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Plastics Process Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Logoplaste

Plastic Process Technician

Plainfield, IL · On-site

$26 - $27/hr

... engineering and production standards - Responsible for processes that produce bottles and/or ... Background and Experience - 3-5 years manufacturing experience in plastics technology or a similar ...

Novolex

Extrusion Process Technician

Bedford Park, IL · On-site

$38.24 - $49.17/hr

Update, review and provide recommendations to plant Process Engineer for process sheet updates ... Experience in plastics processing, including forming and extrusion required * Experience working ...

Novolex

Extrusion Process Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$38.24 - $49.17/hr

Update, review and provide recommendations to plant Process Engineer for process sheet updates ... Experience in plastics processing, including forming and extrusion required * Experience working ...

Novolex

Extrusion Process Technician

Bedford Park, IL · On-site

$38.24 - $49.17/hr

Update, review and provide recommendations to plant Process Engineer for process sheet updates ... Experience in plastics processing, including forming and extrusion required * Experience working ...

Novolex

Extrusion Process Technician

Bedford Park, IL

$38.24 - $49.17/hr

Update, review and provide recommendations to plant Process Engineer for process sheet updates ... Experience in plastics processing, including forming and extrusion required * Experience working ...

Novolex

Extrusion Process Technician

Bedford Park, IL

$38.24 - $49.17/hr

Update, review and provide recommendations to plant Process Engineer for process sheet updates ... Experience in plastics processing, including forming and extrusion required * Experience working ...

Novolex

Thermoforming - Process Technician

Bridgeview, IL · On-site

$38.81 - $49.89/hr

... and/or Plastics Machine Operator??? If so WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU!!! Thermoforming Process ... Update, review and provide recommendations to plant Process Engineer for process sheet updates

Novolex

Thermoforming - Process Technician

Bridgeview, IL · On-site

$38.81 - $49.89/hr

... and/or Plastics Machine Operator??? If so WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU!!! Thermoforming Process ... Update, review and provide recommendations to plant Process Engineer for process sheet updates

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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 8, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,167 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Extrusion Process Engineer

MRINetwork Jobs

Naperville, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

About the Opportunity

MRT is supporting a well-established and rapidly growing plastics manufacturer near Naperville, Illinois. The company is seeking a dedicated Extrusion Process Engineer. This is a ground-floor opportunity to support and build a process engineering function from scratch. What’s needed now is the right engineer to come in, assess the operation, identify opportunities, and help drive the business to the next level.

This role offers high visibility, genuine autonomy, and a direct line to leadership. The right candidate will not be inheriting a finished function - they will be building one.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

  • Support and maintain all extrusion processes, associates, and equipment across a 24-hour operation
  • Perform changeovers, color changes, tooling setups, downstream startups, and processing adjustments
  • Monitor and adjust SOCs and process controls; document changes and communicate to supervisors and quality teams
  • Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all processes from the ground up
  • Lead problem-solving workshops and Kaizen events using 5 Why, Fishbone, and A3 methodologies
  • Conduct first article and in-process checks to validate and sustain quality controls
  • Develop audit systems to identify and address process and tooling variances
  • Monitor daily regrind percentages and develop actions to reduce generation and material loss
  • Participate in and coordinate preventive maintenance on tooling and equipment
  • Develop and maintain spare tooling and equipment upgrade matrices
  • Lead annual and new-hire training to build cross-functional team capabilities
  • Perform process qualification procedures (PQP) and develop new process standards
  • Maintain all tooling, run, and SOC records for lines, molds, and SKUs
  • Troubleshoot equipment issues to resolution and share knowledge across the team

    What We’re Looking For

  • 3–5 years of extrusion processing experience
  • Hands-on, floor-level approach - this role requires presence on the production floor across all shifts as needed
  • Working knowledge of molds and tooling design and function
  • Familiarity with 5 Why, Fishbone, and A3 problem-solving tools
  • Basic SPC and quality documentation knowledge
  • Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot equipment independently
  • Basic computer skills and ability to maintain accurate records and documentation
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in a manufacturing environment

    Preferred:

  • Associate’s degree or higher in Engineering or related field; equivalent hands-on experience will be considered
  • Sheet extrusion experience
  • Regrind and/or pelletizing experience
  • Spanish language skills (a plus, not required)
  • Experience developing SOPs in an environment where they didn’t previously exist

    Why This Role Stands Out

  • Your impact will be immediate and visible
  • PE-backed company with significant resources, growth trajectory, and continued investment
  • Collaborative, down-to-earth leadership team - high trust
  • Real career runway as the company scales and formalizes its operations
  • Monday through Friday schedule with standard business hours
  • Bonus eligible at 5%