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Plastics Process Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Are you a hands-on plastics process engineer with deep thermoforming expertise who thrives on solving complex manufacturing challenges? Do you know your way around equipment, tooling, materials, and ...

Are you a hands-on plastics process engineer with deep thermoforming expertise who thrives on solving complex manufacturing challenges? Do you know your way around equipment, tooling, materials, and ...

Are you a hands-on plastics process engineer with deep thermoforming expertise who thrives on solving complex manufacturing challenges? Do you know your way around equipment, tooling, materials, and ...

Candidates must be knowledgeable in all areas of plastic processing and manufacturing to maintain consistent quality output. MMI Engineered Solutions provides world-class engineering solutions for ...

Candidates must be knowledgeable in all areas of plastic processing and manufacturing to maintain consistent quality output. MMI Engineered Solutions provides world-class engineering solutions for ...

Candidates must be knowledgeable in all areas of plastic processing and manufacturing to maintain consistent quality output. MMI Engineered Solutions provides world-class engineering solutions for ...

Process Engineer SUMMARY: Tryout and approve the mechanical functions of plastic injection molding tools according to Company tool standards and multiple types of material. Recommend changes to ...

Process Engineer Department: Technical Position Description: Manufacturing support position with ... plastic technology. - Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under extreme deadline pressure ...

Process Engineer

Greenville, MI · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Process Engineer Department: Technical Position Description: Manufacturing support position with ... plastic technology. - Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under extreme deadline pressure ...

Process Engineer

Greenville, MI · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Process Engineer Department: Technical Position Description: Manufacturing support position with ... plastic technology. - Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under extreme deadline pressure ...

Process Engineer Department: Technical Position Description: Manufacturing support position with ... plastic technology. - Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under extreme deadline pressure ...

Process Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$70K - $104K/yr

We manufacture injection molding/plastic products for automotive, office furniture, polymer ... Cascade Engineering considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of ...

New

Paint Process Engineer Type of contract: Full-time Expected Hiring Date: ASAP Work Location ... Founded in 1946 by Pierre Burelle, OPmobility, known until 2024 as Plastic Omnium, has transformed ...

Paint Process Engineer Type of contract: Full-time Expected Hiring Date: ASAP Work Location: • ... Founded in 1946 by Pierre Burelle, OPmobility, known until 2024 as Plastic Omnium, has transformed ...

Paint Process Engineer Type of contract: Full-time Expected Hiring Date: ASAP Work Location: • ... Founded in 1946 by Pierre Burelle, OPmobility, known until 2024 as Plastic Omnium, has transformed ...

Molding Process Engineer

Belding, MI

$88K - $114K/yr

Own process troubleshooting and material troubleshooting. * Train and mentor team members; drive ... Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical, Chemical, Manufacturing Engineering, or ...

Paint Process Engineer Type of contract: Full-time Expected Hiring Date: ASAP Work Location: • ... Founded in 1946 by Pierre Burelle, OPmobility, known until 2024 as Plastic Omnium, has transformed ...

Molding Process Engineer

Belding, MI · On-site

$88K - $114K/yr

Own process troubleshooting and material troubleshooting. * Train and mentor team members; drive ... Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical, Chemical, Manufacturing Engineering, or ...

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Showing results 1-20

Plastics Process Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$43.1K

$80.2K

$124.2K

How much do plastics process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastics process engineer in Michigan is $80,202.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,900.00 and $89,800.00 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, and why are they important?

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 Michigan? For Plastics Process Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Plastics Process Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Plastics Process Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
Infographic showing various Plastics Process Engineer job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 8% Contract, and 15% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,202 per year, or $38.6 per hour.
Plastic Process Engineer

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Dart Container rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 110 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Own the Equipment. Shape the Process. Build What’s Next.

Are you a hands-on plastics process engineer with deep thermoforming expertise who thrives on solving complex manufacturing challenges?

Do you know your way around equipment, tooling, materials, and process optimization—and enjoy being the person who steps in, troubleshoots issues, and makes the process better? If you’re energized by owning the process from concept through production and turning ideas into stable, repeatable, high-performing manufacturing systems, this is the kind of role where your expertise directly drives results.

We’re looking for a Process Engineer or Senior Process Engineer to lead large-scale, complex, and highly visible thermoforming initiatives. In this role, you’ll serve as the technical owner of process capability and equipment performance, leading projects across the full product lifecycle—from material selection and tooling development to prototyping, validation, scale-up, and full production launch.

This is a high-impact opportunity for an engineer who wants to improve equipment performance, increase process reliability, reduce variation, and drive continuous improvement on the plant floor.

What You’ll Own
  • Lead thermoforming process development and optimization
  • Own equipment performance, process capability, and troubleshooting
  • Partner with tooling, operations, and quality teams to improve manufacturability
  • Drive prototype-to-production scale-up
  • Improve cycle times, scrap reduction, yield, and repeatability
  • Support new product launches and process validation
  • Lead continuous improvement and manufacturing excellence initiatives
What Makes This Role Exciting
  • High visibility across engineering and operations
  • Direct ownership of equipment and process outcomes
  • Opportunity to influence how products are built at scale
  • Hands-on work where your technical decisions matter immediately
  • Strong focus on innovation and process improvement
What You’ll Bring

Process Engineer

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field and 3+ years of engineering experience
    orAssociate’s degree and 9+ years of related engineering experience

Senior Process Engineer

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field and 6+ years of engineering experience
    orAssociate’s degree and 12+ years of related engineering experience

Required Experience & Skills (Both Levels):

  • Proven experience analyzing production equipment, processes, and materials to resolve manufacturing issues
  • Hands-on knowledge of quality and continuous improvement tools such as SPC, SQC, 5S, 8D, FMEA, Root Cause Analysis, Gage R&R, and DOE
  • Experience with thermoforming, injection molding, printing, and/or paper manufacturing processes
  • Strong understanding of engineering principles applied to product design and manufacturingAbility to interpret and develop technical drawings, blueprints, and specifications
  • Solid foundation in math and statistics as applied to engineering and quality analysis
  • Knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, quality systems, and cost optimization
  • Strong problem-solving, prioritization, and project management skills with minimal supervision
  • Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills

Location for Position: Leola, PA or Mason, MI

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship (e.g., H‑1B, F‑1 OPT, TN, etc.)

We can hire at Associate, Mid, or Sr. Level! 

#LI-KH1 

Overview: Dart makes everyday products that give people the freedom to enjoy the food & drinks they love, wherever they are. From to-go containers and dinnerware to tamper-evident food packaging and even the red SOLO cup, Dart products have been keeping people on the go and having fun for 65 years.  We’re a family-owned, family-focused company of 12,000 employees united by a shared set of values and dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. Headquartered in Mason, MI, with 30 locations in three countries, we’re proud of our ability to innovate, manufacture and lead the way with each new generation of quality products.

Benefits: Dart Container full-time employees enjoy great benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) with company matching contributions, paid vacation, paid holidays, short-term disability, tuition assistance, product discounts and more.

Dart Container is a drug-free workplace.  Candidates are subject to a drug test (excluding THC*/marijuana/cannabis) and background check at the time of offer.

*THC testing ONLY when such testing is required by law.
Dart Container is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all candidates for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

https://www.dartcontainer.com/eeoaa/

If you have a disability and need an accommodation to access this website or for the application process, you should call Dart at (800) 545-3278 Ext 3370 or email us at ADArequests@dart.biz. Relay calls can be made by dialing 711 or the relay number for your state.

If you experience difficulty applying online, you may call (800) 545-3278 Ext 3390 or email us at applicationassistance@dart.biz for assistance.


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