ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Plastics Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

MAPMG

Plastic Surgeon

Upper Marlboro, MD · On-site

$510K/yr

Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery Specialist The Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group (MAPMG) is ... programming, and advancing best practices through research. What You Can Expect: * A broad ...

UFP Technologies

Machinist

Rockville, MD · On-site

$28 - $31/hr

About UNIPEC Universal Plastics & Engineering Company (UNIPEC), a UFP Technologies company, specializes in developing and manufacturing precision thermoformed and heat-sealed polymer components used ...

MAPMG

Plastic Surgeon

Upper Marlboro, MD · On-site

$510K/yr

We are currently seeking candidates for a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery specialist to join our ... programming, and advancing best practices through research. What You Can Expect: * A broad ...

MAPMG

Plastic Surgeon

Upper Marlboro, MD · On-site

$510K/yr

We are currently seeking candidates for a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery specialist to join our ... programming, and advancing best practices through research. What You Can Expect: * A broad ...

MSD

Engineer IV, Manufacturing Research

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$116K - $177K/yr

Plastic film and metal foil processing techniques: * Bonding (thermal, ultrasonic, laser, adhesive, solvent) * Forming (stamping, thermal embossing, drawing, ultrasonic) * Cutting (laser, knife) * o ...

Eurotech Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

Primary Function: Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the full lifecycle of mechanical ... plastic enclosure manufacturing (including tool and die) * Must be proficient with mechanical ...

Eurotech Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Columbia, MD

Primary Function: Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the full lifecycle of mechanical ... plastic enclosure manufacturing (including tool and die) * Must be proficient with mechanical ...

Eurotech Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Columbia, MD

Primary Function: Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the full lifecycle of mechanical ... plastic enclosure manufacturing (including tool and die) * Must be proficient with mechanical ...

Eurotech Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Columbia, MD

Primary Function: Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the full lifecycle of mechanical ... plastic enclosure manufacturing (including tool and die) * Must be proficient with mechanical ...

Fibox Inc.

Quality Engineer

Glen Burnie, MD · On-site

$69K - $90K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related field required). * 3+ years of quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment; plastics or custom ...

Ametek

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Germantown, MD

$106K - $140K/yr

LKC Technologies is seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to join a collaborative ... Demonstrated experience developing and supporting injection-molded plastic components and tooling.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPlastics Engineer JobsPlastics Engineer Jobs in Washington

Plastics Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$41.3K

$73.9K

$122.9K

How much do plastics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastics engineer in Washington is $73,919.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,900.00 and $90,000.00 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 Washington? The most popular types of Plastics Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Plastics Engineer jobs in Washington? For Plastics Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Plastics Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Plastics Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Plastics Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Plastics Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Plastics Engineer jobs in WA? For Plastics Engineer jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Plastics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastics Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,919 per year, or $35.5 per hour.

Technical Applications Engineer - HDPE

Ferguson Enterprises, LLC

Springfield, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Ferguson Waterworks rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 412 rated retail wholesalers

