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Plastics Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Job#: 3038654 Controls Engineer Location: Richmond, Virginia (Onsite) Role Overview We are seeking ... Plastics, and Government Contracts. We are looking for a self-motivated and self-directed ...

Quality Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$69K - $90K/yr

Knowledge of plastic materials a plus * Practitioner of scientific method * Proficient knowledge of ISO based Quality Management Systems. * Mechanical engineering experience preferred * Knowledge of ...

Production Engineer

Chester, VA · On-site

$76 - $114/hr

... plastics, solvents, packaging, paints, coatings, adhesives, and electronics. Our reliable and ... Perform process engineering calculations and comprehend PI&D drawings for the purposes of ...

Sr. Process Engineer

Chester, VA · On-site

$95K - $123K/yr

... plastics, solvents, packaging, paints, coatings, adhesives, and electronics. Our reliable and ... The Senior Process Engineer interacts with the plant teams, business groups and R&D to identify and ...

Sr. Process Engineer

Chester, VA · On-site

$97K - $126K/yr

... plastics, solvents, packaging, paints, coatings, adhesives, and electronics. Our reliable and ... The Senior Process Engineer interacts with the plant teams, business groups and R&D to identify and ...

Mechanical Engineer

Winchester, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

... and plastic belting for straight running, turn-curve, lotension, and self-stacking spirals ... Position Summary Mechanical Engineer contributes to a team responsible for planning, conceptualize ...

... controls, plastics, robots, engines, machines, and mechanical, resonance, hydraulic, or heat ... Candidate must have CAD Software programming experience required. * Candidate must have a ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Plastics Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$36.2K

$64.7K

$107.6K

How much do plastics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastics engineer in Virginia is $64,706.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,100.00 and $78,800.00 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Plastics Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,706 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Fabrication

Venteon

Richmond, VA • On-site

$83K - $114K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description


SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER FABRICATION - RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
A Leading Manufacturing Company in the Richmond, Virginia area needs a Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Fabrication. Metal Fabrication Expertise and a Bachelor's Degree is Required for this Position. This is a Full Time, Permanent, Direct Hire Position offering Competitive Compensation, Bonus Potential, Good Benefits, Paid Holidays and Paid Vacation. No Sponsorship is Available.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
This Senior Level Engineer will be responsible for optimizing manufacturing processes while improving safety, quality, and productivity methods while actively contributing to achieve key performance indicators and company goals.
Plans, directs, and coordinates manufacturing processes in industrial plant by developing, evaluating, and improving manufacturing methods, utilizing knowledge of product design, materials and parts, fabrication processes, tooling and production equipment capabilities, assembly methods, and quality control standards.
Analyzes and plans work force utilization, space requirements, and workflow, and designs layout of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency and safety
Technical advisor for all matters related to fabrication processes.
Confers with planning and design staff concerning product design and tooling to ensure efficient production methods.
Confers with vendors to determine product specifications and arrange for purchase of equipment, materials, or parts, and evaluates products according to specifications and quality standards.
Estimates production times, staffing requirements, CAPEX costs and related costs to provide information for management decisions.
Confers with management, engineering, and other staff regarding manufacturing capabilities, production schedules, and other considerations to facilitate production processes.
Applies statistical methods to estimate future manufacturing requirements and potential.
Evaluates, recommends, and implements change to current manufacturing processes by analyzing production, labor standards, and material cost, reviewing production schedules, and estimating future requirements.
Provide design input to the New Product Development (NPD) and Design to Value (DTV) engineering teams to ensure optimal manufacturability.
Improves manufacturing efficiency by analyzing and planning workflow, space requirements, equipment layout and establishing and implementing Design For Manufacture (DFM) plans
Evaluates capital equipment investments, coordinates obtaining quotes, prepares cost justifications and manages the overall implementations and success of capital equipment projects.
Conduct make-vs-buy analysis of components of the existing product.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Four (4) year degree is required with a degree in an Engineering discipline.
Five (5) years of experience in industrial manufacturing engineering.
Three (3) years Engineering experience in fabrication processes, press, punch and cut aluminum and plastic profiles. Experience in glass door or window assembly processes is a plus.
Strong project management, analytical and problem solving skills.
Effective communication skill (verbal and written).
Ability to build trust and interact with all levels of the organization.
Ability to improve complex manufacturing systems.
Coordinate and support new product introduction, and department expansions
Presentation of technical information
Experience with 2D CAD (3D is a plus)
Provide accurate and timely project progress and results tracking.
Lead advanced problem solving teams as assigned.
Experience with facility layout design
Experienced in fabrication equipment and tooling
Knowledge of sheet metal fabrication and polyurethane foaming
Lean and Six Sigma manufacturing expertise.
NO SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE
TO APPLY:
If you are a high performer and would like to work for an equally high performing company and you think the above opportunity is appropriate for you, we invite you to submit your resume in Microsoft Word format to: GHubbard@Venteon.com
We treat all resumes with strict confidentiality. We will always contact you first before submitting your resume to our client(s) for review. If you do not receive correspondence, you are not a fit for this position.
At Venteon our talent acquisition team is proud to provide our clients with the most qualified Accounting & Finance, Engineering, IT and Administrative talent in the industry today.