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Plastics Engineer Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Teknor Apex

Technical Lead, Raw Materials

Pawtucket, RI · On-site

$100 - $120/hr

Bachelor's degree in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Polymer/Plastics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Teknor Apex is an equal ...

Teknor Apex

Raw Materials Engineer

Pawtucket, RI · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or related field * Equivalent experience (4-6 years) in a related technical role will be ...

Nordsonhcm

Senior Mechanical Engineer

East Providence, RI · On-site

$105K - $139K/yr

In this role, you will lead the mechanical design and industrialization of plastic consumables, from concept through production launch. You will apply strong engineering fundamentals, structured ...

MRINetwork Jobs

Process Engineer

Providence, RI · On-site

The company designs and manufactures custom components using advanced plastic manufacturing technology and rigorous quality control standards. Position Overview The Process Engineer works closely ...

MRINetwork Jobs

Process Engineer

Providence, RI · On-site

The company designs and manufactures custom components using advanced plastic manufacturing technology and rigorous quality control standards. Position Overview The Process Engineer works closely ...

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All JobsPlastics Engineer JobsPlastics Engineer Jobs in Rhode Island

Plastics Engineer information

See Rhode Island salary details

$35.7K

$63.9K

$106.3K

How much do plastics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastics engineer in Rhode Island is $63,915.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $77,900.00 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.

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Plastics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastics Engineer job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,915 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

Process Engineer for Plastic Injection Molding

Mars Plastics

Providence, RI • On-site

$45K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off

Company: Mars Plastics Injection Molding
Job Type: Full-Time
About Us:
Mars Plastics is a full-service injection molding facility specializing in high-quality plastic components and custom solutions for a variety of industries. We also manufacture our own line of consumer storage products under the BinCraft brand. With a focus on innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, we're seeking a skilled Process Engineer to join our growing team.
Job Summary:
We are looking for a results-driven Plastic Injection Molding Process Engineer to lead process development, optimization, and troubleshooting within our molding operations. This role is critical in ensuring part quality, improving cycle times, and reducing scrap to support efficient and consistent production.
Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop, document, and optimize injection molding processes for new and existing products
  • Troubleshoot molding issues, including part defects and process deviations
  • Collaborate with tooling, maintenance, quality, and production teams to improve overall efficiency
  • Perform mold trials and validations, including process capability studies
  • Establish and maintain process parameters and setup sheets
  • Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in molding operations
  • Assist with training of machine operators and technicians on best practices
  • Support preventive maintenance programs for injection molds and machines
Qualifications:

  • Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Plastics Technology, or related field preferred
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience with plastic injection molding process engineering
  • Strong knowledge of injection molding machinery, tooling, and materials
  • Proficiency in troubleshooting molding defects and process control
  • Familiarity with scientific molding principles is a plus
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills
Benefits:

  • Competitive salary based on experience
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid vacation and holidays
  • Opportunities for growth and advancement