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Plastics Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

PMX Industries, Inc.

Process Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

As a Process Engineer , you'll play a vital role in developing, implementing, and improving ... PMX employees also have an active recycling program of metals, cardboard, plastic, and paper. We ...

KSI

Machine Operator (2nd Shift)

Dyersville, IA

$21 - $23/hr

JEDA Polymers, a growing manufacturer of engineered plastic resin, is hiring Machine Operators to join its 2nd shift production team in Dyersville, Iowa. As the only plastic resin compounder in Iowa ...

KSI

Machine Operator (2nd Shift)

Dyersville, IA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

JEDA Polymers , a growing manufacturer of engineered plastic resin, is hiring Machine Operators to join its 2nd shift production team in Dyersville, Iowa . As the only plastic resin compounder in ...

New Way Trucks

Tooling Engineer

Carroll, IA · On-site

The Tooling Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and improving tooling ... Experience in CNC machining, tool and die, metal fabrication, plastics, injection molding, stamping ...

W3Global Inc.

Mold Designer

Cedar Rapids, IA

$30 - $40/hr

In this role, you will use 3D CAD software to develop models, engineering drawings, and bills of materials for plastic injection molds. You will collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams ...

Accu-Mold Corp

Sales Engineer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Sales Engineer LOCATION: Accumold Office REPORTS TO: Vice President of Sales & Marketing FLSA ... Ability needed to read, analyze, and interpret general plastics/manufacturing periodicals ...

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All JobsPlastics Engineer JobsPlastics Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Plastics Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$34.3K

$61.3K

$101.9K

How much do plastics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastics engineer in Iowa is $61,301.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,600.00 and $74,700.00 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.

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Plastics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastics Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,301 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Entry Level Mechanical Engineer

Rogers Freels & Associates Inc

Dubuque, IA

$60K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an Entry-Level to experienced candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility.

This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.

Entry Level Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer will be responsible for the concept and development of mechanical components and systems that may include multiple plastic processes, castings or forgings, stampings, laser cut parts, and welding or bonding of components.

Responsibilities

  • Communication with suppliers and customers on product selection and integration
  • Use of Creo and Windchill to support 3-D Modeling of components, sheet metal and possibly hydraulic or electrical routings.
  • Creation and support of 2D drawings and specification documentation
  • Work with manufacturing, product verification and validation, and suppliers to develop efficient and cost effective designs
  • Compile and furnish necessary information (engineering decisions and reports of pertinent design analyses data) to document the design solution required for building of prototypes and adoption of the design with possible involvement of other functional engineers.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Agricultural Engineering or related degree
  • Strong mechanical aptitude demonstrated through work experience or hobbies
  • Excellent communication both written and verbal
  • Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and commitments
  • Strong analytical, problem solving and troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to thrive in a team environment

Desired Attributes

  • Experience in 3-D Modeling Software; Creo experience (Preferred)
  • Previous experience with Windchill or PDMLink
  • Strong understanding of GD&T
  • Design experience or exposure to off-road mobile equipment
  • Ability to address quality issues, determine root cause and drive to a corrective action
  • Desire to work in an engineering environment focusing on robust & cost effective designs

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Pay Range: $60,000-$80,000 – Commensurate with experience

About RFA Engineering

RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits

  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • TelaDoc Healthiest You
  • Supplemental Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Short-term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • HSA for Medical Expenses
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly