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Plastics Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Carbon Engineer

Livingston, NJ · On-site

$126K - $134K/yr

A. (Formosa Plastics) is a growing, vertically-integrated supplier of plastic resins and ... Apply engineering analysis to identify, evaluate, and prioritize carbon-reduction opportunities ...

Senior Plastics and Composites Engineer

Evans, GA · On-site

$88K - $121K/yr

Learn and contribute to requirements, risk analysis, DFMEA, DVP&R and specifications, engineering ... Bachelor's Degree in Plastics Engineering Technology or equivalent is required Expert in at least 1 ...

Plastics Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$60K - $120K/yr

We are currently seeking Engineering candidates to add to our growing team. RESPONSIBILITIES ... Master's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Plastics or Mechanical disciplines preferred) * Six ...

Plastics Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$60K - $120K/yr

We are currently seeking Engineering candidates to add to our growing team. RESPONSIBILITIES ... Master's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Plastics or Mechanical disciplines preferred) * Six ...

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Packaging Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or a related technical degree is required. At 2 years of engineering and / or technical sales experience in a ...

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Plastics Engineering information

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$36.5K

$65.3K

$108.5K

How much do plastics engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 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 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 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 engineers make $200,000 a year?

In plastics engineering, senior-level professionals such as lead engineers, R&D managers, or those with specialized expertise and extensive experience can earn $200,000 or more annually. Achieving this salary often requires advanced skills, certifications, and leadership roles within manufacturing or research environments.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

In the field of plastics engineering, earning $500,000 annually is uncommon and typically associated with executive-level roles, senior management, or specialized consultants with extensive experience and industry influence. Most plastics engineers earn significantly less, with top executives or those in leadership positions potentially reaching high six-figure or low seven-figure salaries depending on the company and location.

What do plastic engineers do?

Plastic engineers design, develop, and test plastic materials and products, focusing on improving performance, durability, and manufacturability. They work with processes like injection molding and extrusion, often using CAD software and quality control tools to ensure product standards are met.

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 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 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.
More about Plastics Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Plastics Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Plastics Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Plastics Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Plastics Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Plastics Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Plastics Engineering jobs include:
Infographic showing various Plastics Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,265 per year, or $31.4 per hour.
PLASTICS ENGINEER II