Job description

Job Posting:
Since 1953, Ferguson has been a source of quality supplies for a variety of industries. Together We Build Better infrastructure, better homes and better businesses. We exist to make our customers' complex projects simple, successful, and sustainable. We proactively solve problems, adapt and grow to continuously serve our customers, communities and each other. Ferguson, a Fortune 500 company, is proud to provide best-in-class products, service and capabilities across the following industries: Commercial/Mechanical, Facilities Supply, Fire and Fabrication, HVAC, Industrial, Residential Trade, Residential Building and Remodel, Waterworks and Residential Digital Commerce. Ferguson has approximately 36,000 associates across 1,700 locations. Ferguson is a community of proud associates who operate with the shared purpose of building something meaningful. You will build a career that you are proud of, at a company you can believe in.
Technical Applications Engineer - HDPE
Job Summary
Ferguson is seeking a Technical Applications Engineer to support the continued growth of our HDPE and Engineered Plastics business across North America!
This position will serve as the technical authority for engineered thermoplastic piping systems by working directly with consulting engineers, project owners, municipalities, OEMs, contractors, and Ferguson sales teams throughout the design and specification process.
The ideal candidate will engage with projects early in the design cycle, helping influence specifications, develop engineered piping solutions, and position Ferguson as the preferred partner for HDPE and engineered plastics systems. This role combines engineering expertise, technical sales support, project development, and specification leadership while working closely with Ferguson's Engineered Plastics & Equipment (EP&E) team.
This is a highly visible role focused on driving long-term project opportunities through engineering relationships, technical consultation, and innovative piping solutions.
Location: While this role is Remote, ideally, our preference is for the selected individual to live along the Eastern Region of the country, somewhere from Maine to Florida. However we will consider other locations for the right person and fit.
Responsibilities
  • Develop relationships with engineering firms, consulting engineers, municipalities, industrial end users, OEMs, and project owners to position Ferguson as the preferred engineered plastics partner.
  • Engage with projects during the conceptual and design phases to influence specifications and enhance long-term project opportunities.
  • Provide technical guidance on HDPE and engineered thermoplastic piping systems, including material selection, application recommendations, system layouts, joining methods, and industry standards.
  • Support engineering firms with system design, pipe sizing, routing recommendations, fusion methodologies, pressure ratings, and installation guidelines.
  • Assist engineers in developing or improving project specifications that align with industry standards and Ferguson's fabrication and engineering capabilities.
  • Develop value-engineered solutions that improve project performance while reducing total installed cost.
  • Prepare and review technical submittals, calculations, drawings, engineering packages, and supporting documentation required for project approvals.
  • Support Ferguson sales teams by providing technical expertise throughout project development, specification, bidding, and construction phases.
  • Coordinate closely with Regional HDPE Coordinators, Product Specialists, National Rental Center, fabrication facilities, and GM Sales - HDPE to ensure seamless project execution.
  • Capture and maintain project pipeline information within Ferguson CRM systems to improve forecasting and strategic planning.
  • Conduct engineering presentations, lunch-and-learns, technical seminars, and educational workshops for consulting engineers, municipalities, contractors, and Ferguson associates.
  • Represent Ferguson at engineering associations, industry conferences, design-build events, and technical forums.
  • Maintain technical expertise in HDPE, PP-RCT, PP, PVDF, ECTFE, PFA, double containment systems, and fusion technologies.
  • Know the latest on ASTM, AWWA, ASME, FM, NSF, ISO, PPI, and applicable industry standards.
  • Provide technical troubleshooting and engineering consultation throughout project development and construction.
  • Partner with Ferguson fabrication facilities to develop engineered solutions for custom fabricated fittings, assemblies, manifolds, and specialty applications.
  • Support new product development initiatives, technical documentation, installation standards, and engineering best practices.
  • Serve as the technical liaison between manufacturers, engineering firms, contractors, and Ferguson associates throughout the life of each project.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related engineering subject area required.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or ability to obtain licensure.
  • Minimum 5 years of engineering or technical experience supporting industrial piping systems, municipal infrastructure, process piping, mechanical systems, or HDPE applications.
  • Experience with HDPE piping systems, thermoplastic materials, or engineered piping products preferred.
  • Working knowledge of ASTM, AWWA, ASME, FM, NSF, PPI, and applicable industry standards.
  • Experience reading engineering drawings, specifications, and construction documents.
  • Strong understanding of fabrication methods, butt fusion, electrofusion, and thermoplastic joining technologies.
  • Excellent presentation, technical writing, and communication skills.
  • AutoCAD, Revit, or other engineering software experience preferred.

Preferred Skills
  • Engineering problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication.
  • Ability to explain technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills.
  • Collaborative approach across Ferguson business groups and manufacturing partners.

Travel Requirements
  • Ability to travel approximately 40-60% throughout North America.
  • Occasional overnight travel for customer meetings, fabrication facilities, conferences, and technical training.

At Ferguson, we care for each other. We value our well-being just as much as our hard work. We are committed to a holistic approach towards benefits plans and programs that support the mental, physical and financial well-being of our associates. Our competitive offering not only includes benefits like health, dental, vision, paid time off, life insurance and a 401(k) with a company match, but our associates also enjoy additional meaningful and inclusive enhancements that are adaptable to their diverse situations and needs, including mental health coverage, gender affirming and family building benefits, paid parental leave, associate discounts, community involvement opportunities and more!
Pay Range:
Actual pay rate may vary depending upon location. The estimated pay range for this position is below. The specific rate will depend on a candidate's qualifications and prior experience.
$8,083.34 - $12,933.34
Estimated Ranges displayed are Monthly for Salaried roles OR Hourly for all other roles.
This role is Bonus or Incentive Plan eligible.
Ferguson complies with all wage regulations. The starting wage may be higher in certain locations based on local or state wage requirements.
The Company is an equal opportunity employer as well as a government contractor that shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a), which prohibits discrimination against qualified protected Veterans and the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(A), which prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability.
Ferguson Enterprises, LLC. is an equal employment employer F/M/Disability/Vet/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation Information

What Ferguson Waterworks employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply