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Plastics Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JL Clark

Process Engineer-Plastics

Rockford, IL · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience . * Continuous Improvement Green Belt ...

TechNH

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Engineering Program Manager - Injection Molding (NPI)

Merrimack, NH · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Position Summary The Engineering Program Manager is a plastics engineering role with full lifecycle accountability for new product introduction (NPI) programs. This individual is responsible for ...

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 ...

MAKS Plastics

Product Design Plastics Engineer

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$123K - $148K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field * Two years of thermoforming experience or other plastics preferred * Proven experience in mechanical design, specifically in ...

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All JobsPlastics Engineering Jobs

Plastics Engineering information

See salary details

$36.5K

$65.3K

$108.5K

How much do plastics engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 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 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.
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:
Plastics Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastics Engineering job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Contract. 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. Design Engineer

Sr. Design Engineer

American Plastics LLC

Mooresville, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
American Plastics, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative plastic-injection molded products for the household & garage storage and commercial cleaning end-markets.
We are seeking a skilled Sr. Design Engineer specializing in plastics to join our team at our Innovation Center, in Mooresville, NC. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing and developing plastic components and products, ensuring functionality, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness. The role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, utilizing CAD software, and staying updated on industry trends and technologies. This position will report to the Vice President of Engineering.
• Product Design: Conceptualize, design, and develop plastic components and products according to project requirements, considering factors such as functionality, aesthetics, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.
• CAD Modeling: Utilize CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) to create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings of plastic parts and assemblies.
• Prototyping: Oversee the prototyping process, including selecting appropriate materials, collaborating with prototype technicians, and validating designs for fit, form, and function.
• Material Selection: Evaluate and select suitable plastic materials based on performance requirements, environmental factors, and cost considerations.
• Design Optimization: Continuously improve designs for efficiency, performance, and cost reduction through analysis, simulation, and testing.
• Manufacturability: Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are optimized for production processes such as injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming.
• Quality Assurance: Work closely with quality control teams to establish and implement quality standards for plastic components and products, ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
• Documentation: Prepare and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including technical drawings, specifications, and design change records.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including product management, manufacturing, quality assurance, and procurement to achieve project goals and deadlines.
• Research and Innovation: Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in plastic design, and incorporate innovative solutions into product development processes.
Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or plastics Engineering.
• Experience of hands-on injection molding experience a plus.
• 7 + Years experience with Product Design of plastic injection molded products
• SolidWorks knowledge.
• Experience with prototyping techniques and rapid iteration processes.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work in cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication skills.
If you are interested in joining the American Plastics team and want to work in a fast-paced, progressive environment, we want to hear from you. We offer a competitive salary, full benefit package including medical/dental, 401k, and paid vacation.

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