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Plastics Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MAKS Plastics

Product Design Plastics Engineer

Elkhart, IN

$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 ...

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 ...

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

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.

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.

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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 Jul 17, 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
Sr. Design Engineer

Sr. Design Engineer

American Plastics, LLC

Mooresville, NC • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

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 seeking a skilled Sr. Design Engineer specializing in plastics to join our team at our Innovation Center, in Mooresville, NC. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing and developing plastic components and products, ensuring functionality, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness. The role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, utilizing CAD software, and staying updated on industry trends and technologies. This position will report to the Vice President of Engineering.


Product Design: Conceptualize, design, and develop plastic components and products according to project requirements, considering factors such as functionality, aesthetics, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.


CAD Modeling: Utilize CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) to create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings of plastic parts and assemblies.


Prototyping: Oversee the prototyping process, including selecting appropriate materials, collaborating with prototype technicians, and validating designs for fit, form, and function.


Material Selection: Evaluate and select suitable plastic materials based on performance requirements, environmental factors, and cost considerations.


Design Optimization: Continuously improve designs for efficiency, performance, and cost reduction through analysis, simulation, and testing.


Manufacturability: Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are optimized for production processes such as injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming.


Quality Assurance: Work closely with quality control teams to establish and implement quality standards for plastic components and products, ensuring compliance with industry regulations.


Documentation: Prepare and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including technical drawings, specifications, and design change records.


Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including product management, manufacturing, quality assurance, and procurement to achieve project goals and deadlines.


Research and Innovation: Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in plastic design, and incorporate innovative solutions into product development processes.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or plastics Engineering.

Experience of hands-on injection molding experience a plus.

7 + Years experience with Product Design of plastic injection molded products

SolidWorks knowledge.

Experience with prototyping techniques and rapid iteration processes.

Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Effective communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work in cross-functional teams.

Familiarity with design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles.

Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Strong communication skills.



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.


Apply