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Plastics Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Large plastic resins supplier has an excellent opportunity available in the Detroit, Michigan area for an Applications Development Engineer. Summary & Objectives This position is responsible for ...

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Manufacturing Plastics Process Engineer

Evart, MI · On-site

$65K - $87K/yr

The Plastics Process Engineer is responsible for setting up, adjusting, and maintaining plastic injection molding processes to ensure the consistent production of high-quality automotive components.

Engineering as a Service provides complete design, implementation, and technology operations, leveraging our core engineering expertise. We transform engineering teams, modernize technology, and ...

Founded in 1987 by three young plastic-engineering entrepreneurs, Team 1 Plastics has grown into a highly automated, technology-driven organization known for its commitment to innovation, reliability ...

Develop, optimize, and maintain plastic injection molding processes to improve quality ... Support engineering changes, equipment installations, mold qualifications, and process improvements.

Founded in 1987 by three young plastic-engineering entrepreneurs, Team 1 Plastics has grown into a highly automated, technology-driven organization known for its commitment to innovation, reliability ...

All engineering Plastics are highly processable and can be manufactured in various colors. It is used in numerous areas such as automobiles, home appliances, IT devices, etc. Products that may ...

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Plastics Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$31.8K

$56.9K

$94.6K

How much do plastics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastics engineer in Michigan is $56,885.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $69,300.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Plastics Engineer jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Plastics Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Plastics Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Plastics Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Plastics Engineer jobs in MI? For Plastics Engineer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Plastics Engineer job openings in Michigan 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 $56,885 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

$80K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Large plastic resins supplier has an excellent opportunity available in the Detroit, Michigan area for an Applications Development Engineer. 

Summary & Objectives

This position is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive application development plan and strategy that would increase revenues and profits in engineering and thermoplastics resins sales.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Lead technical and molding support of new program development activities, launches and current production program issues.
  • Provide leadership to customer base in regards to quality issues and concerns that arise related to the product /or product quality and molding process.
  • Handle customer requests thru HQ AD team for proper and timely resolution back to the customer.
  • Lead sales programs technically in order to capture new business opportunities and goals.
  • Support development of technical service personnel in regards to technical aspects as required for automotive segment needs, processing, specifications, company procedures and activities, tooling and design guidance.
  • Implements the recommendations of the strategic application development plan. 
  • Evaluate technical issues to determine how competitive and current it is with the latest trends in the industry. 
  • Monitor external and internal environment for development of new market segments. 
  • Produce feasibility studies/implementation plans for new application development. 
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and supports mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior. 

 

Qualifications:

  • Polymer Engineering/Processing
  • Proficient in English
  • Hold valid driver’s license for business trips
  • Proficient in Excel, Word, Outlook
  • Customer/Client Focus
  • Result Driven
  • Business Acumen                                               
  • Initiative Presentation Skill 
  • Problem Solving/Analysis 
  • Communication Proficiency         
  • Strategic Thinking                                  
  • Dependable, punctual and reliable
  • Professional manner and appearance
  • Project Management 
  • Presentation Skill is a plus

Education and/ or Experience:  

  • Bachelor’s Degree in engineering or equivalent number of experience
  • Must have 4+ years chemical industry background. Experience in the plastics industry is a must. Experience in thermoplastics, injection molding, ABS, Polycarbonate, HDPE, LLDPE, LDPE, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, and / or Polyolefins would be a plus. 

Travel

Approximately 40% of overnight travel may be expected. 

Physical Activity Required: 

  • Regularly required to talk or hear
  • Regularly required to take motor vehicles and airplanes
  • Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
  • Ability to lift up to 20lbs