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Plastics Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wastequip

Design Engineer

Statesville, 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

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

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

Statesville, 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

- 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

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 ...

MAKS Plastics

Plastics Engineer

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Plastics Engineer DEPARTMENT: Engineering REPORTING TO: Director of Engineering MAKS Plastics, LLC ... We are seeking a skilled Product Design Engineer with expertise in rotational molding ...

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

$123K - $148K/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 ...

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Plastics Design Engineer information

See salary details

$35K

$94.9K

$122.5K

How much do plastics design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-level positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and a track record of significant project management or innovation.

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 is the role of a plastic design engineer?

A plastics design engineer develops and optimizes plastic components and products by applying principles of materials science, engineering, and CAD software. They focus on creating designs that meet functional, manufacturing, and safety requirements, often collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

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 engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior plastics design engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD software, and specialized knowledge in materials can earn $200,000 or more annually. High-level engineering roles in manufacturing, aerospace, or automotive industries often offer such compensation, especially with leadership responsibilities or in high-demand markets.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A highly experienced plastics design engineer working in senior or executive roles, such as lead engineer or engineering manager in large corporations, can earn $500,000 or more annually. Such roles often require advanced skills, extensive industry experience, and sometimes specialized certifications or advanced degrees. Compensation varies based on company size, location, and individual expertise.

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
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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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,938 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Design Engineer II - Automotive Plastics

Goken

Dublin, OH • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio (USA) with Engineering Centers in Pune, India and Yokohama, Japan, Goken is a global Engineering Services and Product Development company founded in 2004. We partner with OEMs and suppliers across the mobility space, as well as clients in non-mobility industries, to deliver innovative solutions and accelerate product development.

At Goken, we embrace our motto of "Time to Innovate" by pushing boundaries, cultivating entrepreneurial thinking, and empowering individuals who thrive on tackling challenges, embrace fresh ideas, and are driven to create solutions that shape the future. This mindset fuels our mission and empowers our teams to solve complex problems, deliver measurable value, and move our clients and industries forward.

Our Vision is to empower associates to drive innovation and lead meaningful change wherever it's needed, ensuring we stay ahead of the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. Our Mission is to build trust that fosters greatness in our people, excellence in our clients, and positive impact in the communities we serve.

Goken offers a competitive compensation structure and benefits that support professional growth and personal well-being. We also foster a culture built on high performance, collaboration, continuous improvement, and ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead & support eng activities for large scale product devt programs by investigating feasibility, perf design using 3-D modeling software, conduct layout review and 2D drawing creation.
  • Analyze & resolve problems w/moderate level of guidance & direction.
  • Create part spec reqs & BOM. Negotiate w/surrounding component business units & suppliers.
  • Validate designs by performing FEA utilizing available CAE/CFD software tools.
  • Search new ways to increase overall efficiency, utilize up-to-date tech & reduce design and parts costs.
  • Travel to client sites.
  • Will work in various unanticipated locations throughout U.S.–5% domestic travel.
  • elecommuting option – employee must live in OH.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's in Industrial Design or Engineering & 3 yrs exp, including 3 yrs exp in design & devt of auto plastics (Interiors and Exteriors); 3 yrs exp using CATIA V5; & 1 yr exp using Adobe Illustrator.

Goken is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and engaging workplace across all global locations. We value diversity and provide equal opportunities for career growth and professional development, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.