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Plastics Process Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Plastic Process Technician

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$24.76 - $39.78/hr

Scope of Responsibility Cascade Engineering is currently hiring for the position of Set Up/Process ... Associates Degree in Plastics is preferred * Previous Lock Out/Tag Out experience is preferred

Mechanical knowledge and aptitude for plastic processing equipment, including but not limited ... Plant Process Engineer III: $104,800 - $117,900, plus a quarterly target bonus of 7.5% of base ...

Senior Project Engineer

Wixom, MI · On-site

$104K - $117K/yr

Mechanical knowledge and aptitude for plastic processing equipment, including but not limited ... Plant Process Engineer III: $104,800 - $117,900, plus a quarterly target bonus of 7.5% of base ...

E-Coat Process Engineer Southfield, MI - Travel up to 50% (US, Canada and Mexico) We are looking ... for metal, plastic and glass substrates in a wide range of industries. This portfolio ...

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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 Technician

Plastic Process Technician

Cascade Engineering

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

$24.76 - $39.78/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Scope of Responsibility

Cascade Engineering is currently hiring for the position of Set Up/Process Technician level 3 or 4. In this role, you will be responsible for setting up, shutting down, mold changes and troubleshooting mold defects and machines. In this opportunity, you will have the ability to develop and grow your technical skills.

You will have an opportunity to work with a diverse, supportive and driven team across all the plants! With this opportunity, you will be collaborating with your team to produce high quality components while learning to build new processes and work as a team to solve complex issues while working with large-scale plastic molding presses.

Location: Grand Rapids Campus Plant (5055 35th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512)

Shift:

3rd shift from 11pm - 7:10am (Sunday - Thursday)

Night shift from 6pm - 6:10am (working 3 days one week, 4 days the next including every other weekend)

Target Pay: The target starting base salary for this position is $24.76 - 39.78/hour (plus $1.00 shift premium plus quarterly bonus incentive). Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Cascade Engineering considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.

General Responsibilities

Day to day – Responsible for starting up and shutting down of plastic injection molding equipment. Conducting timely and accurate installations and removal of injection molds and dies. Assisting with troubleshooting of plastic injection molding presses 

Troubleshooting – In this role, you will lean on your extensive knowledge of plastics and communicate any equipment issues/breakdowns to maintenance. Troubleshoot molding defects such as splay and short shots and identify continuous improvement opportunities. You will have the opportunity to work in a team environment to diagnose, troubleshoot and solve complex issues dealing with robots, hot stamp technology and other tooling issues

Support - While working collaboratively with all levels of the team you will be responsible for offering support where needed. This could include cleaning hoppers, doing moisture checks and setting up dryers. You could be called upon to help with various mold changes, crane operation and color changes


Required

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent; or equivalent experience (4-5+ years of plastics experience)
  • Must have a valid driver’s license or be able to use all 4 limbs such as arms, legs (upper and lower limbs), torso/trunk at the shoulder. Have coordination of eyes, hands and feet. Not have any known/documented convulsive disorders and corrected vision (obtain doctor’s note verifying proof of the corrected vision)
  • Technical experience with plastic injection molding required, along with hands-on experience with raw materials, mold set-up, and troubleshooting skills
  • Must be well organized
  • Able to operate in a fast pace environment
  • Basic computer skills
  • Effective communicator, both written and verbal; good visual skills and reasoning ability

Preferred Education

  • Associates Degree in Plastics is preferred
  • Previous Lock Out/Tag Out experience is preferred
  • Prior Overhead Chain and Crane is preferred
  • Previous Routsis or Paulson training is preferred

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance - Starting on Day 1
  • Life Insurance (Company Paid and Supplemental)
  • 401K with match – Starting on Day 1
  • Quarterly Bonus Program
  • Paid Time Off
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Short and Long Term Disability (Company Paid)
  • Onsite Health Clinic

Perks

  • Weekly Pay
  • Flexible Hours & Scheduling
  • Attendance Recognition Program
  • Voucher programs for Safety Shoes and Prescription Safety Glasses
  • Employee Discount Programs
  • Employee Referral & Retention Bonus Program
  • Adoption Assistance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Free Uniforms / T-shirts
  • Smoking Cessation Products and Program

Company Description

Cascade Engineering is a Family of Companies where we invest in People, Planet and Profit. We have been in business for over 50 years in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We manufacture automotive parts, material handling, and office furniture, polymer compounding, waste and recycling.