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Principal Plastics Engineer Jobs in Spring, TX (NOW HIRING)

Understanding of DFM/DFA for plastics, including draft, wall thickness, ribbing, tolerancing, and ... Our principal office is in London and our management office in the United States is in Minneapolis.

Understanding of DFM/DFA for plastics, including draft, wall thickness, ribbing, tolerancing, and ... Our principal office is in London and our management office in the United States is in Minneapolis.

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Principal Plastics Engineer information

See Spring, TX salary details

$65.9K

$131K

$189.1K

How much do principal plastics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal plastics engineer in Spring, TX is $131,010.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,500.00 and $154,000.00 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.

Infographic showing various Principal Plastics Engineer job openings in Spring, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,010 per year, or $63 per hour.

Principal Procurement Manager

Houston, TX

LyondellBasell
Chemical Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


LyondellBasell rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

LyondellBasell is a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. With a nearly 70-year legacy that includes a Nobel Prize in Chemistry and our proprietary MoReTec recycling technology, LYB is enabling a more sustainable future for generations to come.  LYB develops high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. LYB places high priority on diversity, equity and inclusion and is Advancing Good with an emphasis on our planet, the communities where we operate and our future workforce. We're addressing the global challenges of ending plastic waste, taking climate action, and supporting a thriving society, while generating value for our customers, investors, and society.

Come Join an Inclusive Team

The Principal Procurement Manager is a key member of the Global Technical Materials (GTM) Machinery Team and leads the development and execution of machinery procurement activities, with a primary focus on North America. The role connects global category priorities with regional business needs and translates strategy into clear execution plans, measurable outcomes, and sustainable value.

The position strengthens and further develops the Machinery segments by improving spend and demand transparency, developing category and supplier strategies, and building strong partnerships with Manufacturing, Engineering, Project Management, site teams, and other key stakeholders. The role also develops a competitive, capable, and reliable supplier network.

The role promotes innovation by facilitating ideation sessions and connecting internal experts with strategic suppliers to identify new technologies, improve existing solutions, and create value for LYB.

The Principal Procurement Manager also leads the commercial and contractual framework for turnaround (TA) activities, capital projects, and machinery-related outline agreements in NA. This includes leading negotiations, managing supplier performance (KPI&QBR) and contract compliance, and establishing fit-for-purpose agreements for project-specific and recurring requirements.

Basic Function
  • Leads complex, high-value category and sourcing initiatives and influences cross-functional stakeholders without direct reporting authority.
  • Translates global and regional procurement priorities into actionable plans, clear milestones, and measurable business outcomes.
  • Builds spend and demand visibility, converts identified opportunities into an executable sourcing and value pipeline, and owns its governance, tracking, and realization in line with GTM objectives.
  • Builds effective relationships with senior stakeholders and strategic suppliers and drives accountability for agreed actions.
  • Acts as a recognized category expert and provides guidance on machinery markets, suppliers, commercial models, risk, and technology trends.
  • Leads, coaches, and develops direct reports to build strong capabilities and performance.
A Day in the Life

Activities and duties will vary depending on the assigned functional area and may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Develops and implements comprehensive machinery category and segment strategies that align with business objectives, approved procurement processes, and sourcing methodology.  Categories to include but not limited to include Pumps, Mechanical Seals, Compressors, Turbomachinery, and other related technical materials supplies.
  • Uses spend, demand, market, and supplier analysis to identify opportunities, market trends, cost drivers, risks, and competitive sourcing options.
  • Builds demand visibility through proactive engagement with manufacturing sites, project teams, business stakeholders, and the Center of Excellence (CoE); translates opportunities into structured sourcing pipelines.
  • Establishes practical governance, milestones, and performance reviews to support execution discipline, accountability, timely follow-up, and delivery of procurement objectives.
  • Leads strategic sourcing initiatives, RFQs, supplier evaluations, and commercial recommendations for complex machinery requirements.
  • Develops and negotiates commercial frameworks, pricing, legal terms, and contract conditions for turnaround activities, capital projects, and machinery-related outline agreements.
  • Ensures that category plans reflect stakeholder requirements, manufacturing needs, technical requirements, project schedules, logistics considerations, risk, and business economics.
  • Applies total cost of ownership and life-cycle cost principles to develop sustainable value beyond initial purchase price.
  • Develops and leverages regional and global supplier markets to create competitive advantage, strengthen supply resilience, and support business growth.
  • Builds and maintains strong working relationships with stakeholders, business partners, and suppliers, including at senior leadership level.
  • Leads supplier performance reviews against agreed KPIs and SLAs and drives corrective actions, continuous improvement, and value-creation initiatives.
  • Facilitates supplier and stakeholder ideation sessions to identify new technologies, digital solutions, productivity improvements, and opportunities for standardization.
  • Partners with Manufacturing, Engineering, GAI&T, project teams, and strategic suppliers to support the introduction of new technologies and solutions.
  • Identifies and manages commercial, supply, technical, geopolitical, and sustainability risks within the assigned categories and supplier base.
  • Integrates sustainability considerations into sourcing decisions and supplier development activities; follows up on agreed improvement actions.
  • Leads Advancing Supplier Potential (ASP) initiatives and other supplier development programs within the assigned scope.
  • Drives digitalization and data transparency with business partners and key suppliers to improve decision-making and productivity.
  • Constructively challenges process and strategy deviations, drives improvements in procurement effectiveness and compliance,
You Bring This Value

As a Principal Procurement Manager at LYB, the successful candidate is expected to demonstrate advanced capability in the following areas:

  • Influencing and leading without direct authority in a complex matrix organization.
  • Translating strategy into actionable plans, milestones, and measurable outcomes.
  • Leading complex sourcing, contracting, and negotiation activities.
  • Using data, market intelligence, and performance measures to support decisions and track results.
  • Building strategic relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers, including senior-level partners.
  • Communicating and presenting clearly to technical, commercial, and leadership audiences.
  • Working independently, managing ambiguity, and prioritizing multiple high-value initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
  • Creating alignment across Procurement, Manufacturing, Engineering, Project Management, and other functions.
  • Leading change, challenging established approaches constructively, and driving continuous improvement.
  • Applying strong analytical judgment, strategic thinking, and risk management.
  • Working effectively across cultures and geographies, with an appreciation of different business practices and communication styles.
  • Using data analytics, AI, and other digital tools responsibly to improve insights, efficiency, and execution.
  • Demonstrating an innovative mindset and a long-term view of category and supplier development.
  • Actively supporting LYB sustainability objectives and responsible sourcing expectations.
Education and Experience Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent required; master's degree or recognized equivalent preferred.
  • A minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in procurement, category management, strategic sourcing, contracting, or a related commercial field is required. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
  • 5+ years of experience in the chemical, manufacturing, energy, or a related asset-intensive industry is preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and executing category or segment strategies and leading complex sourcing initiatives is required.
  • Experience with machinery, capital projects, turnaround activities, technical services, or related categories is strongly preferred.
Competencies
Build Partnerships
Deliver Results
Drive Innovation
Grow Capabilities
Promote Inclusion
Motivational Fit
Technical Skills

Learn more about our benefits:  Benefits/Health & Welfare | LyondellBasell

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    LyondellBasell is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.  The US EEO is the Law poster is available here.
    LYB is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation related to LYB's recruiting process, please email us at Careers@lyb.com.
    Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
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