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Plastics Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Plastics Design Engineer

Arlington, VT · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

S.) in Engineering discipline plus 3 - 5 years of engineering or design experience required. Plastics or Mechanical Engineering preferred. Language Ability: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret ...

S.) in Engineering discipline plus 3 - 5 years of engineering or design experience required. Plastics or Mechanical Engineering preferred. Language Ability: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret ...

S.) in Engineering discipline plus 3 5 years of engineering or design experience required. Plastics or Mechanical Engineering preferred. Language Ability: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret ...

Design Engineer

Dyersburg, TN · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Required Education and/or Experience * 2 years + experience with plastic part design, preference for automotive engineering. * Associates Degree or Bachelor's Degree preferred, but not required.

Required Education and/or Experience * 2 years + experience with plastic part design, preference for automotive engineering. * Associates Degree or Bachelor's Degree preferred, but not required.

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Design Engineer

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

Must have plastics design experience, specifically injection molding. * Must be proficient in at least one CAD system for both 2D & 3D modeling. * Must demonstrate proficiency using GD&T and ...

Product Design Plastics Engineer

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$123K - $148K/yr

Two years of thermoforming experience or other plastics preferred * Proven experience in mechanical design, specifically in thermoforming * Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling and drafting

Plastics Engineer

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

We are seeking a skilled Product Design Engineer with expertise in rotational molding ... At MAKS Plastics, we believe that our people are our greatest asset. We foster a collaborative and ...

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Plastics Design information

See salary details

$35K

$94.9K

$122.5K

How much do plastics design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastics design in the United States is $94,938.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $118,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in plastics design, and how can they be overcome?

Professionals in plastics design often encounter challenges such as balancing material selection with cost and manufacturability, ensuring designs meet complex performance requirements, and adapting to evolving sustainability standards. Overcoming these challenges typically involves staying updated on the latest materials and processing technologies, collaborating closely with manufacturing and quality teams, and using computer-aided design (CAD) tools for rapid prototyping and testing. Continuous learning and cross-functional teamwork are key to successfully navigating the dynamic landscape of plastics design.

What is the difference between Plastics Design vs Plastics Engineering?

AspectPlastics DesignPlastics Engineering
CredentialsBachelor's in Design, Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's or higher in Plastics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, CAD labs, product development teamsManufacturing plants, R&D labs, production facilities
Industry UsageFocuses on product aesthetics, functionality, and prototypingFocuses on material properties, process optimization, and production methods

Plastics Design primarily involves creating the visual and functional aspects of plastic products using CAD tools, while Plastics Engineering focuses on the technical aspects of material selection, processing, and manufacturing. Both roles often collaborate but serve different stages of product development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plastics designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plastics Designer, you need a solid understanding of material science, manufacturing processes, and 3D modeling, usually supported by a degree in engineering or industrial design. Proficiency with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD) and knowledge of rapid prototyping technologies are typically required. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help distinguish top performers in this field. These skills are crucial for developing innovative, manufacturable plastic products that meet technical, aesthetic, and cost requirements.

What is plastics design?

Plastics design is the process of creating components, products, or systems using plastic materials. It involves understanding the properties of different plastics, designing parts for manufacturability, and ensuring that the final product meets performance and safety requirements. Plastics designers work with CAD software and collaborate with engineers to optimize designs for processes like injection molding or 3D printing. Their expertise helps ensure that plastic products are cost-effective, durable, and functional for their intended use.
More about Plastics Design jobs
What states have the most Plastics Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Plastics Design jobs include:
Infographic showing various Plastics Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,938 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Plastics Design Engineer

Mack Molding

Arlington, VT • On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Mack Molding rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 84 rated plastic manufacturers


Job description

Summary: Plans and directs complex engineering design and development projects to support a number of customer programs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
include the following;
  • Works with internal and external customers to generate and modify designs for functional and manufacturing requirements
  • Ability to operate and understand/communicate results from structural FEA software as well as moldflow simulation
  • Generation and interpretation of 2D prints and associated tolerance stack up analyses and GD&T
  • Understanding and selecting plastic materials for manufacturing and functional requirements
  • Plans and directs engineering associated with complex projects through all phases of innovation and development
  • Develops new tools and designs and oversees the modification of existing tools, jigs, fixtures and machines that must meet specialized design and performance specifications
  • Provides engineering support, work direction and technical expertise to lower-level department personnel
  • Analyzes engineering proposals, process requirements, and related technical data relating to product design
  • Performs various customer service and project management activities, assuring highest level of customer satisfaction
  • Provides engineering support during samplings from preparation through follow-up.
  • Interfaces with manufacturing regarding design and engineering issues.
  • Manages such critical information as blueprints, production print check sheets, engineering change orders and other correspondence.
  • Frequent travel between plant locations and occasionally to domestic and international destinations.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Competency: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures.
Design - Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail.
Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education/Experience:
Bachelors Degree (B.S.) in Engineering discipline plus 3 - 5 years of engineering or design experience required. Plastics or Mechanical Engineering preferred.
Language Ability:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Math Ability:
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations to practical situations.
Reasoning Ability:
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract or concrete variables.
Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Word Processing software; Spreadsheet software; Development software; Design software; CAD; Order processing systems and Project Management software.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to work near moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, occasionally loud.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

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