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Plastic Manufacturing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Aerotek

Maintenance Mechanic

Huntington Park, CA

$25.25 - $32.50/hr

Troubleshoot and repair manufacturing equipment, including switches, relays, circuit breaker panels, motors, drives, gear boxes, rollers, and timing systems within the plastic extrusion and ...

CPP Industries

Quality Inspector

Burlingame, CA

$19/hr

Consider the Plastic manufacturing industry! We offer detailed training for all new hires to equip them with the skills needed to move up in the industry. We are offering an entry-level, full-time ...

Professional Search Group - Orange County

Be Seen First

Plastic Injection Mold Process Technician

Tustin, CA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Job Summary Professional Search Group OC is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Plastic Injection Mold Process Technician to join our manufacturing team. In this role, you will be responsible for ...

Partners Personnel

Plastic Molder

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Previous plastic molding or manufacturing experience preferred. * Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment. * Good attention to detail. * Ability to stand for extended periods and ...

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Plastic Manufacturing information

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How much do plastic manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for plastic manufacturing in California is $12.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.83 and $12.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is plastic manufacturing?

Plastic manufacturing jobs involve the production, shaping, and assembly of products made from plastic materials. Workers in this field may operate machinery, oversee production lines, ensure quality control, and handle raw plastic materials. Positions range from machine operators and technicians to engineers and supervisors. These jobs are essential for creating a wide variety of products used in packaging, automotive, medical, and consumer goods industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in plastic manufacturing?

To thrive in plastic manufacturing, you need a solid understanding of production processes, machinery operation, and quality control, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with injection molding machines, CAD/CAM software, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this field. These skills ensure efficient production, product quality, and a safe working environment in a highly technical and collaborative industry.

What are some common challenges faced in plastic manufacturing roles, and how can employees effectively address them?

In plastic manufacturing, workers often encounter challenges such as maintaining product quality, minimizing waste, and troubleshooting equipment issues. Adhering to strict safety protocols and quality control standards is crucial, as is staying updated on new machinery and production techniques. Collaborating closely with team members, supervisors, and maintenance staff helps quickly resolve issues and ensures smooth workflow. Continuous training and proactive communication are key to overcoming these challenges and advancing in the industry.

What is the difference between Plastic Manufacturing vs Plastic Fabrication?

AspectPlastic ManufacturingPlastic Fabrication
Primary FocusMass production of plastic products and componentsCustom shaping and assembling of plastic parts
Work EnvironmentFactories with large-scale machineryWorkshops or manufacturing floors with specialized tools
Common CertificationsISO certifications, safety trainingMachinery operation, safety certifications
Industry UsageAutomotive, packaging, consumer goodsPrototyping, custom parts, repairs

Plastic Manufacturing involves large-scale production of plastic items, focusing on creating standardized products using automated processes. Plastic Fabrication, on the other hand, emphasizes custom shaping and assembling plastic parts, often for specialized or small-batch projects. Both roles require knowledge of plastics and safety protocols but differ in scope and work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Plastic Manufacturing jobs in California?

For Plastic Manufacturing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Plastic Manufacturing jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Plastic Manufacturing jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Plastic Manufacturing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Plastic Manufacturing job openings:

Plastic Manufacturing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastic Manufacturing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $24,955 per year, or $12 per hour.

Senior Plastics Engineer at PRI Global Newark, CA

Downtown Boulder Partnership

Newark, CA • On-site

$85 - $110/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Senior Plastics Engineer

Senior Plastics Engineer job at PRI Global. Newark, CA.

Newark, CA (Onsite)ContractQualifications
  • B.S. in polymer engineering or related field, or equivalent proven experience.
  • 5+ years’ experience evaluating DFM and injection molding tool designs.
  • Excellent knowledge of injection tooling, including technologies such as in-mold decoration, foaming, over molding, back-injection, vario-thermal processes.
  • Experience with DFM process for automotive A-surface parts.
  • Experience with flow simulation software (Autodesk Mold Flow).
  • Proven hands‑on experience with plastic injection molding process, including process optimization.
  • Exemplary verbal and written communication skills.
  • Able to travel domestically and internationally up to 25% if needed.
Advantageous
  • Worked in automotive development environment, ideally through complete product development process.
  • Hands‑on experience with creation of MoldFlow studies, first tool trials, and tool approvals.
  • Experience with tool cost‑sizing to understand tool cost impact of part design choices.
  • Experience with other plastic manufacturing processes and their tooling (e.g., blow molding, thermal forming, vacuum forming, compression molding, slush molding).
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