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Plastics Engineer Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

CAD Designer/ Drafter

Lenexa, KS · On-site

$25 - $34.75/hr

CNC programming and cutter path verification knowledge are necessary. Prototypes may be machined in various metals for true proof of concept. Basic knowledge of plastics and plastic mold interaction ...

CAD Designer/ Drafter

Lenexa, KS · On-site

$25 - $34.75/hr

CNC programming and cutter path verification knowledge are necessary. Prototypes may be machined in various metals for true proof of concept. Basic knowledge of plastics and plastic mold interaction ...

S. degree in Engineering - preferably with concentration in plastics/material science, or, in the absence of degree a minimum of 5 years engineering experience in Process Improvement. * Working ...

CAD Designer/ Drafter

Lenexa, KS · On-site

$25 - $34.75/hr

CNC programming and cutter path verification knowledge are necessary. Prototypes may be machined in various metals for true proof of concept. Basic knowledge of plastics and plastic mold interaction ...

S. degree in Engineering - preferably with concentration in plastics/material science, or, in the absence of degree a minimum of 5 years engineering experience in Process Improvement. * Working ...

S. degree in Engineering - preferably with concentration in plastics/material science, or, in the absence of degree a minimum of 5 years engineering experience in Process Improvement. * Working ...

Ability to explain moment distribution, plastic analysis, seismic design principles, and load path analysis while preparing students for structural engineering courses, the PE examination, and ...

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

De Soto, KS · On-site

$106K - $131K/yr

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Bachelors degree in engineering or related field, or equivalent experience. 3+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment (plastic injection ...

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THE POSITION Following directions provided by Engineering Management, prepare initial CAD designs for plastic consumer devices, and incorporate engineering change orders into ...

Assembly Operations II

Sabetha, KS

$14.50 - $18/hr

Hillenbrand (www.hillenbrand.com) is a global industrial company that provides highly engineered ... plastics, food, and recycling. Guided by our Purpose - Shape What Matters For Tomorrow - we pursue ...

Showing results 21-40

Plastics Engineer information

See Kansas salary details

$32.6K

$58.2K

$96.8K

How much do plastics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastics engineer in Kansas is $58,207.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,300.00 and $70,900.00 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.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Kansas are hiring for Plastics Engineer jobs?

Cities in Kansas with the most Plastics Engineer job openings:

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

Infographic showing various Plastics Engineer job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,207 per year, or $28 per hour.

CAD Designer/ Drafter

Splintek Inc

Lenexa, KS • On-site

$25 - $34.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Description:

We are currently seeking to hire a CAD Designer/ Project Engineer. Design of initial CAD models, feedback from testing, and various generation prototype phases. Prototype designs are printed in 3D concept visualization and multi-phase testing. Desire to learn plastic injection molding and mold layout functions are required. Part of the design must be conscious of cavity notams such as draft, flow, wall thickness, gates, venting, etc.; molding machine specs and capacities must also be considered.

Approved prototype designs will be programmed for CNC 3D surface machining. CNC programming and cutter path verification knowledge are necessary. Prototypes may be machined in various metals for true proof of concept. Basic knowledge of plastics and plastic mold interaction is required. Specific resin analysis is performed to determine characteristic values such as strength, geometry, and shrink.


Splintek is a Lenexa-based, made-in-the-USA manufacturing company in the business of providing high-quality healthcare products to Retailers, Professionals, and direct to consumers since 1996. Innovation, team-based, high energy, casual business environment. Splintek’s mission is to enhance the quality of life globally by innovating healthcare products for better sleep, more comfort, and overall health. Please visit our website at www.sleepright.com


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Consult with and take direction from Engineering Management to prepare initial conceptual CAD designs of company products
  • Interpret the directions provided by management with an understanding of the customers’ needs as well as the company’s capabilities
  • Create designs in 2D and 3D through rendering, technical drawings, and assembled samples
  • Designs must address cavity notams such as the draft, flow, wall thickness, gates, venting, etc. as well as molding machine specs and capacities
  • Work with all departments as directed to ensure that proper interpretation of designs is executed into prototypes
  • Print prototype designs in 3D concept visualization for multi-phase testing
  • Review prototypes for quality, as well as the correct and complete interpretation of designs.
  • Communicate problem issues to the appropriate department
  • Seek feedback from testing and various generational prototype phases and incorporate the findings and change orders into upgraded designs.
  • Ensure efforts are following compliance with regulatory requirements
  • Adhere to the production schedule, prioritize diverse assignments, and meet assigned deadlines
  • Make suggestions to continuously improve existing processes to increase throughput, reduce scrap, decrease costs, and improve quality
  • Participate in the plastic injection molding and mold layout processes
Requirements:

EDUCATION

REQUIRED:

  • Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience

PREFERRED:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

EXPERIENCE AND SKILL

REQUIRED:

  • Minimum of 2 years of CAD Designer experience
  • Cutter path verification experience
  • Basic knowledge of plastics and plastic mold interaction
  • Proficiency with SolidWorks, Master-Cam, and CAD/CAM software
  • The ability to work with mathematical concepts such as portability and statistical inference and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Must have the ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, rations, and proportions to practical situations

PREFERRED:

  • 5 years of CAD Designer experience
  • Experience with Hurco machines and Win Max Controllers

**We are NOT interested in working with recruiters or employment agencies at this time. Please do not email about potential candidates.


WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Vision: Use vision to read, write, type, operate office, electronic, and manufacturing equipment, and make fine adjustments.

Speaking/Hearing: Give and receive information through speaking and hearing.

Motor Coordination: Requires hands to operate equipment.

Lift/Carry: Regularly lift, push, and move up to 50lbs.

Environment: Office and warehouse environments may be dust, contain sharp edges, include areas that are not well lit, the floor may be uneven or cracked, and the facility may be subject to variations in temperature.