent product quality.

Do process engineers make a lot of money?

Plastic injection molding process engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level engineers may start with lower wages, while experienced professionals with certifications and specialized skills can earn higher compensation, often including benefits and bonuses. Overall, the role offers a solid income potential within manufacturing and engineering fields.

What are some typical challenges faced by Plastic Injection Molding Process Engineers during new product launches?

Plastic Injection Molding Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as optimizing process parameters to achieve consistent part quality and minimizing cycle time during new product launches. They must collaborate closely with design, tooling, and production teams to troubleshoot issues like warping, sink marks, or incomplete fills. Adjusting machines for new molds, validating process stability, and meeting tight deadlines while ensuring customer specifications are met can also be demanding. Strong problem-solving skills and effective communication are essential to navigate these complexities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Plastic Injection Molding Process Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plastic Injection Molding Process Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or manufacturing engineering, with expertise in polymer materials and molding processes, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, mold flow simulation tools, and quality management systems like Six Sigma or ISO standards is typically required. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help engineers optimize processes and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring efficient production, minimizing defects, and meeting quality and safety standards in a highly technical manufacturing environment.

How much do injection mold engineers make?

Injection mold process engineers typically earn between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000. Compensation may also include benefits such as bonuses and health insurance.

What does an injection molding Process Engineer do?

An injection molding Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and maintaining the manufacturing processes for plastic injection molding. They analyze mold designs, set machine parameters, troubleshoot production issues, and ensure quality standards are met, often using tools like CAD software and process control charts. Their role helps improve efficiency, reduce defects, and ensure consistent product quality in a manufacturing environment.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership roles or executive responsibilities.
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Plastic Injection Molding Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastic Injection Molding Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,018 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Principal Manufacturing Engineer-Plastic Injection Molding

MILWAUKEE TOOL

Mukwonago, WI

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Principal Mfg Engineer
Job Description:
Position Summary
The Principal Manufacturing Engineer - Plastics is the technical authority for plastic injection molding process development, optimization, and sustainment. This role leads the establishment of robust molding processes that deliver consistent quality, high throughput, and competitive cost performance across production operations.
This position focuses on process optimization, material performance in molding, molding parameters, and process control, while partnering closely with tooling, quality, automation, and operations teams. The Principal Manufacturing Engineer drives manufacturing excellence through data-driven decision making, advanced process control, and continuous improvement, while mentoring engineers and influencing site and business strategy.
Key Responsibilities
  • Serve as the subject matter expert for plastic injection molding processes, including scientific molding principles, process window development, and process validation.
  • Develop, optimize, and sustain molding processes to meet quality, delivery, and cost objectives across a range of polymers and part geometries.
  • Help support and maintain standard molding methodologies, including start-up procedures, changeover standards, and process control plans.
  • Lead mold qualification, process validation, and ongoing process capability improvements (Cp/Cpk).
  • Analyze and optimize cycle time, cooling efficiency, clamp force utilization, part quality, and material usage.
  • Lead advanced root cause analysis for molding-related defects (short shots, flash, sink, warp, burn, splay, etc.) and process instability.
  • Apply DOE, SPC, and statistical analysis to define critical process parameters and ensure long-term process robustness.
  • Partner with Quality to drive defect reduction, scrap elimination, and corrective/preventive actions.
  • Provide hands-on technical support during process upsets, new product launches, and capacity expansions.
  • Evaluate and select polymer materials in collaboration with Product Development and suppliers to optimize manufacturability and performance.
  • Understand and manage the interaction between material properties, tooling design, and machine capability.
  • Lead trials for new materials, colorants, regrind strategies, and process innovations.
  • Research and implement advanced molding technologies (process monitoring, cavity pressure sensing, advanced cooling, automation).
  • Support molding equipment selection and capital decisions through process requirements definition, technical evaluation, and throughput analysis.
  • Lead data-driven continuous improvement efforts focused on molding efficiency, uptime, scrap reduction, labor optimization, and OEE through standardized processes and best practices.
  • Support and maintain molding process documentation, manufacturing standards, and ERP/MRP data (routing, cycle time, labor) to ensure consistent and repeatable molding performance.
  • Develop and share technical knowledge through documentation, repositories, and mentorship to build injection molding capability across the engineering team.
  • Partner with Operations, Tooling, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to ensure stable and scalable molding operations.
  • Provide clear technical direction and influence decision-making without direct authority.
  • Communicate complex process concepts through clear documentation, data, and formal presentations.

Education & Experience Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related discipline.
  • 6+ years of hands-on injection molding process engineering experience in a production environment.
  • Demonstrated expertise in scientific molding, process validation, and process troubleshooting.
  • Strong working knowledge of thermoplastics, molding machines, auxiliaries, and process monitoring tools.
  • Familiarity with CAD and mold design concepts as they relate to process capability.
  • Preferred experience supporting multi-cavity, high-volume, or tight-tolerance molding applications.
  • Preferred exposure to automation, robotics, and in-mold or downstream process integration.
  • Preferred knowledge with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or equivalent continuous improvement experience.
  • Established ability to identify and communicate issues and offer proposed solutions
  • Excellent attention to detail with good organizational skills are required
  • Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced team environment
  • Effectively collaborates across functions, drives continuous improvement, and communicates clearly with both technical and non-technical teams.

Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.

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