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Plastic Process Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Plastic Process Technician

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$24.76 - $39.78/hr

Scope of Responsibility Cascade Engineering is currently hiring for the position of Set Up/Process ... Assisting with troubleshooting of plastic injection molding presses Troubleshooting - In this role ...

Candidates must be knowledgeable in all areas of plastic processing and manufacturing to maintain consistent quality output. MMI Engineered Solutions provides world-class engineering solutions for ...

Candidates must be knowledgeable in all areas of plastic processing and manufacturing to maintain consistent quality output. MMI Engineered Solutions provides world-class engineering solutions for ...

Candidates must be knowledgeable in all areas of plastic processing and manufacturing to maintain consistent quality output. MMI Engineered Solutions provides world-class engineering solutions for ...

Process Engineer SUMMARY: Tryout and approve the mechanical functions of plastic injection molding tools according to Company tool standards and multiple types of material. Recommend changes to ...

Process Engineer Department: Technical Position Description: Manufacturing support position with ... plastic technology. - Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under extreme deadline pressure ...

Process Engineer

Greenville, MI · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Process Engineer Department: Technical Position Description: Manufacturing support position with ... plastic technology. - Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under extreme deadline pressure ...

Process Engineer

Greenville, MI · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Process Engineer Department: Technical Position Description: Manufacturing support position with ... plastic technology. - Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under extreme deadline pressure ...

Process Engineer Department: Technical Position Description: Manufacturing support position with ... plastic technology. - Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under extreme deadline pressure ...

Process Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$70K - $104K/yr

We manufacture injection molding/plastic products for automotive, office furniture, polymer ... Cascade Engineering considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of ...

New

Paint Process Engineer Type of contract: Full-time Expected Hiring Date: ASAP Work Location ... Founded in 1946 by Pierre Burelle, OPmobility, known until 2024 as Plastic Omnium, has transformed ...

Paint Process Engineer Type of contract: Full-time Expected Hiring Date: ASAP Work Location: • ... Founded in 1946 by Pierre Burelle, OPmobility, known until 2024 as Plastic Omnium, has transformed ...

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Plastic Process Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$43.1K

$80.2K

$124.2K

How much do plastic process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastic process engineer in Michigan is $80,202.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,900.00 and $89,800.00 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.
Infographic showing various Plastic Process Engineer job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 47% Full Time, 42% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,202 per year, or $38.6 per hour.
Plastic Process Engineer

Plastic Process Engineer

Dart Container

Mason, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Dart Container rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 110 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Own the Equipment. Shape the Process. Build What’s Next.

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 process optimization—and enjoy being the person who steps in, troubleshoots issues, and makes the process better? If you’re energized by owning the process from concept through production and turning ideas into stable, repeatable, high-performing manufacturing systems, this is the kind of role where your expertise directly drives results.

We’re looking for a Process Engineer or Senior Process Engineer to lead large-scale, complex, and highly visible thermoforming initiatives. In this role, you’ll serve as the technical owner of process capability and equipment performance, leading projects across the full product lifecycle—from material selection and tooling development to prototyping, validation, scale-up, and full production launch.

This is a high-impact opportunity for an engineer who wants to improve equipment performance, increase process reliability, reduce variation, and drive continuous improvement on the plant floor.

What You’ll Own
  • Lead thermoforming process development and optimization
  • Own equipment performance, process capability, and troubleshooting
  • Partner with tooling, operations, and quality teams to improve manufacturability
  • Drive prototype-to-production scale-up
  • Improve cycle times, scrap reduction, yield, and repeatability
  • Support new product launches and process validation
  • Lead continuous improvement and manufacturing excellence initiatives
What Makes This Role Exciting
  • High visibility across engineering and operations
  • Direct ownership of equipment and process outcomes
  • Opportunity to influence how products are built at scale
  • Hands-on work where your technical decisions matter immediately
  • Strong focus on innovation and process improvement
What You’ll Bring

Process Engineer

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field and 3+ years of engineering experience
    orAssociate’s degree and 9+ years of related engineering experience

Senior Process Engineer

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field and 6+ years of engineering experience
    orAssociate’s degree and 12+ years of related engineering experience

Required Experience & Skills (Both Levels):

  • Proven experience analyzing production equipment, processes, and materials to resolve manufacturing issues
  • Hands-on knowledge of quality and continuous improvement tools such as SPC, SQC, 5S, 8D, FMEA, Root Cause Analysis, Gage R&R, and DOE
  • Experience with thermoforming, injection molding, printing, and/or paper manufacturing processes
  • Strong understanding of engineering principles applied to product design and manufacturingAbility to interpret and develop technical drawings, blueprints, and specifications
  • Solid foundation in math and statistics as applied to engineering and quality analysis
  • Knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, quality systems, and cost optimization
  • Strong problem-solving, prioritization, and project management skills with minimal supervision
  • Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills

Location for Position: Leola, PA or Mason, MI

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship (e.g., H‑1B, F‑1 OPT, TN, etc.)

We can hire at Associate, Mid, or Sr. Level! 

#LI-KH1 

Overview: Dart makes everyday products that give people the freedom to enjoy the food & drinks they love, wherever they are. From to-go containers and dinnerware to tamper-evident food packaging and even the red SOLO cup, Dart products have been keeping people on the go and having fun for 65 years.  We’re a family-owned, family-focused company of 12,000 employees united by a shared set of values and dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. Headquartered in Mason, MI, with 30 locations in three countries, we’re proud of our ability to innovate, manufacture and lead the way with each new generation of quality products.

Benefits: Dart Container full-time employees enjoy great benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) with company matching contributions, paid vacation, paid holidays, short-term disability, tuition assistance, product discounts and more.

Dart Container is a drug-free workplace.  Candidates are subject to a drug test (excluding THC*/marijuana/cannabis) and background check at the time of offer.

*THC testing ONLY when such testing is required by law.
Dart Container is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all candidates for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

https://www.dartcontainer.com/eeoaa/

If you have a disability and need an accommodation to access this website or for the application process, you should call Dart at (800) 545-3278 Ext 3370 or email us at ADArequests@dart.biz. Relay calls can be made by dialing 711 or the relay number for your state.

If you experience difficulty applying online, you may call (800) 545-3278 Ext 3390 or email us at applicationassistance@dart.biz for assistance.


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