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Plastics Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 · 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

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.

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 · 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.

Restech Plastic Molding

Be Seen First

Plastics Engineer

Hudson, MA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

We focus on plastics molding development, thin and thick wall molding, tight tolerance molding ... Read & understand blue prints and 3D CAD files * Utilize Solidworks software and manage all new ...

The Lee Company

Plastics Engineer

Essex, CT · On-site

The Lee Company is a global leader in the design and production of miniature, precision fluid ... Plastics Project Engineers lead all aspects of plastic component lifecycle, from initial concept ...

US Conec, Ltd.

Plastics Engineer

Hickory, NC

Partner with Tooling, Product Development, and Manufacturing teams on mold design reviews, tooling modifications, and new product launches. * Evaluate and recommend plastic materials and resins based ...

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Plastics Design information

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$35K

$94.9K

$122.5K

How much do plastics design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 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
Design Engineer

Design Engineer

Wastequip

Kannapolis, NC

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Wastequip rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 430 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Job Description:

Job Description - 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.

This individual will design waste containers and associated products in accordance with customer requirements and company standards. Included in the design process are responsibilities such as: performing design calculations, developing and releasing drawings and 3D models of new and revised products, and developing product specifications and BOMs, among other responsibilities.

*This position can work out of our home office in Charlotte, NC with 15% travel

or out of our Statesville, NC facility.*

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Design and develop new products considering manufacturability and cost effectiveness.
  • Assist/Create business case to support capital investments into new products
  • Produce Sales drawings for customer visual aids and marketing materials
  • Produce production drawings and specifications
  • Create complete Bills of Material (BOMs)
  • Maintain product data & documentation within Vault & ERP system
  • Lead projects to align product data from multiple Business Units.
  • Conduct research and create design concepts/proposals for projects.
  • As required, use AutoCad (2D) & Inventor (3D) for designs.
  • Travel to Wastequip production & office facilities to evaluate product and receive training.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering or equivalent
  • Design experience in AutoCAD/Inventor
  • Minimum of (2) years of work experience in a manufacturing operation, preferably one involving rotomolding or injection molding
  • Experienced in using Finite Element Analysis is a plus
  • Knowledge of Machining, Welding, Fabrication and/or Waste Industry experience a plus
  • Must possess an attitude of safety in all aspects of the job
  • Must possess technical, problem solving, and analytic skills with ability to think strategically
  • Ability to communicate effectively
  • Ability to achieve successful results within deadlines
  • Must be teamwork oriented

Company Benefits:

2 Medical Plan Options - Base HSA (High Deductible) and Buy-Up

Medical Plans

Prescription (Rx) Insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

2 Dental Plan Options - Base Dental and Buy-Up Dental Plans

Vision Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's)

Health Care FSA

Dependent Care FSA

Company Paid Base Life Insurance

Company Paid Accident, Death & Dismemberment Insurance

Company Paid Business Travel Accident Insurance

Company Paid Disability Insurance

Short-Term Disability (STD) and Base Long-Term Disability (LTD)

Insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Voluntary Hospital, Accident & Critical Illness (Cancer) Insurance

401(K) Retirement Plan with 50% Company Match

Voluntary Pet Insurance

Vacation and Personal/Sick Time

Paid Grandparent Leave

Paid Bonding Leave

Adoption Assistance

Education Assistance (Tuition Reimbursement)

About Wastequip

Wastequip got its start in 1989 with containers and compactors. But, today, we have evolved into so much more than just a manufacturer of high-quality steel containers and compactors. We are the waste industry's only All-in-One solutions provider - from carts and containers to collect waste to hoists and trash trucks to move the waste to parts, service and technology to keep your operation running smoothly.

While we're proud to be North America's leading manufacturer of waste handling equipment, we are equally proud to be a driving force for enhanced sustainability across the waste industry. We are consistently striving to improve our own operations while making it easier for our customers to do the right thing - building a brighter future for all.

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