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Plastics Process Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Pretium Packaging

Process Engineer

Saint Charles, IL

$96K - $130K/hr

Pretium Packaging, founded in 1992, is a leading supplier of injection-blow molded plastic ... The Process Engineer assists plant leadership and works collaboratively with all other departments ...

Pretium Packaging

Process Engineer

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

Pretium Packaging, founded in 1992, is a leading supplier of injection-blow molded plastic ... The Process Engineer assists plant leadership and works collaboratively with all other departments ...

Novolex

Process Engineer

Franklin Park, IL

Candidates with significant hands-on plastics manufacturing experience will be strongly considered. 3+ years of experience in polymer extrusion, thermoforming, or plastics manufacturing process ...

Novolex

Process Engineer

Franklin Park, IL · On-site

Candidates with significant hands-on plastics manufacturing experience will be strongly considered ... process engineering, preferably within sheet extrusion operations. • Strong working knowledge of ...

Novolex

Process Engineer

Franklin Park, IL · On-site

Candidates with significant hands-on plastics manufacturing experience will be strongly considered ... process engineering, preferably within sheet extrusion operations. · Strong working knowledge of ...

Novolex

Process Engineer

Franklin Park, IL · On-site

Candidates with significant hands-on plastics manufacturing experience will be strongly considered. 3+ years of experience in polymer extrusion, thermoforming, or plastics manufacturing process ...

Suncast

Process Engineer

Batavia, IL · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

The Process Engineer is responsible for injection molding processes and products. This involves ... Bachelor's degree in plastics technology or chemical engineering with course work in injection ...

suncast

Process Engineer

Batavia, IL

$75K - $95K/yr

The Process Engineer is responsible for injection molding processes and products. This involves ... Bachelor's degree in plastics technology or chemical engineering with course work in injection ...

suncast

Process Engineer

Batavia, IL · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

The Process Engineer is responsible for injection molding processes and products. This involves ... Bachelor's degree in plastics technology or chemical engineering with course work in injection ...

ITW Hi-Cone

Senior Process Engineer

Itasca, IL

$101K - $131K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field required. * 7+ years of manufacturing process engineering ...

GW Electric

$98K - $128K/yr

A Bachelors or Masters degree in Plastics/Polymer Processing or Materials * Six sigma, Red X, or ... engineered electrical power grid solutions. Working with us means joining a worldwide team of ...

Clayens US LLC

Process Engineer

Crystal Lake, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Degree in plastics, manufacturing, industrial, or mechanical engineering required. * Knowledge of ... Processing skills required for Injection Molding and Secondary Operations * Must have excellent ...

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All JobsPlastics Process Engineer JobsPlastics Process Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Plastics Process Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$48K

$89.2K

$138.1K

How much do plastics process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastics process engineer in Illinois is $89,167.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,200.00 and $99,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a plastics process engineer typically collaborate with production and quality teams to optimize manufacturing processes?

Plastics Process Engineers work closely with production and quality teams to troubleshoot manufacturing issues, implement process improvements, and ensure product quality meets industry standards. They regularly participate in cross-functional meetings, analyze process data, and recommend adjustments to equipment settings or material usage. By fostering strong communication and teamwork, they help streamline workflows and reduce defects, ultimately supporting efficient and high-quality plastics production.

What does a plastics process engineer do?

A Plastics Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting the manufacturing processes used to produce plastic products. They work with equipment such as injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding machines to ensure products meet quality standards and production goals. Their duties include selecting materials, designing process parameters, improving efficiency, and solving production issues. Plastics Process Engineers also collaborate with design, quality, and manufacturing teams to implement new technologies and continuous improvements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plastics process engineer?

To thrive as a Plastics Process Engineer, a strong background in polymer science, process optimization, and engineering principles is essential, often supported by a degree in chemical, materials, or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, injection molding machines, and process control systems, as well as certifications like Six Sigma, are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and effective communication help engineers collaborate with cross-functional teams and resolve manufacturing challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring efficient production, maintaining product quality, and driving continuous improvement in plastics manufacturing environments.

What is the difference between Plastics Process Engineer vs Plastics Technician?

AspectPlastics Process EngineerPlastics Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or plastics technologyTechnical diploma or associate degree in plastics technology or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, optimize, and troubleshoot manufacturing processesOperate and maintain plastic processing equipment on the production floor
Employer & IndustryManufacturers, R&D labs, process developmentProduction plants, manufacturing facilities

The main difference is that Plastics Process Engineers focus on designing and improving plastic manufacturing processes, often requiring a degree and analytical skills. In contrast, Plastics Technicians handle the day-to-day operation and maintenance of equipment, typically with technical training. Both roles are essential in the plastics industry but serve different functions within the production cycle.

What are popular job titles related to Plastics Process Engineer jobs in Illinois? For Plastics Process Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Plastics Process Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Plastics Process Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
Plastics Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastics Process Engineer job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,167 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Process Engineer

Fuyao Automotive North America

Decatur, IL • On-site

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

The Job

The primary role of the process engineer is to develop, implement and ensure optimal, cost-effective manufacturing processes and methods in accordance with product specifications and quality standards. This also includes providing support for new or revised product launches, require following duties, other duties may be assigned 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Design and development of manufacturing processes including production flow, process tools and material.
  2. Prepare and maintains detailed layouts of production for all assigned lines and equipment.
  3. Coordinates the manufacturing launch of new or revised products including training team members and following up with results.
  4. Performs product/process analysis for cost reduction, quality improvement and efficiency improvement.
  5. Develop and revise document like process flow, working instruction, PFMEA, control plan.
  6. Develop and maintain documentation such as in-process check, downtime, scrap and efficiencies.
  7. Utilize data such as downtime, scrap and efficiencies to plan countermeasures for process, equipment, material or people problems
  8. Leads or participates in activities to ensure continuous improvement in processes, products, components, raw materials, and equipment.
  9. Develop new raw materials to improve process in efficiency, quality or cost.

Competencies

  • Kaizen and Lean Manufacturing techniques.
  • Problem analysis and trouble-shot resolution.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to motivate team efforts to accomplish goals.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but does serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the department.

Work Environment

This job operates between manufacturing and office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines as well as interfacing with the operation of machinery on the floor.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
 This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel 

Occasional travel is expected for this position.

Required Education and Experience

  1. Bachelor’s degree, Industrial Engineering or similar.
  2. Experience in plastics process.
  3. Proficient in AutoCAD, MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Education and Experience

With one + years’ experience in plastics process  

With one + years’ experience in industrial engineering   

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