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Plastics Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Clayens US LLC

Process Engineer

Greeneville, TN · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Plastic Injection Molding Process Engineer Job Summary The Plastic Injection Molding Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, validating, and sustaining injection molding processes ...

New

Drive

Manufacturing Engineer

Pulaski, TN

$70K - $85K/yr

... Engineer to join our engineering team. This role is responsible for improving manufacturing ... Support plastic injection molding operations by analyzing and improving process flow, equipment ...

PETOSKEY PLASTICS

Plant Engineer

Morristown, TN

Petoskey Plastics aspires to stand out as an industry leader in sustainability, using advanced ... The Plant Engineer serves as the second-in-command to the Plant Manager, with shared accountability ...

inteplast

TECHNICAL ENGINEER II

Talbott, TN

Bachelor's Degree in Plastic Engineering, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related field is preferred or at least 5 year's related experience in BOPP or plastic films ...

inteplast

TECHNICAL ENGINEER II

Talbott, TN

Bachelor's Degree in Plastic Engineering, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related field is preferred or at least 5 year's related experience in BOPP or plastic films ...

Inteplast Group, Ltd

TECHNICAL ENGINEER II

Talbott, TN · On-site

Bachelor's Degree in Plastic Engineering, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related field is preferred or at least 5 year's related experience in BOPP or plastic films ...

Westlake Corporation

Materials Engineer

Bristol, TN · On-site

Bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited university in Mechanical, Chemical, Materials, or Plastics Engineering. * 3 to 5 years of hands-on plastics compounding experience, ideally in rigid or ...

Westlake

Materials Engineer

Bristol, TN

Bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited university in Mechanical, Chemical, Materials, or Plastics Engineering. * 3 to 5 years of hands-on plastics compounding experience, ideally in rigid or ...

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Plastics Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$33.1K

$59.2K

$98.5K

How much do plastics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastics engineer in Tennessee is $59,236.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $72,200.00 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.

More about Plastics Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Plastics Engineer jobs in Tennessee?

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

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

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

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

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

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Cities in Tennessee with the most Plastics Engineer job openings:

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

Plastics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastics Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,236 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Plastics Machine Operator

Petoskey Plastics

Morristown, TN

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Petoskey Plastics rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

64th of 84 rated plastic manufacturers

Job description

Petoskey Plastics is an environmentally focused recycler and plastic film, bag, and resin manufacturer dedicated to our mission statement: to earn the appreciation and respect of our customers, associates, and communities.

We are looking for motivated individuals to join our career-oriented, benefits-rich team. See a few of our over 20 competitive benefits below:

  • Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision benefits - valued at $4/hr over your base pay!
  • Profit Sharing Bonuses
  • Paid Time Off - start earning PTO just two weeks after your start date
  • 401 Retirement Plan - with a 3% company contribution, regardless of your contribution
  • Safety Shoe and Safety Glasses Reimbursement
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Wellness Reimbursement
  • Life Insurance
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability

Headquartered in Petoskey, Michigan, Petoskey Plastics provides products and custom-engineered solutions for a variety of industries, including automotive, industrial, institutional, retail, construction, home improvement, medical, and more. The company has facilities in Michigan, Indiana, Tennessee, and Texas.

Petoskey Plastics is here if you are looking for a family-oriented, career path-focused company. We offer paid training and several different growth opportunities. Start your career at Petoskey Plastics today!

Careers - Petoskey Plastics Jobs - Jobs Plastic Industry

We are seeking anexperienced blown film extrusion operatorto safely perform a combination of productions tasks, which may include set up of jobs, reading the production schedule, reading, and understanding work instructions and blueprints. Proficient at running multi-layer extrusion and downstream equipment. Assists supervisor in covering the production floor, training new associates on safety, housekeeping and other aspects of the production process.

This will be an overnight position.2-2-3 shift schedule, 8p-8a,$1.00/hour shift premiumif working on the night shift!

Qualifications
  • 3 years of blown film extrusion experience preferred.
  • Ability to read production schedule, work order, and work procedures in English.
  • Problem solving and trouble shooting skills.
  • Mechanical aptitude.
  • Knowledge of resins and additives.
  • Ability to train new associates.
  • Commitment to quality work.
  • Commitment to safety and quality. Follow all safety and quality policies.
  • Able to consistently demonstrate reliable, punctual attendance.
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills (verbal & written).
  • High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) is required.

You should be proficient in:

  • Machine Building/Assembling
  • Mechanical Troubleshooting Skills
  • CAD Software
  • Machine Safety Inspections
  • Machine Setups for Production Runs
  • Troubleshooting CNC Machines
  • Plastic Extrusion Experience
  • Injection Molding Experience
  • Blow Molding Experience
  • Tool/Die/Mold Setup Experience
  • Blueprint Reading

Machines & technologies you'll use:

  • CNC Automation Solutions
  • Injection Molding Machine
  • CNC Lathe (2-4 axis)
  • Extrusion Machine
  • Blow Molding Machine
ID:qnkTyx

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