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Plastic Injection Molding Quality Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL

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Process Technician - Injection Molding | Setup & Troubleshooting

Naperville, IL · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Key Requirements: * Plastic injection molding experience * Mold setup / mold changes ... quality, and continuous improvement. If you're looking for stability, growth, and a place where ...

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Plastic Injection Molding Quality Engineer information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$34.1K

$85K

$119.1K

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

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastic injection molding quality engineer in Elgin, IL is $84,961.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,100.00 and $97,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 popular job titles related to Plastic Injection Molding Quality Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Plastic Injection Molding Quality Engineer job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,961 per year, or $40.8 per hour.

Project Engineer - Plastic Injection Molding

Sterling Engineering Inc.

South Elgin, IL

$100K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


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.