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Plastic Process Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

2nd shift Process Technician

Elgin, IL ยท On-site

$30 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Asist Process Engineer's with sampling when required. * Perform other duties deemed necessary by Shift Supervisor or Management to achieve production requirements. * Any and all duties as assigned.

Sr. Process Technician

Lockport, IL ยท On-site

$90K - $153K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • PTO

Lead setup, optimization, and sustained control of large plastic drum blow-molding equipment to ... Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, and Engineering to eliminate recurring defects, equipment ...

Sr. Process Technician

Lockport, IL

$90K - $153K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • PTO

Lead setup, optimization, and sustained control of large plastic drum blow-molding equipment to ... Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, and Engineering to eliminate recurring defects, equipment ...

Sr. Process Technician

Alsip, IL

$90K - $153K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • PTO

Lead setup, optimization, and sustained control of large plastic drum blow-molding equipment to ... Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, and Engineering to eliminate recurring defects, equipment ...

Process Technician

Batavia, IL ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... hydraulics, plastic processing, etc, preferred. * Three to five years of experience in this ... Ability to respond to questions from managers, engineers, and coworkers. Bilingual a plus.

Process Technician

Batavia, IL ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... hydraulics, plastic processing, etc, preferred. * Three to five years of experience in this ... Ability to respond to questions from managers, engineers, and coworkers. Bilingual a plus.

Process Technician

Batavia, IL ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... hydraulics, plastic processing, etc, preferred. * Three to five years of experience in this ... Ability to respond to questions from managers, engineers, and coworkers. Bilingual a plus.

Helper - Process_18H2

Batavia, IL

$20.40 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... consistently engineer products of the highest possible quality. Position Summary: The Process ... plastics processing, or a related field preferred. * 3-5 years of manufacturing or process ...

Helper - Process_18H2

Batavia, IL ยท On-site

$20.40 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... consistently engineer products of the highest possible quality. Position Summary: The Process ... plastics processing, or a related field preferred. * 3-5 years of manufacturing or process ...

Helper - Process_18H2

Batavia, IL ยท On-site

$20.40 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... consistently engineer products of the highest possible quality. Position Summary: The Process ... plastics processing, or a related field preferred. * 3-5 years of manufacturing or process ...

Project Engineer

Elgin, IL ยท On-site

$120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

... Plastics Injection Mold Standards. * Manage the design and development of all secondary equipment and processes both internally and supplied by outside vendors until approved by Manufacturing.

Quality Engineer

Cary, IL ยท On-site

$80K/yr

Quality Engineer Composed of Chromalox, Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax businesses ... Durex serves businesses in sectors including process industries, life sciences, plastics processing ...

Design Engineer

Cary, IL ยท On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Design Engineer Composed of Chromalox, Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax businesses ... Durex serves businesses in sectors including process industries, life sciences, plastics processing ...

Design Engineer

Cary, IL ยท On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Design Engineer Composed of Chromalox, Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax businesses ... Durex serves businesses in sectors including process industries, life sciences, plastics processing ...

Project Engineer

South Elgin, IL

$100K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Hoffer Plastics is hiring for " Project Engineer ", " 1st shift ". Starting Pay $100k - $135K ... process. * Conduct design and preliminary tool reviews to insure consensus of the multi ...

Project Engineer

South Elgin, IL ยท On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Hoffer Plastics is hiring for " Project Engineer", "1st shift". Starting Pay $100k - $135K (based ... process.Conduct design and preliminary tool reviews to insure consensus of the multi-disciplinary ...

Project Engineer

South Elgin, IL ยท On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Hoffer Plastics is hiring for " Project Engineer ", " 1st shift ". Starting Pay $100k - $135K ... process. * Conduct design, preliminary, and final tool reviews to ensure consensus of the multi ...

Supplier Quality Engineer

Cary, IL ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Supplier Quality Engineer Composed of Chromalox, Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax ... Durex serves businesses in sectors including process industries, life sciences, plastics processing ...

Showing results 41-60

Plastic Process Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$51K

$94.9K

$146.9K

How much do plastic process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastic process engineer in Chicago, IL is $94,866.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,800.00 and $106,200.00 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 Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,866 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

2nd shift Process Technician

Chemtech Plastics, Inc.

Elgin, IL โ€ข On-site

$30 - $32/hr

Full-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Process Technician
2n shift
E-Verify
Toolbox Required
Location: Elgin, IL | On-Site
Job Summary:
Perform startups on production molds and troubleshooting of existing jobs to develop optimum molding process, with a focus on continuous improvement.
Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Correct and/or optimize process related issues as directed by Shift Supervisor.
  • Daily startups of production molds and establishment of molding processes.
  • Perform mold setups and changes on an as needed basis.
  • Assist with daily preventative maintenance on all molds currently in production such as cleaning and greasing.
  • Setup and adjustment of robot programs as needed.
  • Contribute to the overall cleanliness and orderliness of the manufacturing area.
  • Perform process troubleshooting and samples as directed by Shift Supervisor.
  • Keep Shift Supervisor informed of problematic molding conditions or equipment.
  • Asist Process Engineerโ€™s with sampling when required.
  • Perform other duties deemed necessary by Shift Supervisor or Management to achieve production requirements.
  • Any and all duties as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Physically able to exert 150 ft. lbs. torque in a push or pulling motion.
  • Proficient in the use of all mold handling equipment.
  • Must supply own hand tools sufficient for mold set-up (tool list supplies).
  • Need to be able to interpret molding graphs.
Education and Experience:
  • High School education or equivalent.
  • Minimum 5 yearsโ€™ experience in mold set up and troubleshooting
  • Must have working knowledge of various thermoplastics.
  • Experience with RJG type scientific molding principles.
Physical Requirements:
  • Prolonged periods of walking and standing.
  • Must be able to lift up to 25lbs.
  • Production plant that is moderately loud; ear protection encouraged, but not required.
  • Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organizationโ€™s facilities.
Benefits and Compensation:
  • Full benefit offerings including medical, dental, vision, and voluntary plans
  • $26-$28 an hour