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Plastics Process Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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

... 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

... 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

Lead all injection molding process engineering and processing activities across multiple plastic injection molding sites. * Manage and organize the activity of project specific Injection team ...

Lead all injection molding process engineering and processing activities across multiple plastic injection molding sites. * Manage and organize the activity of project specific Injection team ...

Lead all injection molding process engineering and processing activities across multiple plastic injection molding sites. * Manage and organize the activity of project specific Injection team ...

Project Engineer

South Elgin, IL · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Hoffer Plastics is hiring for " Project Engineer ", " 1st shift ". Starting Pay $100k - $135K ... process. * Conduct design and preliminary tool reviews to insure consensus of the multi ...

Project Engineer

South Elgin, IL · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Hoffer Plastics is hiring for " Project Engineer ", " 1st shift ". Starting Pay $100k - $135K ... process. * Conduct design, preliminary, and final tool reviews to ensure consensus of the multi ...

Project Engineer

South Elgin, IL · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Hoffer Plastics is hiring for " Project Engineer", "1st shift". Starting Pay $100k - $135K (based ... process.Conduct design and preliminary tool reviews to insure consensus of the multi-disciplinary ...

Project Engineer

Elgin, IL · On-site

$120K/yr

... Plastics Injection Mold Standards. * Manage the design and development of all secondary equipment and processes both internally and supplied by outside vendors until approved by Manufacturing.

Sr. Process Technician

Lockport, IL · On-site

$90K - $153K/yr

Lead setup, optimization, and sustained control of large plastic drum blow-molding equipment to ... Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, and Engineering to eliminate recurring defects, equipment ...

Sr. Process Technician

Lockport, IL · On-site

$90K - $153K/yr

Lead setup, optimization, and sustained control of large plastic drum blow-molding equipment to ... Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, and Engineering to eliminate recurring defects, equipment ...

Showing results 41-60

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 22, 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.

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.

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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Plastics Process Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,167 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Extrusion Process Technician

Novolex

Bedford Park, IL

$38.24 - $49.17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 25 days ago


Novolex rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

63rd of 120 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Why Choose Us?

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple industries including foodservice, restaurant delivery and carryout, food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial sectors. Novolex manufacturing and sourcing expertise spans a diverse range of substrates including resin, paper, molded fiber, aluminum and more. We provide customers a broad array of stock and customized solutions with 120 product categories, 250 brands and over 39,000 SKUs.

Our Sustainability Commitment

The Novolex sustainability vision is built upon three pillars: our products, our operations and our people. Each is critically important to our growth and future as a business. These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us achieve our ambitious goals through our wide-ranging initiatives.


Novolex, Where Packaging Innovation Meets Career Opportunity! We are looking for you!!!

Competitive starting pay rate $38.24 to $49.17

Extrusion Process Technician available shift 7:00PM-7:00AM 2-2-3 Schedule

Summary:

The Hourly Process Tech will guide the overall team’s mission in productivity, safety, quality, operations, continuous improvement and team effectiveness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Assist with performing changeovers with minimal downtime
  • Ensure all products are running at standard production rate for assigned shift
  • Update, review and provide recommendations to plant Process Engineer for process sheet updates
  • Develop, implement and execute programs to improve overall product quality and line efficiencies.
  • Ability to operate and troubleshoot processes and equipment at an elevated level to resolve complex issues with supporting plant maintenance, automation, and tooling teams

Required Qualifications:

  • Minimum 5 years relevant experience (or similar combination of education and experience).
  • Experience in plastics processing, including forming and extrusion required
  • Experience working with machinery
  • Understanding of tooling, machining, material flow practices for extrusion and thermoforming
  • Strong interpersonal skills to be able to train, communicate, and lead effectively
  • Ability to work a 12 hours COP shift

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Two or four year technical degree or certification
  • Project team coordinator experience
  • Experience with FEA (finite element analysis) and quality gauges to support a zero part defect environment.

#INDDist


What You'll Get From UsBenefits

With safety as our top priority and a commitment to employee well-being an important focus, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits that include medical, dental and vision insurance as well as a variety of other well-being resources focused on mental, physical and financial health. Specific benefits and well-being programs may vary depending on where you work.

Community Engagement

At Novolex, giving back to the local communities that support us is important. Our Focused Giving Program prioritizes support for organizations whose missions promote sustainability initiatives or address food and hunger needs. We also encourage facility level support of activities in the communities where our employees live and work.

Training and Development

We offer constant opportunities for advancement. From skills development to advanced education programs, training and development programs and courses are available through MyLearning. Programs include company and industry training curricula, support for formal education through the Tuition Reimbursement Program (Non-Union), and a Learning Management System that supports and enhances employee skills at all levels of the organization.

Novolex is committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including but not limited to selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, handicap or disability, genetics, citizenship status, service member or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. Any individual who, because of his or her disability, needs an accommodation in connection with an aspect of the Company's application process should contact myHRservices@novolex.com.

Formerly Pactiv Evergreen


What Novolex employees say

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