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Plastics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nova Biomedical

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 ...

Nova Biomedical

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 ...

Nova Biomedical

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 ...

TO Plastics

Manufacturing Engineer (Plastics)

Clearwater, MN · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

The Manufacturing Engineer will work collaboratively with Quality, Product Engineers, Supply Chain, Production and Maintenance to meet short and long term TO Plastics business Objectives. The ...

TO Plastics

Manufacturing Engineer (Plastics)

Clearwater, MN · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

The Manufacturing Engineer will work collaboratively with Quality, Product Engineers, Supply Chain, Production and Maintenance to meet short and long term TO Plastics business Objectives. The ...

Ametek

Sr Engineer, Plastics

Bridgeport, CT · On-site

$105K - $136K/yr

The Plastics/Injection Molding Engineer is responsible for driving mold process development and injection molding projects through adherence to established product design, scientific injection ...

Ametek

Sr Engineer, Plastics

Bridgeport, CT · On-site

$105K - $136K/yr

The Plastics/Injection Molding Engineer is responsible for driving mold process development and injection molding projects through adherence to established product design, scientific injection ...

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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 Jul 17, 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 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 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:
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Plastics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastics Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,265 per year, or $31.4 per hour.
Assistant Professor, Plastics Engineering

Assistant Professor, Plastics Engineering

Shawnee State University

Portsmouth, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : 940 Second St. Portsmouth, OH 45662, OH
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: POS-450
Division: Academic and Student Affairs
Department: College of Business & Engineering Technologies
Opening Date: 04/22/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Description Summary
The Department of Engineering Technology at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio is seeking a tenure-track faculty member to support the Plastics Engineering Technology program. Shawnee State University's Plastics Program is the only 4-year degree program in Plastics Engineering Technology in the state of Ohio and is one of four programs nationally accredited by ABET in Plastics Engineering Technology. The program provides a specialized, in-demand education through a combination of theory and hands-on lab application.
The Plastics program at Shawnee has recently renovated labs for plastics processing, materials testing, design, machining, and additive manufacturing. A new Advanced Manufacturing Center will expand the campus's manufacturing presence with additional lab space for automation and robotics. The new lab will also house a soybean product development lab, which is expected to create opportunities for collaboration with the plastics program.
Duties of the position include:
  • Instructing undergraduate courses with an emphasis on hands-on labs with state-of-the-art equipment in the Plastics Engineering Technology program. Areas of instruction may include:
  • Participating in curriculum and program advancement
    1. Contributing to ABET accreditation efforts, including incorporation of outcome assessments and corresponding improvements into curriculum.
    2. Staying current with industry trends and refining curriculum to maintain/improve alignment with industry needs
  • Engaging with students in and out of the classroom in co-curricular activities. Opportunities include:
    1. Representing SSU with industry partners and organizations
    2. Advising and mentoring students applying for jobs/internships
    3. Mentoring student club(s)
    4. Engaging with prospective students
  • Engaging in professional development and scholarly activities such as:
    1. Taking courses and attending workshops
    2. Undertaking inter-disciplinary research and projects with fellow SSU faculty

The search committee will review applications until the position is filled. Only online applications are accepted. Complete your application by clicking the Apply for this Job link above and including:
  • a cover letter addressed to Professor Jason Witherell, Chair, Department of Engineering Technology, specifically addressing how your qualifications meet the posted minimum requirements of the position;
  • CV;
  • academic transcripts from all higher education institutions attended (official transcripts will be requested prior to hiring);
  • 1 to 2-page statement of teaching philosophy;
  • in the Professional References section of your application, enter a minimum of three references who can confirm your experience and abilities to perform the responsibilities of this position. The References you provide will receive an email containing a unique link that allows them to upload your reference letter confidentially. Reference letters should be addressed to Professor Jason Witherell, Chair, Department of Engineering Technology
Candidates invited for an on-campus interview will be required to present a teaching and lab demonstration of their abilities. Specific questions regarding this position may be directed to Adam Miller, Interim Dean, College of Business and Engineering Technology,
Shawnee State University is the regional state university for South-Central Ohio. It is a primarily undergraduate, four-year public university with limited graduate degree programs. Enrollment is approximately 3,500 students. Shawnee State is located on the Ohio River in Portsmouth, Ohio - a small city nestled in a beautiful, rural area of Southern Ohio. Portsmouth is approximately an hour drive from Huntington, WV, and two hours from Columbus or Cincinnati, Ohio. Additional information about SSU is available at
Shawnee State offers a competitive salary (commensurate with experience and qualifications) including an attractive benefits package (see Overview of Employee Benefitsfor more information). Employment with the University is dependent upon BOT budget approval for the fiscal year. Official transcripts and background check are required prior to hire.
SSU seeks individuals who share our commitment to students as our first priority.
Shawnee State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The University prohibits discrimination against any individual because of race, color, genetic information, religion, age, disability, national origin, ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or military status.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Plastics Engineering Technology, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Polymer Engineering, or a closely related discipline and five years of professional experience in related field or three years full-time post-secondary teaching experience at a regionally accredited institution OR doctorate or other terminal degree in Plastics Engineering Technology or closely related discipline
  • Demonstrated experience, skills, and competence to teach with emphasis on hands-on industrial labs and lecture courses consistent with a broad plastics engineering technology curriculum and industry needs.
  • Demonstrable skills in oral and written communication in the English language;
  • Professional experience in the areas of plastics processing technology including injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, thermoforming, plastic part and mold design, CNC machining, compounding, materials testing, and/or material science.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in supporting ABET accreditation for undergraduate programs
  • Teaching at the undergraduate level
  • Experience with industrial robotics

Shawnee State University offers a competitive starting salary (commensurate with overall qualifications) including an attractive benefits package. See Overview of Employee Benefits for more information. Some of our benefits include:
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Winter Break in December
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Tuition Waiver
  • Life Insurance
  • Retirement Plans

Apply