1

Plastics Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree (preferably in engineering, chemistry, business, or a related field) with a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in plastics distribution sales or a related industry. * Sales ...

Bachelor's degree (preferably in engineering, chemistry, business, or a related field) with a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in plastics distribution sales or a related industry. * Sales ...

Design Engineer

Woodland, WA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Required Education and/or Experience * 2 years + experience with plastic part design, preference for automotive engineering. * Associates Degree or Bachelor's Degree preferred, but not required.

Inside the Role Product Engineering is all about building extraordinary products that captivate our ... Select materials and manufacturing processes (fiber-reinforced plastics, injection/blow molding ...

Machine Operator - Plastics

Clackamas, OR · On-site

$18 - $21.50/hr

Astronics-PECO, located in Clackamas, Oregon, designs and manufactures highly engineered commercial ... Previous plastic injection molding experience and or training preferred. Mechanical aptitude and ...

Machine Operator - Plastics

Clackamas, OR · On-site

$18 - $21.50/hr

Astronics-PECO, located in Clackamas, Oregon, designs and manufactures highly engineered commercial ... Previous plastic injection molding experience and or training preferred. Mechanical aptitude and ...

Replace single-use plastics with fiber-based, molded fiber, and bio-based materials * Optimize ... Engineering (R&D), Procurement, Supply Chain, Sustainability * Engage suppliers to drive circular ...

Position requires: • Footwear Upper Pattern Engineering • Footwear Bottom Tooling Fabrication • Read & interpret technical footwear drawings, sketches and 3D digital files • Plastic Injection ...

Plastic components * Machined parts * Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) * Cable assemblies CAD & Engineering Tools * Advanced proficiency with: * Creo * Windchill * Experience with Creo Simulate is ...

... titanium, plastics, composites, etc.) * Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling * Strong use of hand ... Programming or scripting skills (Python, MATLAB, Julia, etc.) for analysis and data review ...

Mechanical Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

... titanium, plastics, composites, etc.) * Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling * Strong use of hand ... Programming or scripting skills (Python, MATLAB, Julia, etc.) for analysis and data review ...

Mechanical Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

... titanium, plastics, composites, etc.) * Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling * Strong use of hand ... Programming or scripting skills (Python, MATLAB, Julia, etc.) for analysis and data review ...

Tooling Engineer

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$91K - $124K/yr

ConMet is seeking a Tooling Engineer to support our Advanced Manufacturing Engineering team. In ... We're a leading global supplier of wheel hubs, aluminum castings, and structural plastics for ...

Tooling Engineer

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$91K - $124K/yr

ConMet is seeking a Tooling Engineer to support our Advanced Manufacturing Engineering team. In ... We're a leading global supplier of wheel hubs, aluminum castings, and structural plastics for ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Plastics Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$38.7K

$69.2K

$115.1K

How much do plastics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastics engineer in Portland, OR is $69,214.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,400.00 and $84,300.00 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 Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Plastics Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Plastics Engineer jobs in Portland, OR?

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

What job categories do people searching Plastics Engineer jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Plastics Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Plastics Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,214 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

$25 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job ID: 148726
Job Description
Madden Industrial Craftsmen is seeking a Plastics Welder/Fabricator for a long-term day or swing shift position with a plastics manufacturer located in Tigard, OR. The person in this position will work in a cleanroom setting, using a variety of tools to bond and bend plastic.
PAY: $25-$32/hr
Plastics Welder/Fabricator Responsibilities:
  • Prepare and weld complex plastic parts to drawing specifications.
  • Identify plastics.
  • Bend using heat.
  • Operate equipment to pure bond, socket fusion, and butt weld.
  • Work in a clean room setting
  • Operate a manual mill and lathe
  • Ability to prepare own cut sheet if needed.
  • Able to perform work at customer sites if needed.
  • Identify and correct any problems found and document data.
  • Train assigned workers in becoming proficient at new tasks.

Qualifications:
  • HS diploma or equivalent
  • 3 + years in manufacturing environment, plastics fabrication experience preferred (required for higher level pay)
  • Ability to identify different plastics - WPP, NPP, All PVC material, FRPP, PE, Polycarbonate, CPVC, PVDF, FM4910, Acetal, Acrylics, PET, PEEK, UHMW, HDPE, PTFE, PFA Materials.
  • Able to glue a variety of plastics (PVC, Acrylic, Polycarbonate)
  • Able to bend materials using heat
  • Ability to work in a clean room environment for whole shifts at a time.
  • Able to troubleshoot problems as they arise.
  • Able to read and interpret engineered drawings.
  • Able to identify and build using Inch and Metric dimensions.
  • Able to read and interpret a bill of materials.
  • Experience using hand and power tools including Hand scrapers, Exacto knives, Utility knives, Hand chisels, Calipers, Tape Measure, Deburring Tools, Counter Sinks, Welding guns, Hand drills (electric, and battery), Hand routers, Jointers, Drill Presses, Table Saws, and Jig Saw/Saber Saws
  • Ability to stand at workstation for designated shift
  • Ability to lift and carry 35 lbs.

Benefits:
  • $25-$32/hr
  • Medical
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • 401(K) with match

About Tigard, OR
Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore job opportunities in the vibrant area surrounding Tigard, Oregon! Located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Tigard offers a perfect blend of city convenience and outdoor adventures. With its close proximity to Portland's thriving job market and the stunning landscapes of the Willamette Valley, Tigard provides endless opportunities for professional growth and a high quality of life. Discover charming neighborhoods, indulge in local craft breweries, explore art galleries like Art On Broadway, catch a show at the Broadway Rose Theatre Company, or root for the Portland Timbers soccer team at Providence Park. Don't miss out on the beautiful parks and hiking trails, such as Cook Park, for a perfect work-life balance. Seize the chance to build your career in this dynamic and enchanting region! Explore our job listings today!
Related Jobs