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

Sterling Engineering, Inc.

Be Seen First

Plastic Injection Molding Process Technician

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Plastic Injection Molding Process Technician / Setter - 12-Hour Night Shift Pay: up to $35/hr Shift: 12-Hour Night Shift | Full-Time | 2-2-3 Are you an experienced Injection Molding Technician or ...

EFOR

Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Design Engineers - R&D (2 postes ouverts) Location: Chicago Area (On-site - 100%) Start Date: ASAP ... Experience with plastic components or plastics processing is a strong advantage. * Exposure to ...

Greif, Inc.

Sr. Process Technician

Lockport, IL · On-site

$90K - $153K/yr

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 ...

Greif

Sr. Process Technician

Alsip, IL · On-site

$90K - $153K/yr

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 ...

Greif

Sr. Process Technician

Lockport, IL · On-site

$90K - $153K/yr

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 ...

suncast

Helper - Process_18H2

Batavia, IL · On-site

$20.40 - $22/hr

... 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 ...

suncast

Helper - Process_18H2

Batavia, IL

$20.40 - $22/hr

... 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 ...

Suncast

Helper - Process_18H2

Batavia, IL · On-site

$20.40 - $22/hr

... 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 ...

Spirax-Sarco Engineering

Quality Engineer

Cary, IL · 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 ...

Chromalox

Design Engineer

Cary, IL · 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 ...

Durex Industries

Design Engineer

Cary, IL · 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 ...

Hoffer Plastics

Project Engineer

South Elgin, IL · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

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 ...

Hoffer Plastics

Project Engineer

South Elgin, IL · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

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 ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsPlastic Process Engineer JobsPlastic Process Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Plastic Process Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$51K

$94.8K

$146.8K

How much do plastic process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastic process engineer in Chicago, IL is $94,792.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,700.00 and $106,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Plastic Process Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Plastic Process Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Plastic Process Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Plastic Process Engineer jobs near you
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, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,792 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Injection Molding Process Technician (2nd Shift)

Matrix Plastic Products

Bloomingdale, IL • On-site

$30.90 - $39.30/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Matrix Plastic Products is a quality-driven custom manufacturer of ultra-precise plastic components and subassemblies for medical devices and other mission-critical applications. Our specialties are plastic injection molding, mold making, and assembly. Founded in 1978, we are a company that continues to grow rapidly, offering a generous benefits package, rewarding career challenges, and a collaborative team environment for motivated and conscientious individuals who enjoy working together to ensure products of exceptional quality.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Mold setups and teardowns, machine startups/shutdowns, assist with maintenance duties, and troubleshoot molding processes within established and monitored parameters.
  • Document process settings and assist with approved process changes.
  • Minimize production scrap rates and downtime through efficient troubleshooting and maintenance efforts.
  • Assist in training operators and molding personnel on standard operating procedures.
  • Assist with automation integration and auxiliary equipment setup.
  • Support engineering and maintenance teams during equipment & process troubleshooting.
  • Identify opportunities to improve process consistency and efficiency,
  • Assist in continuous improvement initiatives throughout the department.

Requirements
Required Qualifications:
  • 2-5 years of experience in plastic injection molding setup, processing and troubleshooting.
  • General understanding of scientific molding concepts and injection mold design.
  • Demonstrate mechanical aptitude and the ability to follow company procedures and work instructions.
  • Implement, explain, and defend molding process adjustments
  • Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office - Word, Excel
  • Strong communication skills (both verbal and written).
  • Reliability and a strong work ethic.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working with robots, EOAT, and automation equipment.
  • Excellent analytical, organizational, and time management skills.
  • Strong math skills and high attention to detail.
  • Logical and critical thinking skills
  • Ability to work with limited direction
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
  • Accident insurance
  • Disability insurance

Physical Demands / Working Conditions:
  • Safety: Must be aware of and adhere to all company safety policies
  • Hands-on Equipment Interaction: Must be able to frequently position self to set up, operate, and troubleshoot injection molding machines, robots, and auxiliary equipment.
  • Facility Mobility: Ability to move throughout the manufacturing facility to effectively support production operations across all shifts.
  • Technical Dexterity: Requires the mechanical aptitude to manipulate tools and perform precise adjustments on plastic injection molds and related machinery.
  • Communication & Mentoring: Must be able to accurately exchange technical information and provide clear instructions when training or mentoring molding personnel.
  • Industrial Environment: Work is performed in a manufacturing environment, which includes regular exposure to moving mechanical parts and typical machine shop hazards

Employment Verification:
Matrix participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
EOE, including disability/vets
Location:
The company is moving from Wood Dale, IL to Bloomingdale, IL (100%) by the end of 2026.
Pay:
$30.90 - $39.30 per hour (Depending on experience)
Schedule:
3:30PM - 12AM (Mon-Fri, and occasional weekend opportunities)

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