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Principal Plastics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GE Appliances

The Principal Advanced Manufacturing Engineer (AME) for Plastics is a recognized subject matter expert in injection mold tooling and processing, molding equipment, and plastics part design. This role ...

Plasticmolding

Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Principal Manufacturing Engineer Full Time Technical Centennial, CO, US $145,000.00 To $175,000.00 Annually Company Description Plastic Molding Technology (PMT) manufactures high precision plastic ...

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Principal Plastics Engineer information

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$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal plastics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal plastics engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a principal plastics engineer do?

A Principal Plastics Engineer is a senior expert responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing plastic components and manufacturing processes in various industries. They lead projects involving material selection, mold design, and process improvements to ensure product quality and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, they provide technical guidance to engineering teams, troubleshoot production issues, and stay updated on advancements in plastics technology. Their expertise is crucial in industries like automotive, medical devices, consumer goods, and electronics.

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

To thrive as a Principal Plastics Engineer, you need deep expertise in polymer science, materials engineering, and product design, typically supported by a degree in chemical, mechanical, or plastics engineering and significant industry experience. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools (like Moldflow), and knowledge of manufacturing processes such as injection molding and extrusion are essential, along with certifications like Six Sigma or relevant industry credentials. Strong project management, problem-solving, and communication skills help you lead multidisciplinary teams and drive innovation. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure efficient product development, high-quality plastic components, and successful collaboration across engineering and manufacturing teams.

What are some typical cross-functional collaborations for a principal plastics engineer, and how do these interactions influence project outcomes?

As a Principal Plastics Engineer, you will regularly collaborate with cross-functional teams including product design, manufacturing, quality assurance, and supply chain. These interactions are essential for ensuring that plastic components meet design specifications, manufacturability, and regulatory standards. Effective communication and teamwork can significantly influence a project's timeline and success by addressing potential issues early and integrating feedback from multiple stakeholders. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and can lead to more efficient product development cycles.

What is the difference between Principal Plastics Engineer vs Plastics Development Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Plastics EngineerPlastics Development Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Polymer Science or Chemical Engineering, often with 10+ years experienceBachelor's/Master's in Polymer Science or Chemical Engineering, typically with 3-7 years experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing plants, R&D departmentsProduct development teams, R&D labs, manufacturing settings
Employer & Industry UsageLarge plastics companies, automotive, aerospace, consumer goodsMaterial suppliers, plastics manufacturers, product design firms

The Principal Plastics Engineer typically holds more experience and oversees complex projects, providing strategic direction. In contrast, the Plastics Development Engineer focuses on developing new plastics formulations and prototypes. Both roles require strong technical skills, but the principal position involves higher-level leadership and project management responsibilities.

What cities are hiring for Principal Plastics Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Principal Plastics Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Principal Plastics Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Principal Plastics Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Plastics Engineer jobs?

For Principal Plastics Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Principal Plastics Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal Advanced Manufacturing Engineer- Plastics Tooling

Louisville, KY • On-site

GE Appliances
See more jobs at GE Appliancesexternal

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

At GE Appliances, a Haier company, we come together to make "good things, for life." As the fastest-growing appliance company in the U.S., we're powered by creators, thinkers and makers who believe that anything is possible and that there's always a better way. We believe in the power of our people and in giving them the freedom to explore, discover and build good things, together.
The GE Appliances philosophy, backed by three simple commitments defines the way we work, invent, create, do business, and serve our communities: we come together, we always look for a better way, and we create possibilities.
Interested in joining us on our journey?
The Principal Advanced Manufacturing Engineer (AME) for Plastics is a recognized subject matter expert in injection mold tooling and processing, molding equipment, and plastics part design. This role involves leading and managing tooling and equipment projects, contributing to the development of goals and operational plans, and implementing significant improvements that impact the function's results. The Principal AME plays a pivotal role in guiding and mentoring cross-functional teams.
This role also serves as the primary technical/engineering liaison for the Center of Excellence (COE), which is the internal plastics "supplier" of all Appliance Park in-house molded products.
Position
Principal Advanced Manufacturing Engineer- Plastics Tooling
Location
USA, Louisville, KY
How You'll Create Possibilities
Manufacturing Project Management:
  • Technical COE representative for all processes, cross-functional team meetings, and design reviews for injection molds, injection molding presses and associated automation equipment

