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Plastic Injection Molding Quality Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Sterling Engineering, Inc.

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Plastic Injection Molding Process Technician

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Plastic Injection Molding Process Technician / Setter - 12-Hour Night Shift Pay: up to $35/hr Shift ... Verify molded parts meet quality and production specifications * Perform visual inspections and ...

Nemera

Injection Process Manager

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

... high quality development, industrialization and manufacturing services. Nemera develops and ... Lead all injection molding process engineering and processing activities across multiple plastic ...

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All JobsPlastic Injection Molding Quality Engineer JobsPlastic Injection Molding Quality Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Plastic Injection Molding Quality Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$35.5K

$88.5K

$124.1K

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

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastic injection molding quality engineer in Chicago, IL is $88,540.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,300.00 and $102,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a plastic injection molding quality engineer do?

A Plastic Injection Molding Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring that plastic products produced through the injection molding process meet quality standards and specifications. They develop and implement quality control procedures, inspect finished products, and analyze manufacturing processes to identify areas for improvement. Their role also involves troubleshooting defects, collaborating with production teams, and maintaining documentation to comply with industry regulations. By monitoring and improving the quality of molded parts, they help reduce defects and increase customer satisfaction.

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

To thrive as a Plastic Injection Molding Quality Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering, quality management systems, and a strong understanding of plastic materials and molding processes, often supported by a related degree. Familiarity with quality tools such as SPC, Six Sigma, GD&T, and proficiency in using measurement equipment and quality software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure rigorous quality standards are maintained, defects are minimized, and customer requirements are consistently met in a manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges faced by plastic injection molding quality engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Plastic Injection Molding Quality Engineers often encounter challenges such as identifying root causes of defects, maintaining consistent product quality, and balancing tight production schedules with thorough inspections. Addressing these challenges typically involves close collaboration with production teams, implementing robust statistical process control methods, and continuously updating inspection protocols based on feedback and process data. Developing strong communication skills and staying current with industry standards can also help in proactively resolving quality issues and improving overall product reliability.

What is the difference between Plastic Injection Molding Quality Engineer vs Plastic Injection Molding Process Engineer?

AspectPlastic Injection Molding Quality EngineerPlastic Injection Molding Process Engineer
Primary FocusEnsuring product quality, inspection, and compliance with standardsDeveloping, optimizing, and troubleshooting molding processes
Key ResponsibilitiesQuality audits, defect analysis, implementing corrective actionsProcess design, parameter setting, process improvements
Required SkillsQuality control, inspection techniques, ISO standardsProcess engineering, technical troubleshooting, equipment knowledge
Work EnvironmentQuality labs, inspection stations, manufacturing floorsProduction lines, engineering labs, process development areas

While both roles are essential in plastic injection molding, the Quality Engineer primarily focuses on maintaining product quality and compliance, whereas the Process Engineer concentrates on developing and refining the molding processes for efficiency and consistency.

What are popular job titles related to Plastic Injection Molding Quality Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Plastic Injection Molding Quality Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Plastic Injection Molding Quality Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Plastic Injection Molding Quality Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Plastic Injection Molding Quality Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Plastic Injection Molding Quality Engineer job openings:

Plastic Injection Molding Quality Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastic Injection Molding Quality Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,540 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Plastic Injection Molding Process Technician

Buffalo Grove, IL • On-site

Sterling Engineering, Inc.
See more jobs at Sterling Engineering, Inc.external

$30 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

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Job description

Plastic Injection Molding Process Technician / Setter – 12-Hour Night Shift

Pay: up to $35/hr

Shift: 12-Hour Night Shift | Full-Time | 2-2-3


Are you an experienced Injection Molding Technician or Setter looking for a hands-on role where you can make an immediate impact? We’re looking for a skilled Plastic Injection Molding Process Technician / Setter to support molding and automated production equipment in a clean, modern manufacturing environment.


This position combines machine setup, process support, troubleshooting, mold changes, robotics, and preventative maintenance. You’ll play an important role in getting equipment running properly, maintaining product quality, and keeping production moving.


Schedule

12-hour night shift: 6:00 PM – 6:00 AM


What You’ll Do

  • Set up and start injection molding machines and automated/robotic equipment
  • Load and verify approved molding parameters and production programs
  • Pull and set molds and perform mold changes
  • Perform color and material changes while maintaining proper traceability
  • Troubleshoot minor and moderate process and equipment issues
  • Respond to machine alarms and make adjustments to keep production running
  • Verify molded parts meet quality and production specifications
  • Perform visual inspections and support line clearances
  • Clean molds and equipment according to established procedures
  • Complete startup shots/batches and verify processes before production runs
  • Perform Level 1 TPM and preventative maintenance on molding, assembly, and auxiliary equipment
  • Complete production checklists, documentation, and quality records
  • Follow Lockout/Tagout and all safety procedures
  • Support Lean and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Work closely with production, quality, and maintenance teams to resolve issues and improve processes


What We’re Looking For

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Injection molding experience
  • Basic mechanical and troubleshooting skills
  • Familiarity with robotics or automated manufacturing equipment is a plus
  • Basic computer and math skills
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
  • Ability to work independently and troubleshoot problems
  • Strong commitment to safety and following standardized procedures


Physical Requirements

  • Ability to frequently lift up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to stand and walk for approximately 90% of the shift
  • Ability to bend, stoop, reach, push, pull, grab, and climb
  • Ability to work in a clean manufacturing environment with moderate noise


Why Join Us?

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants more than a traditional machine operator position. You’ll have the opportunity to set up equipment, work with injection molding processes and robotics, troubleshoot production issues, perform mold changes, and contribute to process improvements.


If you have injection molding experience and enjoy hands-on problem solving, apply today and take the next step in your manufacturing career.