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Plastics Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ALUMA-FORM

Plastics Processing Engineer

Mocksville, NC · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. * 2+ years of experience in a plastics processing or manufacturing environment. * Strong ...

GOJO

Plastics Engineer II (32721)

Wooster, OH · On-site

Provides day to day engineering support to molding, blow molding, QC, automation and tooling as ... Mechanical, Packaging or Plastics Engineering. In lieu of degree, minimum ten (10) years' relevant ...

Mack Molding

Plastics Process Engineer

Arlington, VT · On-site

Invokes various manufacturing engineering problem solving techniques to evaluate and improve ... A.) in Mechanical, Electrical or Plastics Engineering (plastics preferred) required; plus three or ...

Polaris, Inc.

$76K - $100K/yr

You will work closely with Design, Vehicle Architecture, Project Engineering, Manufacturing ... Lead the design, development, validation, and production release of exterior plastic and interior ...

McClarin Composites

Plastics Engineer

Hanover, PA · On-site

Bachelor of Science degree in Plastics, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or similar engineering field * Minimum of 5 years direct manufacturing experience * Solidworks and AutoCad experience a plus

Apple

Tooling Engineer - Plastics

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Collaborate with supply management, product design, industrial design, and manufacturing engineering groups on material selection, design feasibility and aesthetics of new plastic part & tooling ...

McCLARIN Composites

Plastics Engineer

Hanover, PA · On-site

Bachelor of Science degree in Plastics, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or similar engineering field * Minimum of 5 years direct manufacturing experience * Solidworks and AutoCad experience a plus

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Plastics Engineering information

See salary details

$36.5K

$65.3K

$108.5K

How much do plastics engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastics engineering 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 plastics engineering?

Plastics engineering is a branch of engineering focused on the design, development, processing, and manufacturing of plastic products and materials. Plastics engineers work with a variety of polymers to create everyday items, industrial components, and specialized products for fields such as automotive, medical, and aerospace. They are involved in selecting materials, designing molds, optimizing manufacturing processes, and ensuring product quality and sustainability. This discipline requires knowledge of chemistry, materials science, and mechanical engineering to develop innovative and durable plastic solutions.

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 strong background in materials science, polymer chemistry, and engineering principles, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in plastics engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, polymer processing equipment, and industry-specific certifications like Six Sigma or SPE certification is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help distinguish top professionals in this role. These competencies are crucial for designing innovative plastic products, ensuring manufacturing efficiency, and meeting quality standards in a competitive industry.

What are some common challenges faced by plastics engineers in product development?

Plastics engineers often encounter challenges related to material selection, manufacturability, and meeting performance specifications. Balancing cost, durability, and environmental impact while ensuring the final product meets design requirements can be complex. Additionally, engineers frequently collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to address issues like mold design, processing conditions, and product testing. Adaptability and strong problem-solving skills are essential, as unexpected issues may arise during prototype development or mass production.

What is the difference between Plastics Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectPlastics EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Plastics Engineering or related field, certifications in plastics processingBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, plastics product development labsFactories, design firms, research labs
Industry UsagePlastic product manufacturing, polymer research, injection moldingAutomotive, aerospace, machinery, general manufacturing

Plastics Engineering focuses on the design, processing, and manufacturing of plastic materials, often requiring specialized knowledge of polymers and molding techniques. Mechanical Engineering covers a broader range of mechanical systems and design principles, applicable across various industries. While both roles involve manufacturing environments, Plastics Engineering is specialized in plastics, whereas Mechanical Engineering has a wider scope in mechanical systems and machinery.

What can you do with a plastics engineering degree?

A plastics engineering degree prepares individuals for careers designing, developing, and testing plastic materials and products. Common roles include process engineer, product development engineer, quality control specialist, and manufacturing manager, often requiring knowledge of polymer science, manufacturing processes, and industry standards. Graduates may work in industries such as automotive, packaging, medical devices, and consumer goods, utilizing tools like CAD software and gaining certifications like Six Sigma or ISO standards.

What does a plastics engineer do?

A plastics engineer designs, develops, and tests plastic materials and products, focusing on improving manufacturing processes and product performance. They work with raw materials, mold design, and quality control, often using CAD software and testing equipment to ensure specifications are met.
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Cities with the most Plastics Engineering job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Plastics Engineering jobs?

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What states have the most Plastics Engineering jobs?

States with the most job openings for Plastics Engineering jobs include:

Plastics Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastics Engineering job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,265 per year, or $31.4 per hour.

Plastics Processing Engineer

ALUMA-FORM

Mocksville, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Process Development and Optimization
  • Develop, validate, and optimize plastics processing parameters.
  • Recommend and implement process improvements to increase product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
  • Introduce new technologies and methods to enhance production capabilities.

Troubleshooting

  • Diagnose and resolve processing issues, utilizing root cause analysis.
  • Provide technical support to the production team during setup and production runs.
  • Work with maintenance teams to ensure equipment functionality and minimize downtime.

Quality Assurance

  • Collaborate with the Quality team to establish standards for product quality.
  • Participate in failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) processes to identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.
  • Ensure that products comply with all relevant regulations and standards.

Collaboration and Communication

  • Work closely with design engineers to ensure manufacturability of new products.
  • Engage with suppliers and equipment vendors to optimize tooling and equipment specifications.
  • Facilitate training for operators and technicians on new equipment and processes.

Documentation and Reporting

  • Maintain thorough documentation of processing parameters, machine settings, and best practices.
  • Generate and analyze process performance metrics to guide decision-making and continuous improvement.
  • Provide regular updates on project status, challenges, and solutions to management.

Safety and Compliance

  • Uphold safety protocols and standards within the plastics processing area.
  • Ensure that all processes and equipment are in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Plastics Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 2+ years of experience in a plastics processing or manufacturing environment.
  • Strong understanding of various plastics processing techniques.
  • Proficient in using process simulation software and analytical tools.
  • Familiarity with industry-specific quality standards and regulations.
  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to work in a manufacturing environment, standing for extended periods, and lifting up to 50 lbs.

Preferred

  • Master’s degree in a relevant field.
  • Certification from relevant industry associations.
  • Experience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.

Apply