ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Plastics Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MAKS Plastics

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

Akidev Corporation

Design Engineer 4

Newark, CA · On-site

... with plastics design, Class A surfaces, front crash, aero features, lighting integration, module integration, tooling, resins, supply base, fit and finish, gap and flush, module concept, thermal ...

Brilliant

Mechanical Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

Design and optimize hardware, and manage those designs through testing, certification, tooling, and production. Preferred candidates will have experience in consumer products; plastics design ...

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

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

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

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.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPlastics Design Jobs

Plastics Design information

See salary details

$35K

$94.9K

$122.5K

How much do plastics design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 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:
What job categories do people searching Plastics Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Plastics Design jobs are:
Plastics Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastics Design job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. 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

Mechanical Design Engineer II-Innovation

Johnson Health Tech Companies

Cottage Grove, WI • On-site

$72K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Johnson Health Tech rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

120th of 417 rated machine equipment manufacturers

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.