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Plastics Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Plastics background in injection molding Plastic Part Design-Consumer Packaging/Medical Device a plus * CAD design software: Pro Engineer, Creo, Solidworks, Catia, etc. * Analysis software: Moldflow ...

Plastics background in injection molding Plastic Part Design-Consumer Packaging/Medical Device a plus * CAD design software: Pro Engineer, Creo, Solidworks, Catia, etc. * Analysis software: Moldflow ...

Design Engineer: Concept engineering and feasibility study for exterior trim components. Design and ... Specialize in metals and plastic molding processes. Define and maintain craftsmanship ...

* The Design Engineer will lead the design and development of thermoformed medical packaging products ... Understanding of material properties relevant to PETG, HIPS, PP, or similar plastics used in ...

Design Engineer

Brocton, NY ยท On-site

$48K - $68K/yr

A Design Engineer at Jamestown Plastics is responsible for converting conceptual ideas into practical designs and overseeing the entire product development process from initial concept to final ...

Design Engineer

Brocton, NY ยท On-site

$48K - $68K/yr

A Design Engineer at Jamestown Plastics is responsible for converting conceptual ideas into practical designs and overseeing the entire product development process from initial concept to final ...

A Design Engineer at Jamestown Plastics is responsible for converting conceptual ideas into practical designs and overseeing the entire product development process from initial concept to final ...

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Plastics Design Engineer information

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$35K

$94.9K

$122.5K

How much do plastics design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 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:
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.
Industrial Design Engineer

Industrial Design Engineer

American Plastics

Jefferson City, MO โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
American Plastics, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative plastic-injection molded products for the household & garage storage and commercial cleaning end-markets. We are searching for an Industrial Design Engineer for our Jefferson City, Missouri Innovation Center. This position will report to the VP of Engineering.
This role will be responsible for the design, ideation, and optimization of plastic products and components, ensuring they meet customer expectations, aesthetic, manufacturability, and cost requirements. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial design with a practical understanding of injection molding processes and tooling.
Responsibilities:
โ€ข Conduct user research analyzing product usage and customer needs to develop initial design concepts and use cases.
โ€ข Support the company's product roadmap creation and innovation funnel.
โ€ข Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, sales, marketing, manufacturing, and quality to bring designs to life.
โ€ข Develop concepts by creating sketches, renderings, and 3D models using CAD software to communicate and explore different design options.
โ€ข Participate in story boarding and prototype development.
โ€ข Conduct concept reviews and implement revisions based on feedback and testing outcomes.
โ€ข Support customer design requirements, including translating sketches or concepts into manufacturable solutions.
โ€ข Create and present design concepts internally and to customers, gathering feedback and iterating on designs based on their input and testing.
โ€ข Maintain detailed documentation of design iterations, specifications, and engineering changes.
Requirements
Qualifications:
โ€ข Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
โ€ข 3+ years of experience in industrial design engineering, preferably in injection molding or plastic product manufacturing.
โ€ข Creativity and Innovation: Verse in developing unique and functional product designs.
โ€ข CAD Proficiency: Expertise in 3D modeling software like SolidWorks, Rhino, or Autodesk Inventor.
โ€ข Technical Knowledge: Understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and product development.
โ€ข Communication Skills: Effectively able to present design ideas and collaborate with teams.
โ€ข Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze design and use case challenges to find creative solutions.
Preferred Qualifications:
โ€ข Experience working in consumer goods, automotive, or medical device industries.
โ€ข Knowledge of ISO 9001/IATF 16949 or similar quality standards.
โ€ข Familiarity with sustainability practices in product design.
If you are interested in joining the?American Plastics?team and want to work in a fast-paced, progressive environment, we want to hear from you. ?We offer a competitive salary, full benefit package including medical/dental, 401k, and paid vacation.