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Plastic Production Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Plastic Production Engineer information

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$50.5K

$131.7K

$144K

How much do plastic production engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastic production engineer in the United States is $131,667.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $143,000.00 and $143,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a plastic production engineer do?

A Plastic Production Engineer is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the manufacturing processes involved in producing plastic products. Their duties typically include designing production systems, selecting appropriate materials, troubleshooting equipment, and ensuring that products meet quality and safety standards. They also work on improving efficiency, reducing waste, and implementing new technologies in plastic manufacturing. Collaboration with other engineers and departments is common to meet production goals and regulatory requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plastic production engineer?

To thrive as a Plastic Production Engineer, you need a solid background in polymer science, materials engineering, and manufacturing processes, typically backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, injection molding machines, and quality control systems is crucial, and certifications like Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing are often valued. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are key soft skills for optimizing production and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These competencies ensure efficient, high-quality plastic manufacturing and continuous process improvement in a competitive industry.

What are some typical challenges faced by plastic production engineers when optimizing manufacturing processes?

Plastic Production Engineers often encounter challenges such as minimizing material waste, maintaining consistent product quality, and ensuring machinery operates efficiently. They must balance production speed with quality control, troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, and adapt processes to new materials or product designs. Close collaboration with quality assurance teams and machine operators is essential to quickly resolve issues and implement process improvements. Staying updated on the latest manufacturing technologies also helps engineers drive efficiency and stay competitive.

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

AspectPlastic Production EngineerPlastic Process Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Chemical, or Plastics EngineeringBachelor's in similar engineering fields, often with process-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, production linesProcess development labs, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageDesigning and overseeing plastic production processesOptimizing and troubleshooting plastic processing techniques

Both roles focus on plastic manufacturing but differ in scope. Plastic Production Engineers oversee entire production systems, while Plastic Process Engineers refine specific processing techniques. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Plastic Production Engineer jobs
What states have the most Plastic Production Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Plastic Production Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Plastic Production Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,667 per year, or $63.3 per hour.

Senior Production Engineer - CNC Programmer

Waters Corporation

Milford, MA โ€ข On-site

$80K - $102K/yr

Full-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

As a Production Engineer, responsibilities include the development of various processes, programming CNC milling and turning centers, tooling and fixture design, routing and bills of material and various other process details as required.  Qualified candidate will work with a team of Production Engineers under the direct guidance of an Engineering Manager.  Typical part configurations range from simple to moderately complex in nature.  As needed, they will identify and implement process improvements and cost reductions on existing processes.


  • Generate CNC programs for milling, turning and swiss machines using CAM software (ESPRIT - G Code).
  • Provide hands on support to the CNC machinists during new product introduction and day to day production.
  • Specify and support the onboarding of new CNC equipement based on production needs.
  • Write clear and detailed Operating Procedures and Processes for manufactured/assembled components.
  • Create bills of material, routings, and cost estimates for new products and updates to existing products and processes.
  • Conceptualize and design fixturing and tooling required in a manufacturing environment.
  • Evaluate non-conforming product and implement corrective actions through root cause analysis.
  • Implementation of cost cutting ideas by reducing waste and processing.
  • Support implementation of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and SPC in manufacturing areas.
  • Collaborate with the Quality and Production teams to ensure smooth implementation of processes.
  • Train production staff on new processes and provide technical support where required.
  • Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations in all processes.

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering prefered.
  • Vocational trade school education prefered.
  • 3 - 6 years of relevant work experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Exposure to multiple types of manufacturing equipment including but not limited to CNC machining centers (milling, turning, swiss), robotics, automation cells, and assembly equipment.
  • Hands on experience cutting a variety of metals and plastics including but not limited to: titanium, stainless, copper, aluminum, peek.
  • Strong knowledge of SolidWorks and ESPRIT CAM or equivalent.
  • Strong knowledge of CNC machining and G Code programming.
  • Good knowledge of process development.
  • Experience in the use of hand tools and inspection equipment such as vernier calipers, dial indicators, gages, etc.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Excellent attention to detail.
  • Ability to multi-task and perform a wide range of activities.
  • Ability to work under a timeline with focus, urgency and accountability.
  • Ability to solve basic to moderate technical problems.
  • Strong computer experience including MS Office.
  • Understanding of 5S & Lean Principles.
  • Excellent teamwork and collaboration across departments.
  • Ability to work in a machine shop environment.
  • Zoller experience a plus.
  • SAP experience.

Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT) is a global leader in life sciences and diagnostics, dedicated to accelerating the benefits of pioneering science through analytical technologies, informatics, and service. With a focus on regulated, high-volume testing environments, our innovative portfolio harnesses deep scientific expertise across chemistry, physics, and biology. We collaborate with customers around the world to advance the release of effective, high-quality medicines, ensure the safety of food and water, and drive better patient outcomes by detecting diseases earlier, managing routine infections, and combating antibiotic resistance. Through a shared culture of relentless innovation, our passionate team of ~16,000 colleagues turn scientific challenges into breakthroughs that improve lives worldwide. 

Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our core values at Waters Corporation. It benefits our employees, our products, our customers and our community. Waters complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to sex, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, marital status (including civil unions), military service, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, legally recognized disability, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Waters is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.


Fanuc
Mitsubishi
CNC
G Code
ESPRIT
Nakamura
Mori Seiki
Citizen
Robo Drill
Kitamura
Hardinge
Lathe
Milling
Swiss