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Plastics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Sr. Plastics Engineer Tooling and Process role strengthens the Tooling and Process Group by working on new developments, supporting DFM optimization, performing and analyzing process simulations ...

Will serve as the technical expert for plastic part design and development on a multi-disciplinary Engineering team. Products include (but are not limited to) LED headlamps & fog lamps, LED signal ...

Will serve as the technical expert for plastic part design and development on a multi-disciplinary Engineering team. Products include (but are not limited to) LED headlamps & fog lamps, LED signal ...

Plastics Process Engineer

Billerica, MA · On-site

$130K - $145K/yr

The Sr. Plastics Processing Engineer for the injection molding department has responsibility for developing injection molding process parameters for new and existing molds. As the Sr. Plastics ...

New

The Sr. Plastics Processing Engineer for the injection molding department has responsibility for developing injection molding process parameters for new and existing molds. As the Sr. Plastics ...

New

The Sr. Plastics Processing Engineer for the injection molding department has responsibility for developing injection molding process parameters for new and existing molds. As the Sr. Plastics ...

New

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Plastics Engineer information

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$36.5K

$65.3K

$108.5K

How much do plastics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastics engineer in the United States is $65,265.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $79,500.00 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 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 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 cities are hiring for Plastics Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Plastics Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Plastics Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Plastics Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Plastics Engineer jobs? The top employers for Plastics Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Plastics Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Plastics Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Plastics Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,265 per year, or $31.4 per hour.
Sr. Plastics Engineer, Tooling

Sr. Plastics Engineer, Tooling

Lucid Motors

Newark, CA

$140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Lucid Motors rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 44 rated automakers


Job description

Leading the future in luxury electric and mobility
At Lucid, we set out to introduce the most captivating, luxury electric vehicles that elevate the human experience and transcend the perceived limitations of space, performance, and intelligence. Vehicles that are intuitive, liberating, and designed for the future of mobility.
 
We plan to lead in this new era of luxury electric by returning to the fundamentals of great design where every decision we make is in service of the individual and environment. Because when you are no longer bound by convention, you are free to define your own experience.
 
Come work alongside some of the most accomplished minds in the industry. Beyond providing competitive salaries, were providing a community for innovators who want to make an immediate and significant impact. If you are driven to create a better, more sustainable future, then this is the right place for you.

Lucid Motors Polymer Technology Team is an expert group sharing material, process and tooling insight where needed across the organization. The team drives all polymer-related aspects throughout the entire product development process and supports the organization beyond that by covering aspects of material vetting/selection/approval, engineering design optimization, design for manufacturing (DFM), process simulation, tool concept/design, process optimization, material characterization and failure analysis among other responsibilities.

The Sr. Plastics Engineer Tooling and Process role strengthens the Tooling and Process Group by working on new developments, supporting DFM optimization, performing and analyzing process simulations, evaluating tool concepts/designs as well as through on-site support for process optimization and troubleshooting.

The Role:

  • Be a significant contributor to a world-class vehicle engineering team by supporting with plastics tool expertise and owning polymer-related aspects from part design for manufacturing (DFM) phase to product launch
  • Consultation with design engineers and suppliers throughout product development process, advising on process and tooling feasibility, DFM, efficiency and cost
  • Evaluation of flow studies and mold designs before tool approval and kick-off
  • Ensuring plastic tooling is compliant with Lucid Tool Standards
  • Methodical approach to documentation
  • Support of internal non-engineering teams and representation of Lucid material team in communication with suppliers (incl. on-site visits)

Qualifications:

  • B.S. in Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years of experience, evaluating DFM and injection molding tool designs
  • Excellent knowledge of injection tooling, including technologies such as in-mold decoration, foaming, overmolding, back-injection, vario-thermal processes
  • Experience with DFM process for automotive A-surface parts
  • Experience with flow simulation software (Autodesk MoldFlow)
  • Proven hands-on experience with plastic injection molding process, including process optimization
  • Exemplary verbal and written communication skills
  • Able to travel domestically and internationally up to 25% if needed

Advantageous:

  • Worked in automotive development environment, ideally through complete product development process
  • Hands-on experience with creation of MoldFlow studies, first tool trials, and tool approvals
  • Experience with tool should costing to understand tool cost impact of part design choices
  • Experience with other plastic manufacturing processes and their tooling (e.g. blow molding, thermal forming, vacuum forming, compression molding, slush molding)
 
At Lucid, we dont just welcome diversity - we celebrate it! Lucid Motors is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, and any other characteristic protected under applicable State or Federal laws and regulations.
Salary Range: The compensation range for this position is specific to the locations listed below and is the range Lucid reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for the position taking into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including job-related knowledge; skillset; experience, education and training; certifications; and other relevant business and organizational factors.
 
Additional Compensation and Benefits: Lucid offers a wide range of competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, vacation, and 401k. The successful candidate may also be eligible to participate in Lucids equity program and/or a discretionary annual incentive program, subject to the rules governing such programs.  (Cash or equity incentive awards, if any, will depend on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and company performance.)
Base Pay Range (Annual)
$140,000—$175,000 USD

Additional Compensation and Benefits: Lucid offers a wide range of competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, vacation, and 401k. The successful candidate may also be eligible to participate in Lucids equity program and/or a discretionary annual incentive program, subject to the rules governing such programs.  (Cash or equity incentive awards, if any, will depend on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and company performance.)

By Submitting your application, you understand and agree that your personal data will be processed in accordance with our Candidate Privacy Notice. If you are a California resident, please refer to our California Candidate Privacy Notice.

To all recruitment agencies: Lucid Motors does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our careers alias or other Lucid Motors employees. Lucid Motors is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. 
 

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About Lucid Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lucid Motors is a highly innovative electric vehicle manufacturer located in Newark, CA, USA. Primarily engaged in the automotive industry, its mission is to elevate electric vehicles' standing and transform the way people travel. The company was founded in 2007 by Bernard Tse and Sam Weng as Atieva, a name under which it initially focused on battery technology. However, it pivoted towards automotive manufacturing and rebranded as Lucid Motors in 2016. The company is committed to making luxury, sustainable electric vehicles that break norms and set new standards with top-notch technology and engineering. Their mission aligns with their core values, which are centered around innovation, sustainability, and excellence. Notably, Lucid Motors launched the Lucid Air in 2020, an all-electric sedan well-received for its advanced features and impressive mileage.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Newark, CA, US

Year founded

2007