PLASTICS ENGINEER II

TE Connectivity

Tullahoma, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


TE Connectivity rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 141 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Job Title: PLASTICS ENGINEER II
Posting Start Date: 6/11/26
At TE, you will unleash your potential working with people from diverse backgrounds and industries to create a safer, sustainable and more connected world.
Job Description:
Job Overview
The Manufacturing Engineer II is responsible for leading the development, optimization, and sustainment of injection molding processes to ensure world class safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance. This role serves as a technical authority for molding operations, providing advanced troubleshooting, mentoring junior engineers and technicians, and driving continuous improvement through scientific molding principles, data analytics, and cross functional collaboration.
Job Requirements
Technical & Process Leadership
• Lead the development, validation, and optimization of injection molding processes using scientific molding methodologies (cavity pressure analysis, process windows).
• Establish and maintain robust, capable, and repeatable molding processes that meet or exceed quality, safety, and efficiency requirements.
• Serve as the technical escalation point for complex molding issues (e.g., short shots, flash, warp, sinks, burns, dimensional instability).
• Define and approve mold and press setup standards, processing documentation, and control plans.
Tooling, Materials & Equipment
• Partner with tooling engineers and mold builders to define requirements, gate and runner design, venting, cooling, steel selection, and wear surfaces.
• Specify and optimize resins, regrind strategies, additives, and colorants based on performance, cost, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead commissioning and qualification of new molds, auxiliary equipment, and molding machines (electric presses).
• Drive preventative maintenance strategies for molds and processing equipment to improve uptime and longevity.
New Product Introduction (NPI)
• Lead molding activities during new tool launches, including process development.
• Collaborate cross functionally with Product Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Operations to ensure flawless launches.
• Conduct risk assessments (PFMEA, control plans) and ensure mitigation actions are implemented and verified.
Continuous Improvement & Metrics
• Drive scrap reduction, cycle time optimization, OEE improvement, and cost of conversion reduction initiatives.
• Utilize data analytics, SPC, and process monitoring to identify trends and proactively prevent defects.
• Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem solving methodologies (A3, 8D, DMAIC).
• Support sustainability initiatives, including material utilization, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.
Leadership & Mentorship
• Act as a technical mentor for process engineers, technicians, and operators.
• Develop training content and deliver hands on coaching in scientific molding and best practices.
• Influence without authority and effectively communicate complex technical information to leadership and stakeholders
What your background should look like
• 7-10+ years of progressive experience in injection molding process engineering
• Proven experience leading complex troubleshooting and high volume manufacturing operations.
• Core Technical Skills (Senior Level)
• Expert knowledge of scientific molding principles and process characterization.
• Advanced understanding of:
• Polymer behavior (amorphous vs. semi crystalline)
• Rheology, shear, cooling, and crystallization
• Mold filling, packing, and cooling dynamics
• Proficiency with process monitoring tools (cavity pressure, temperature sensing, SPC systems).
• Strong capability in DOE and statistical analysis for process optimization and root cause analysis.
• Experience with multi cavity, hot runner, family tools, and high precision/critical tolerance molding.
• Familiarity with automation, robotics, vision systems, and downstream assembly processes.
Systems & Compliance
• Working knowledge of quality systems (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 13485, or equivalent).
• Experience supporting PPAP, validation protocols, and audit readiness.
• Ability to create and maintain technical documentation, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelors degree in Engineering or Plastics Engineering.
• Industry certifications (e.g., RJG Master Molder, Paulson, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt).
• Experience with regulated industries (medical, automotive, aerospace).
• Exposure to global manufacturing
Competencies
Values: Integrity, Accountability, Inclusion, Innovation, Teamwork
ABOUT TE CONNECTIVITY
TE Connectivity plc (NYSE: TEL) is a global industrial technology leader creating a safer, sustainable, productive, and connected future. As a trusted innovation partner, our broad range of connectivity and sensor solutions enable the distribution of power, signal and data to advance next-generation transportation, energy networks, automated factories, data centers enabling artificial intelligence, and more.
Our more than 90,000 employees, including 10,000 engineers, work alongside customers in approximately 130 countries. In a world that is racing ahead, TE ensures that EVERY CONNECTION COUNTS. Learn more at www.te.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, WeChat, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
COMPENSATION
• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience: $84,300-$ 126,400 subject to change dependent on physical location)
• Posted salary ranges are made in good faith. TE Connectivity reserves the right to adjust ranges depending on the experience/qualification of the selected candidate as well as internal and external equity.
• Total Compensation = Base Salary + Incentive(s) + Benefits
BENEFITS
• A comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), disability, life insurance, employee stock purchase plan, paid time off and voluntary benefits.
EOE, Including Disability/Vets
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING RECRUITMENT FRAUD
TE Connectivity has become aware of fraudulent recruitment activities being conducted by individuals or organizations falsely claiming to represent TE Connectivity. Please be advised that TE Connectivity never requests payment or fees from job applicants at any stage of the recruitment process. All legitimate job openings are posted exclusively on our official careers website at te.com/careers, and all email communications from our recruitment team will come only from actual email addresses ending in @te.com. If you receive any suspicious communications, we strongly advise you not to engage or provide any personal information, and to report the incident to your local authorities.
Job Locations:
509 AIRPARK DR
TULLAHOMA, Tennessee 37388
United States
Posting City: TULLAHOMA
Job Country: United States
Travel Required: None
Requisition ID: 153589
Workplace Type: Onsite
External Careers Page: Engineering & Technology

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