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Plastic Process Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Novolex

Extrusion Process Technician

Bedford Park, IL

$38.24 - $49.17/hr

Update, review and provide recommendations to plant Process Engineer for process sheet updates ... Experience in plastics processing, including forming and extrusion required * Experience working ...

Novolex

Extrusion Process Technician

Bedford Park, IL · On-site

$38.24 - $49.17/hr

Update, review and provide recommendations to plant Process Engineer for process sheet updates ... Experience in plastics processing, including forming and extrusion required * Experience working ...

Novolex

Extrusion Process Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$38.24 - $49.17/hr

Update, review and provide recommendations to plant Process Engineer for process sheet updates ... Experience in plastics processing, including forming and extrusion required * Experience working ...

Novolex

Extrusion Process Technician

Bedford Park, IL

$38.24 - $49.17/hr

Update, review and provide recommendations to plant Process Engineer for process sheet updates ... Experience in plastics processing, including forming and extrusion required * Experience working ...

Novolex

Thermoforming - Process Technician

Bridgeview, IL · On-site

$38.81 - $49.89/hr

... and/or Plastics Machine Operator??? If so WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU!!! Thermoforming Process ... Update, review and provide recommendations to plant Process Engineer for process sheet updates

Novolex

Thermoforming - Process Technician

Bridgeview, IL · On-site

$38.81 - $49.89/hr

... and/or Plastics Machine Operator??? If so WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU!!! Thermoforming Process ... Update, review and provide recommendations to plant Process Engineer for process sheet updates

Novolex

Thermoforming - Process Technician

Bridgeview, IL · On-site

$38.81 - $49.89/hr

... and/or Plastics Machine Operator??? If so WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU!!! Thermoforming Process ... Update, review and provide recommendations to plant Process Engineer for process sheet updates

Nemera

Injection Process Manager

Buffalo Grove, IL

Lead all injection molding process engineering and processing activities across multiple plastic injection molding sites. * Manage and organize the activity of project specific Injection team ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPlastic Process Engineer JobsPlastic Process Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Plastic Process Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$48K

$89.2K

$138.1K

How much do plastic process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastic process engineer in Illinois is $89,167.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,200.00 and $99,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 popular job titles related to Plastic Process Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Plastic Process Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Plastic Process Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Plastic Process Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Plastic Process Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Plastic Process Engineer job openings:

Plastic Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastic Process Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,167 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Extrusion Process Engineer

Management Recruiters of Tallahassee

Naperville, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

About the Opportunity

MRT is supporting a well-established and rapidly growing plastics manufacturer near Naperville, Illinois. The company is seeking a dedicated Extrusion Process Engineer. This is a ground-floor opportunity to support and build a process engineering function from scratch. What's needed now is the right engineer to come in, assess the operation, identify opportunities, and help drive the business to the next level.

This role offers high visibility, genuine autonomy, and a direct line to leadership. The right candidate will not be inheriting a finished function - they will be building one.

What You'll Be Responsible For

  • Support and maintain all extrusion processes, associates, and equipment across a 24-hour operation
  • Perform changeovers, color changes, tooling setups, downstream startups, and processing adjustments
  • Monitor and adjust SOCs and process controls; document changes and communicate to supervisors and quality teams
  • Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all processes from the ground up
  • Lead problem-solving workshops and Kaizen events using 5 Why, Fishbone, and A3 methodologies
  • Conduct first article and in-process checks to validate and sustain quality controls
  • Develop audit systems to identify and address process and tooling variances
  • Monitor daily regrind percentages and develop actions to reduce generation and material loss
  • Participate in and coordinate preventive maintenance on tooling and equipment
  • Develop and maintain spare tooling and equipment upgrade matrices
  • Lead annual and new-hire training to build cross-functional team capabilities
  • Perform process qualification procedures (PQP) and develop new process standards
  • Maintain all tooling, run, and SOC records for lines, molds, and SKUs
  • Troubleshoot equipment issues to resolution and share knowledge across the team

    What We're Looking For

  • 3–5 years of extrusion processing experience
  • Hands-on, floor-level approach - this role requires presence on the production floor across all shifts as needed
  • Working knowledge of molds and tooling design and function
  • Familiarity with 5 Why, Fishbone, and A3 problem-solving tools
  • Basic SPC and quality documentation knowledge
  • Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot equipment independently
  • Basic computer skills and ability to maintain accurate records and documentation
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in a manufacturing environment

    Preferred:

  • Associate's degree or higher in Engineering or related field; equivalent hands-on experience will be considered
  • Sheet extrusion experience
  • Regrind and/or pelletizing experience
  • Spanish language skills (a plus, not required)
  • Experience developing SOPs in an environment where they didn't previously exist

    Why This Role Stands Out

  • Your impact will be immediate and visible
  • PE-backed company with significant resources, growth trajectory, and continued investment
  • Collaborative, down-to-earth leadership team - high trust
  • Real career runway as the company scales and formalizes its operations
  • Monday through Friday schedule with standard business hours
  • Bonus eligible at 5%