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Plastics Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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The Plastics Engineer role involves expertise in understanding plastic materials, their properties, and processing techniques to optimize molding operations and ensure high-quality product outcomes.

Experience working with materials such as PVDF, polypropylene, PVC, or other engineered plastics. * Previous experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment. Skills and Competencies * Strong ...

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Bachelor's/Masters degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, Plastics Engineering, or a related technical field. * Experience in polyolefin film technology, stretch film ...

Bachelor's/Masters degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, Plastics Engineering, or a related technical field. * Experience in polyolefin film technology, stretch film ...

Maintenance Engineer needed for a company in the printed circuit board industry. Duties of the role ... plastic and SS), associated analytical equipment, pressure gages, flow gages, etc. * You must be ...

American Plastics, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a leading designer and manufacturer of ... Must be able to establish a new process, do mold sets, Robot Programming and start a machine based ...

Support automated assembly and plastic injection molding operations. * Work hands-on with equipment and tooling to improve manufacturing performance. * Enhance quality and efficiency of processes.

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Plastics Engineer information

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$34K

$60.8K

$101.1K

How much do plastics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastics engineer in Arizona is $60,820.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,200.00 and $74,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a plastics engineer?

As a plastics engineer, you design and develop products and goods made with plastic material. You find ways to improve the manufacturing process, lower the cost of manufacturing, design molding for plastic products, establish parameters and specifications for new designs, and collaborate with plastics engineers and other colleagues. The qualifications for a career as a plastics engineer are a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology or plastics engineering and a professional engineering (PE) license. You need an understanding of the properties of plastics and strong math skills to get jobs in plastics engineering.

What do plastics engineers do?

Plastics Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and manufacture products made from plastic materials. They work on selecting appropriate plastics, developing new materials, and optimizing manufacturing processes to produce durable, efficient, and cost-effective products. Their responsibilities often include testing materials, troubleshooting production issues, and ensuring products meet safety and quality standards. Plastics Engineers play a key role in industries such as automotive, packaging, medical devices, and consumer goods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plastics engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plastics Engineer, you need a solid background in polymer science, materials engineering, and manufacturing processes, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and industry standards such as ASTM or ISO, as well as certifications like Six Sigma, are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the development of high-quality, cost-effective plastic products and successful collaboration with cross-functional teams.

What are some common challenges faced by plastics engineers in managing material selection for new products?

Plastics Engineers often encounter challenges when selecting materials for new products, as they must balance performance requirements, cost constraints, manufacturability, and environmental impacts. Navigating the vast array of plastic resins and additives requires a deep understanding of how different materials behave under various conditions. Additionally, engineers must collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure chosen materials meet industry standards and customer expectations. Staying updated with advances in sustainable plastics and recycling technologies is also increasingly important in this role.

What is the difference between Plastics Engineer vs Materials Scientist?

AspectPlastics EngineerMaterials Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Plastics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Materials ScienceBachelor's or higher in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Physics
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, R&D labs, product design facilitiesResearch labs, academic institutions, industrial R&D
Industry UsagePlastic product manufacturing, packaging, automotive, consumer goodsMaterial development, research, quality testing across industries

Plastics Engineers focus on designing, developing, and testing plastic products and processes, often working directly in manufacturing settings. Materials Scientists conduct research on materials' properties and develop new materials, typically in research or academic environments. While both roles require a background in materials, Plastics Engineers are more application-oriented, whereas Materials Scientists focus on fundamental research.

What are the most commonly searched types of Plastics Engineer jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Plastics Engineer jobs in Arizona are:

What are popular job titles related to Plastics Engineer jobs in Arizona?

For Plastics Engineer jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Plastics Engineer jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Plastics Engineer jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Plastics Engineer jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Plastics Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Plastics Engineer jobs in AZ?

For Plastics Engineer jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Plastics Engineer job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $60,820 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Plastics Engineer

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

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Job description

The Plastics Engineer role involves expertise in understanding plastic materials, their properties, and processing techniques to optimize molding operations and ensure high-quality product outcomes. This position requires strong problem-solving skills and proficiency in managing the entire lifecycle of plastic material applications, from analysis through production.


This position is located in Alda, NE. Relocation package available.


Responsibilities

  • Perform material analysis to assess plastic types and properties
  • Optimize processes to improve molding efficiency and product quality
  • Apply molding techniques effectively across plastic manufacturing operations
  • Implement quality control measures to maintain high standards
  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to plastic processing and production

Preferred Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in plastics engineering
  • Demonstrated problem-solving capabilities

Company Description

Our Company
Throughout the housing industry, Jim Merrick was considered one of the three pioneers in the invention of automated housing machine tools. Starting with the invention of the Window Frame Clamp back in 1960, Merrick Machine Company, under the Triad brand name, has gone on to develop wood wall panel framing, steel stud framing, fastening, sub-component, and stair equipment and machines.

Over 50 years down the road, Merrick Machine Company is under the direction of Jim's grandson, Russ Merrick who oversees six different companies: Merrick Machine Co., Triad Fastener, FuTek Tooling (all in Alda, NE), and Triad Products Co. (Hastings, NE).