  • Support the GE Appliances Business Change Request (BCR) process

  • Take a lead role managing an NPI Program area (i.e. all molds, new equipment, automation) by overseeing and mentoring Senior AME members

  • Develop technical specifications to ensure accurate and timely delivery of associated molds/equipment

  • Ensure Equipment Qualification projects are accurately created in Oracle Agile as the primary AME project management process

  • Drive projects through each milestone completion with necessary stakeholder engagement and ensure Agile is updated in a timely manner

  • Ability to manage and report on capital spending, project timeline/delivery status, and other KPI related aspects of a project

  • Safety, Quality, Productivity, Cost:

  • Maintain certified Lock Out (LOTO) status for safe equipment operation

  • Drive supplier Risk Assessments and EHS approvals of all applicable equipment

  • Review part dimensional and tolerance requirements to ensure Design for Manufacturability (DFM)

  • Drive Cross-functional teams to resolve part design or equipment requirement issues

  • Collaborate with Plastics CAE experts to analyze design, quality, and productivity-related aspects of new plastic part designs

  • Lead RFQ process for quotes, summarize and select suppliers to achieve low-cost, on-time results

  • Drive supplier delivery to avoid timeline delays

  • Provide communication within the COE team to ensure smooth plant implementation of molds and equipment

What You'll Bring to Our Team
Position Requirements:
  • Ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization to drive operational success and continuous improvement

  • High energy, initiative, and motivation to contribute to a team-oriented environment

  • Organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and tasks efficiently

  • Excellent problem-solving abilities and strong follow-through on initiatives

Minimum Qualifications:
  • 7+ years of experience in injection molding or manufacturing engineering

  • Hands-on experience with large tonnage injection molding equipment, resin delivery systems, robotic part load/unload systems, and injection mold troubleshooting

  • Mold/Equipment procurement experience (quoting, sourcing, implementation)

  • Gated Project Management experience in a technical cross-functional manufacturing environment

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree (plastics / mechanical / manufacturing engineering / industrial / electrical)

  • Extensive experience leading or working with injection molding machines and automated equipment operations

  • Moldflow/Moldex CAE analysis experience

  • CAD experience

  • RJG injection molding certification

  • Sepro and/or Fanuc Robotics programming and/or troubleshooting experience

  • Track record of driving results through analytical methods, project scheduling, and teamwork

Working Conditions:
  • Working conditions are normal for both an office and manufacturing environments.

  • Work may involve lifting materials and products up to 25 pounds.

  • Working in the manufacturing environment requires the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, work shoes/boots.

  • Work may require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

  • Work will include walking and standing for extended periods, using stairs, cross-overs and ladders.

  • Up to 30% of travel is required for international and domestic travel

Our Culture
Our work is centered on our People and Culture as reflected in our Zero Distance philosophy and we recognize the importance of reaffirming our commitment to inclusion and diversity (I&D). This underscores our commitment to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, connected, and empowered to contribute, while positioning our organization to adapt seamlessly to the evolving needs of our workforce and communities.
This reflects our dedication to creating solutions that: Empower colleagues by fostering an environment where all voices are heard, valued, and encouraged to contribute. Strengthen communities where we live and work. Reinforce a culture of belonging, purpose, and engagement. Reflect the diversity of the communities we serve through our workforce, products, and practices.
By further embedding Zero Distance into our People and Culture framework, we will continue to build a deeply connected organization. We are cultivating a culture of engagement, belonging, and connection, because while attracting new talent remains a priority, retention is a cornerstone of our strategy.
GE Appliances is a trust-based organization. It is important we offer our employees the flexibility they need to do their best work while balancing the needs of the business and individuals. When you join GE Appliances, you will have the opportunity to work with your leader to create a flexible work arrangement that balances the needs of the individual, team, and organization.
GE Appliances is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
GE Appliances participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S
If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance or an accommodation to use our website or to apply, please send an e-mail to ask.recruiting@geappliances.com

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