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Plastic Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vaco by Highspring

Plastic Process Engineer

Novi, MI · Hybrid

$75K - $95K/yr

Plastic Process Engineer Location: Ingham County, MI (Hybrid) Compensation: $75,000 - $95,000 base Schedule: Hybrid | High Travel About the Role We are hiring a hands?on Process Engineer, with 3+ ...

Vaco LLC

Plastic Process Engineer

Novi, MI · Hybrid

$75K - $95K/yr

Plastic Process Engineer Location: Ingham County, MI (Hybrid) Compensation: $75,000 - $95,000 base Schedule: Hybrid | High Travel About the Role We are hiring a hands?on Process Engineer, with 3+ ...

Dart Container

Plastic Process Engineer

Mason, MI · On-site

Are you a hands-on plastics process engineer with deep thermoforming expertise who thrives on solving complex manufacturing challenges? Do you know your way around equipment, tooling, materials, and ...

Dart Container

Plastic Process Engineer

Mason, MI

Are you a hands-on plastics process engineer with deep thermoforming expertise who thrives on solving complex manufacturing challenges? Do you know your way around equipment, tooling, materials, and ...

Dart Container

Plastic Process Engineer

Mason, MI

Are you a hands-on plastics process engineer with deep thermoforming expertise who thrives on solving complex manufacturing challenges? Do you know your way around equipment, tooling, materials, and ...

Vaco LLC

Senior Plastic Process Engineer

Novi, MI · Hybrid

$100K - $120K/yr

Senior Plastics Process Engineer Location: Ingham County, MI (Hybrid) Compensation: $100,000 - $120,000 base Work Environment: Hybrid | High Travel 60%+ Overview We are seeking a Senior Plastics ...

Dart Container

Plastic Process Technician

Leola, PA

Plastic Process Technician - Night Shift (Blue Nights) Shift: 8:00 PM - 8:15 AM (Rotating 3-4 day ... Partner with engineering and maintenance teams to improve equipment performance and reliability ...

Dart Container

Plastic Process Technician

Leola, PA · On-site

Plastic Process Technician - Night Shift (Blue Nights) Shift: 8:00 PM - 8:15 AM (Rotating 3-4 day ... Partner with engineering and maintenance teams to improve equipment performance and reliability ...

Dart Container

Plastic Process Technician

Leola, PA

Plastic Process Technician - Night Shift (Blue Nights) Shift: 8:00 PM - 8:15 AM (Rotating 3-4 day ... Partner with engineering and maintenance teams to improve equipment performance and reliability ...

Apex Search Group

Be Seen First

Plastic Process Technician

El Paso, TX · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

This role works closely with production, engineering, and maintenance teams to maintain process ... Experience with plastic injection molding machine setup and processing. * Strong troubleshooting ...

Evapco

Plastics Process Engineer

Taneytown, MD · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Plastics Process Engineer Basic Purpose of the Position: The individual in this position is ... Technical lead for all plastic processing operations, including thermoforming, injection molding ...

Evapco

Plastics Process Engineer

Taneytown, MD · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Plastics Process Engineer Basic Purpose of the Position: The individual in this position is ... Technical lead for all plastic processing operations, including thermoforming, injection molding ...

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Plastic Process Engineer information

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$49.5K

$92K

$142.5K

How much do plastic process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastic 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Plastic Process Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plastic Process Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical or mechanical engineering, polymer science, and process optimization, often backed by a relevant degree. Familiarity with CAD software, injection molding machines, statistical process control (SPC), and certifications like Six Sigma are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and drive continuous improvement. These competencies ensure efficient production, high product quality, and innovation in plastic manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Plastic Process Engineers in optimizing manufacturing processes?

Plastic Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality while scaling up production, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and minimizing material waste. They must continuously monitor and adjust processing parameters like temperature, pressure, and cycle time to ensure efficiency and compliance with specifications. Collaboration with design, quality, and maintenance teams is crucial to quickly resolve issues and implement process improvements. Staying updated with new materials and technologies also plays a key role in overcoming these challenges and advancing in the field.

What does a Plastic Process Engineer do?

A Plastic Process Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing processes involved in the manufacturing of plastic products. They work with various types of plastic materials and molding technologies, such as injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding. Their duties often include troubleshooting production issues, improving process efficiency, ensuring product quality, and collaborating with design and production teams to implement best practices. They also play a key role in selecting materials, setting process parameters, and maintaining compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

What is the difference between Plastic Process Engineer vs Plastic Technician?

AspectPlastic Process EngineerPlastic Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in plastics engineering, chemical engineering, or related fieldTechnical diploma or associate degree in plastics technology or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, optimize, and oversee manufacturing processes in production facilitiesOperate and maintain plastic processing equipment on the production floor
ResponsibilitiesProcess development, troubleshooting, and process improvementMachine setup, operation, and quality checks

The Plastic Process Engineer focuses on designing and improving plastic manufacturing processes, requiring a higher level of education and analytical skills. In contrast, the Plastic Technician handles day-to-day machine operation and maintenance. Both roles are essential in the plastics industry, but they differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Plastic Process Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Plastic Process Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Plastic Process Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Plastic Process Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Plastic Process Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Plastic Process Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Plastic Process Engineer jobs are:
Plastic Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastic Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 4% Full Time, 75% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 11% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,018 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Plastic Process Engineer

Vaco by Highspring

Novi, MI • Hybrid

$75K - $95K/yr

Other

Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted yesterday

Job description

Plastic Process Engineer
Location: Ingham County, MI (Hybrid)
Compensation: $75,000 – $95,000 base
Schedule: Hybrid | High Travel

About the Role

We are hiring a hands?on Process Engineer, with 3+ years supporting thermoforming manufacturing operations from process development through production. This role focuses on process optimization, equipment performance, and day?to?day technical problem solving within a high?visibility plastics manufacturing environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer looking to deepen ownership and grow within an operation making significant multi?year investments in equipment, people, and processes.

What You’ll Do
  • 3+ years support and optimize thermoforming manufacturing processes
  • Assist with process development, validation, and production ramp?ups
  • Apply DFM / DFA principles in partnership with tooling, operations, and quality
  • Support new product introductions (NPI) and equipment qualification
  • Analyze process data and KPIs to identify improvement opportunities
  • Contribute to continuous improvement efforts using Lean and quality tools
  • Travel to manufacturing sites to support project execution
What You Bring
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field
  • 3+ years of process or manufacturing engineering experience (plastics preferred)
  • Exposure to thermoforming or similar plastics processes
  • Hands?on familiarity with:
    • SPC, SQC, 5S
    • Root Cause Analysis, 8D, FMEA
  • Strong problem?solving mindset and plant?floor presence
  • Ability to work cross?functionally in a fast?paced manufacturing environment
Work Environment
  • Onsite Tuesday - Thursday, remote Monday & Friday
  • 60–70% project?based travel to U.S. manufacturing sites (EST)
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.

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