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Plastic Machine Operator Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Machinist/Programmer

Shelton, CT · On-site

$26.50 - $36.25/hr

The Machinist / Programmer will be responsible for programming, setting up and operating ... plastic parts are formed. Essential Function/Duties and Responsibilities • Studies blueprints ...

Sr Engineer, Plastics

Bridgeport, CT · On-site

$105K - $136K/yr

The Plastics/Injection Molding Engineer is responsible for driving mold process development and ... Occasional operating of machinery and/or hand power tools.

Sr Engineer, Plastics

Bridgeport, CT · On-site

$105K - $136K/yr

The Plastics/Injection Molding Engineer is responsible for driving mold process development and ... Occasional operating of machinery and/or hand power tools. Compensation Employee Type: Salaried ...

CNC Lathe Machinist - Second Shift

Branford, CT · On-site

$21.75 - $27.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Machine Company, Inc.! Our goal: Providing the best technical and economical answers to the ... Teamwork in a co-operative atmosphere, job satisfaction, responsibility and willingness to make ...

CNC Lathe Machinist - Second Shift

Branford, CT · On-site

$21.75 - $27.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Machine Company, Inc.! Our goal: Providing the best technical and economical answers to the ... Teamwork in a co-operative atmosphere, job satisfaction, responsibility and willingness to make ...

Sr. Quality Technician

Oxford, CT · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

PTA Plastics, an employee-owned and innovative leader in the plastic injection molding, contract ... Give guidance/train others on operating and troubleshooting automated equipment * Other duties as ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Oxford, CT · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

PTA Plastics, an employee-owned and innovative leader in the plastic injection molding, contract ... Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for handling small tools, machine components, and molds.

Production Lead

Shelton, CT

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Ensures production operators and machine operators are properly performing QC line inspection ... Inline Plastics Corp. is an EO employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability. All qualified applicants will ...

CNC Machinist

Branford, CT · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Machine Company, Inc.! Our goal: Providing the best technical and economical answers to the ... Teamwork in a co-operative atmosphere, job satisfaction, responsibility and willingness to make ...

CNC Machnist I

Farmington, CT · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... operating CNC milling centers (3-, 4-, and 5-axis) to produce high-quality precision components ... Experience machining plastics, particularly acrylic, is a plus but not required. Work Environment

CNC Machnist I

Farmington, CT · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... operating CNC milling centers (3-, 4-, and 5-axis) to produce high-quality precision components ... Experience machining plastics, particularly acrylic, is a plus but not required. Work Environment:

Showing results 41-60

Plastic Machine Operator information

See Connecticut salary details

$11

$15

$17

How much do plastic machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for plastic machine operator in Connecticut is $15.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $16.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a plastic machine operator?

Plastic Machine Operators are skilled workers responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machines that mold, form, or fabricate plastic products. They ensure the machinery runs smoothly, monitor product quality, and make necessary adjustments to maintain production standards. These operators often work in manufacturing environments and must follow safety protocols while handling equipment and materials. Their role is crucial in producing various plastic items used in everyday life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plastic machine operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plastic Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often with on-the-job training or technical coursework. Familiarity with injection molding machines, CNC equipment, and quality control systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient production and maintaining high product quality in a manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges faced by plastic machine operators, and how can they be addressed?

Plastic Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as machine malfunctions, maintaining consistent product quality, and meeting production deadlines. To address these issues, operators typically follow preventive maintenance schedules, closely monitor equipment settings, and quickly troubleshoot minor problems. Strong attention to detail and clear communication with maintenance and quality assurance teams are essential to minimize downtime and ensure smooth workflow. Continuous training on new technologies and safety procedures also helps operators stay effective in their roles.

What is the difference between Plastic Machine Operator vs Injection Molding Technician?

AspectPlastic Machine OperatorInjection Molding Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certificationsHigh school diploma; specialized training or certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plantsFactories, manufacturing plants, often working directly with molds
Job FocusOperating plastic extrusion or molding machinesSetting up, maintaining, troubleshooting injection molds
Common UsageUsed interchangeably in some industries, but generally distinct roles

While both roles work within plastic manufacturing, Plastic Machine Operators primarily focus on running and monitoring plastic extrusion or molding machines, whereas Injection Molding Technicians specialize in setting up and maintaining injection molds. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Plastic Machine Operator jobs in Connecticut?

For Plastic Machine Operator jobs in Connecticut, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Plastic Machine Operator jobs in Connecticut look for?

The top searched job categories for Plastic Machine Operator jobs in Connecticut are:

What are popular job titles related to Plastic Machine Operator jobs in CT?

For Plastic Machine Operator jobs in CT, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Plastic Machine Operator job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,868 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Machinist/Programmer

Inline Plastics

Shelton, CT • On-site

$26.50 - $36.25/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Description
We are looking for an experienced Machinist / Programmer to join our Research Development & Engineering Department in Milford, CT. The Machinist / Programmer will be responsible for programming, setting up and operating conventional, special purpose, and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines and machining centers to fabricate metallic and nonmetallic parts. Candidates must possess an understanding of how thermoformed molds are made and thermoformed plastic parts are formed.
Essential Function/Duties and Responsibilities
• Studies blueprints, sketches, drawings, or sample part to determine dimensions and tolerances of finished work piece, sequence of operations, and setup requirements.
• Measures, marks, scribes dimensions and reference points on material or work piece as a guide for subsequent machining.
• Proficient in 2 axis thru 5 axis programming using Mastercam software, including the programming of complex mold cavity surfaces.
• Calculates and sets controls to regulate machining factors such as speed, feed, coolant flow, and depth and angle of cut, or enters commands to retrieve, input, or edit computerized machine control media.
• Starts and observes machine operation to detect malfunctions or out-of-tolerance machining, and adjusts machine controls or control media as required.
• Verifies conformance of finished workpiece to specifications/blueprints etc.
• Sets up and operates machine on trial run to verify accuracy of machine settings or programmed control data.
• Fits and assembles parts into complete assembly.
• Verifies dimensions and alignment of assembly (i.e. mold to knife).
• Confers with engineers, production personnel, programmers or others to resolve machining assembly problems.
• Capable of modifying/altering design programming geometry in order to rectify fabrication or machinery problems.
• Capable of generating simple machine programs for 2-3 axis machining centers using machine control interface.
• Sets up and operates machine tool such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders to machine parts and verifies conformance of machined parts to specifications.
• Lifts machined parts and positions and secures parts on surface plate or work table.
• Builds and repairs molds from prints or verbal instructions.
• Computes dimensions, plans layout, determines assembly method and sequence of operations.
• Verifies dimensions, alignments and clearances.
• Uses hand tools for venting, polishing and sharpening hi-die knives.
• Makes jigs, fixtures and gauges to hold and check work.
• Knowledge of machining aluminum castings (molds).
Education and/or Experience
• High school diploma, general education degree (GED), state certified Machinist or Toolmaker or minimum of 5 years' experience in a machine shop.
• 2 years minimum experience and/or training on CNC machines.
• 1 year minimum of experience using Mastercam software for programming of CNC.
Job Type: Full-time