ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Plastics Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wastequip

Design Engineer

Statesville, NC · On-site

- Plastics Design Engineer Wastequip has a great opportunity for a Design Engineer to join our Container Engineering group. This role will sit in Statesville North Carolina manufacturing facilities.

Wastequip

Design Engineer

Kannapolis, NC · On-site

- Plastics Design Engineer Wastequip has a great opportunity for a Design Engineer to join our Container Engineering group. This role will sit in Statesville North Carolina manufacturing facilities.

Wastequip

Design Engineer

Statesville, NC · On-site

- Plastics Design Engineer Wastequip has a great opportunity for a Design Engineer to join our Container Engineering group. This role will sit in Statesville North Carolina manufacturing facilities.

Wastequip

Design Engineer

Kannapolis, NC

- Plastics Design Engineer Wastequip has a great opportunity for a Design Engineer to join our Container Engineering group. This role will sit in Statesville North Carolina manufacturing facilities.

Wastequip

Design Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

- Plastics Design Engineer Wastequip has a great opportunity for a Design Engineer to join our Container Engineering group. This role will sit in Statesville North Carolina manufacturing facilities.

Wastequip

Design Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

- Plastics Design Engineer Wastequip has a great opportunity for a Design Engineer to join our Container Engineering group. This role will sit in Statesville North Carolina manufacturing facilities.

Wastequip

Design Engineer

Statesville, NC · On-site

- Plastics Design Engineer Wastequip has a great opportunity for a Design Engineer to join our Container Engineering group. This role will sit in Statesville North Carolina manufacturing facilities.

MAKS Plastics

Product Design Plastics Engineer

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$124K - $149K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field * Two years of thermoforming experience or other plastics preferred * Proven experience in mechanical design, specifically in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsPlastics Design Engineer Jobs

Plastics Design Engineer information

See salary details

$35K

$94.9K

$122.5K

How much do plastics design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastics design engineer 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 Plastics Design Engineers during the product development process?

Plastics Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as selecting the most suitable material for a product's function and manufacturability, ensuring the design meets strength and durability requirements, and optimizing parts for various manufacturing methods like injection molding. They must also address issues related to shrinkage, warping, and maintaining tight tolerances in final products. Collaboration with manufacturing, quality, and tooling teams is crucial to successfully transition designs from concept to production while balancing cost, performance, and aesthetic considerations.

What does a Plastics Design Engineer do?

A Plastics Design Engineer is responsible for designing and developing products or components made from plastic materials. They work on creating efficient, durable, and cost-effective plastic parts, often using computer-aided design (CAD) software. Their role involves collaborating with other engineers, selecting appropriate plastic materials, ensuring manufacturability, and addressing issues related to strength, durability, and sustainability. Plastics Design Engineers are also involved in prototyping, testing, and refining designs to meet industry standards and customer requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Plastics Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plastics Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, materials science (especially polymers), and experience with product or component design, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency in CAD software (like SolidWorks or CATIA), knowledge of manufacturing processes (such as injection molding), and familiarity with standards and simulation tools are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and effective communication help engineers address design challenges and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure the development of innovative, manufacturable, and cost-effective plastic products that meet quality and performance standards.

What is the difference between Plastics Design Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectPlastics Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; CAD proficiencyBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related; CAD skills
Work EnvironmentDesigning plastic components, working in plastics manufacturing or product developmentDesigning mechanical systems and parts across industries
Industry UsagePlastic product manufacturing, consumer goods, automotiveMachinery, automotive, aerospace, consumer products

Plastics Design Engineers focus on developing plastic components and materials, often working closely with manufacturing processes specific to plastics. Mechanical Design Engineers have a broader scope, designing various mechanical parts and systems. Both roles require CAD skills and engineering credentials but differ in materials expertise and industry focus.

More about Plastics Design Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Plastics Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Plastics Design Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Plastics Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Plastics Design Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Plastics Design Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Plastics Design Engineer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Plastics Design Engineer jobs? For Plastics Design Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Plastics Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastics Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 77% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,938 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer II-Innovation

JOHNSON HEALTH TECH TRADING INC

Cottage Grove, WI • On-site

$72K - $97K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Description


Position Overview:

We're on the hunt for a Mechanical Design Engineer II to join our Innovation Team! If you enjoy designing with a passion for bringing innovative ideas to life, are organized, detail-oriented, and ready to take on exciting challenges in development, this is the job for you. This is a non-supervisory position.


Responsibilities:

Research, design and develop novel mechanical systems.

Work with innovation team to translate ideas and concepts into prototypes.

Build and validate prototypes

Transform concepts into functional prototypes

Participate in team meetings to align project scope, deliverables, and goals.

Review data, evaluate product samples, and recommend design adjustments.

Create CAD models and drawings for components and assemblies for prototypes.

Analyze CAD models for feasibility and prototyping.

Hold design reviews on CAD designs and prototypes.

Adaptability to support other projects as assigned

Requirements

Education:

BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field required


Experience:

3+ years of design experience

Experience w/ plastic injection molding

Experience designing consumer products preferred


Other Requirements:

Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks)

Strong mechanical aptitude, with hobbies or projects showcasing your passion for design

Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Ability and willingness to travel both internationally and domestically preferred

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work well with numerous diverse groups and individuals


Skills:


Engineering Knowledge:

ASME Y14.5

Familiarity with metal and plastic manufacturing processes and secondary operations

3D CAD (including 2D drawings and 3D models - A-side plastic surfacing & B-side plastics design a plus)

Familiar with the concepts of DFMA

Tolerance stack analysis

Ability to design, select and perform analysis of: bearings, shafts, transmission belts, sheaves & pulleys, keys and key seats, couplings, clutches & brakes, o-rings, retaining rings, springs, cables, fasteners, threads, etc.

Familiarity with numerous materials and their properties including steels, aluminum, and plastics


Product and Market Knowledge:

Consumer products development/engineering experience

Has worked on products requiring industrial design

Understands basic fitness knowledge

Understands how customers interface w/product

Understands human ergonomic issues


Benefits:

We offer an excellent compensation package and team-oriented work environment with growth opportunities. Some of our outstanding benefits include:

Health & Dental Insurance

Company paid Life Insurance

401(k)

Paid Time Off benefits

Product discounts

Wellness programs



 Equal Opportunity Employer, including Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. 

Apply