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Plastics Engineer Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Process engineer

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$88K - $103K/yr

Pretium Packaging, founded in 1992, is a leading supplier of injection-blow molded plastic ... The Process Engineer assists plant leadership and works collaboratively with all other departments ...

Pretium Packaging, founded in 1992, is a leading supplier of injection-blow molded plastic ... The Process Engineer assists plant leadership and works collaboratively with all other departments ...

Pretium Packaging, founded in 1992, is a leading supplier of injection-blow molded plastic ... The Process Engineer assists plant leadership and works collaboratively with all other departments ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Canton, MO · On-site

$71K - $91K/yr

The Manufacturing Engineer plays a vital role in the production of high-quality plastic products. This role requires a strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and quality control ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Canton, MO · On-site

$71K - $91K/yr

The Manufacturing Engineer plays a vital role in the production of high-quality plastic products. This role requires a strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and quality control ...

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Plastics Engineer information

See Missouri salary details

$34.2K

$61.2K

$101.8K

How much do plastics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastics engineer in Missouri is $61,219.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $74,600.00 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 Missouri?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Missouri are hiring for Plastics Engineer jobs?

Cities in Missouri with the most Plastics Engineer job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Plastics Engineer job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,219 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Process Engineer - Plastics

American Plastics, LLC

Jefferson City, MO

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Description

American Plastics, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative plastic-injection molded products for the household & garage storage and commercial cleaning end-markets. We are searching for an energetic driven Process Engineer for our Jefferson City, MO location.  This position will spend 90% of their time on the plant floor and will report to the Plant Manager. 


Responsibilities:

Coordinate & run processing trials for both materials and product development

Develop & run design of experiments

Program robots for optimum cycle time and Training Production Staff as needed

Lead troubleshooting and develop permanent corrective action for various product defects

Lead continuous improvement teams for cycle time & scrap reduction

Assist with production for startup, shut down

Lead corrective action teams for root cause analysis and permanent corrective action procedures

Analyze, develop and implement workstation layouts for labor optimization

Other duties as assigned by Management

Lead New Product Development APQP meetings

Lead New Product/Customer Quote Inquires as required


Requirements

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Plastic Engineering or related field

Minimum of 2 years in processing engineering experience - Degree may be waived based on relevant experience

Excellent oral and written communication skills

May participate in housekeeping, 6S, and/or in Lean activities

Other duties and special projects as assigned by Management

Must have experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint


Expectations:

Run a safe, clean operation which promotes zero accidents

Follow all company procedures and policies

Work well with all levels of employees and Management

Work overtime as required to complete all required tasks

If you are interested in joining the American Plastics team and want to work in a fast-paced, progressive environment, we want to hear from you.  We offer a competitive salary, full benefit package including medical/dental, 401k, and paid vacation.Â