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Plastics Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

MAKS Plastics

Plastics Engineer

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Director of Engineering MAKS Plastics, LLC is a rotational molding and thermoforming plastic component supplier for the RV, Marine and Custom industries. Our products are diversified to offer our ...

MAKS Plastics

Plastics Engineer

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Plastics Engineer DEPARTMENT: Engineering REPORTING TO: Director of Engineering MAKS Plastics, LLC is a rotational molding and thermoforming plastic component supplier for the RV, Marine and Custom ...

Toyota

Engineer - Plastics

Princeton, IN · On-site

Reporting to the Machine Group Manager, the person in this role will support the Plastics ... Support plant engineering, manufacturing activities, and technical reporting * Lead equipment ...

New

groteindustries

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Madison, IN · On-site

$95K - $126K/yr

Coordinating/reviewing simulations including static and vibration FEA, thermal FEA/CFD, and plastic part MFA. * Senior Mechanical Engineer will ensuring designs meet all thermal, vibration, corrosion ...

Grote Industries

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Madison, IN · On-site

$95K - $126K/yr

Coordinating/reviewing simulations including static and vibration FEA, thermal FEA/CFD, and plastic part MFA. * Senior Mechanical Engineer will ensuring designs meet all thermal, vibration, corrosion ...

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All JobsPlastics Engineer JobsPlastics Engineer Jobs in Indiana

Plastics Engineer information

See Indiana salary details

$34.7K

$62.1K

$103.2K

How much do plastics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastics engineer in Indiana is $62,104.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,200.00 and $75,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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.

More about Plastics Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Plastics Engineer jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Plastics Engineer jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Plastics Engineer jobs in Indiana? For Plastics Engineer jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Plastics Engineer jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Plastics Engineer jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Plastics Engineer jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Plastics Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Plastics Engineer jobs in IN? For Plastics Engineer jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Plastics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastics Engineer job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,104 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Plastics Engineer

MAKS Plastics

Elkhart, IN • On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Plastics Engineer
DEPARTMENT: Engineering
REPORTING TO: Director of Engineering
MAKS Plastics, LLC is a rotational molding and thermoforming plastic component supplier for the RV, Marine and Custom industries. Our products are diversified to offer our employees stability and growth. At MAKS, we thrive on a People First, Customer focused Culture that works hard, plays hard and is Family Focused.
SUMMARY: We are seeking a skilled Product Design Engineer with expertise in rotational molding, thermoforming and SolidWorks to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing thermoforming processes and equipment. This role requires a strong understanding of mechanical design principles, material properties, and manufacturing processes, including mold development.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design and develop internal and external products, molds, equipment using SolidWorks
  • Create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings for manufacturing
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure design feasibility and manufacturability
  • Conduct simulations and analyses to validate designs and optimize performance
  • Troubleshoot and resolve design-related issues during the manufacturing process
  • Stay updated with industry trends and advancements in thermoforming technology
  • Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations
  • Create a safe work environment
  • All other duties as requested

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
  • Proven experience in mechanical design, specifically in thermoforming
  • Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling and drafting
  • Strong understanding of material properties and manufacturing processes
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Experience with finite element analysis (FEA)
  • Knowledge of thermoplastic materials and their behavior under different conditions
  • Experience with project management and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
  • Familiarity with industry standards and regulatory requirements related to thermoforming
  • Proficiency in other CAD software and simulation tools
  • Understanding of lean manufacturing principles and practices
  • Previous experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Ability to conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions
  • Strong organizational and time management skills

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Able to work in a hot humid environment for extended periods of time as well as around loud noises are required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must be able to work in an office environment.
COMPANY CULTURE:
At MAKS Plastics, we believe that our people are our greatest asset. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued and encouraged to contribute their unique skills and perspectives. Our culture is built on the principles of innovation, continuous improvement, and mutual respect. We support professional growth and development through ongoing training and career advancement opportunities.
BENEFITS:
  • Competitive salary and benefits package
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development
  • Collaborative and innovative work environment
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement savings plan

General Sign-Off: Date:
Salary Description
$60,000 - $90,000

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