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Principal Plastics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Teleflex

INGENYX - Senior Extrusion Engineer

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$115.50/hr

Principal Responsibilities • Troubleshoot, implement, improve, and validate extrusion processes ... Masters in Plastics Engineering a plus • 5+ years of experience in an extrusion manufacturing ...

Konik

Principal R&D Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

Principal Mechanical Engineer Golden Valley, MN | Direct-Hire | $120,000 - $145,000 (Flexible ... The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in medical device design, plastics processing, and ...

Form Energy

Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Weirton, WV · On-site

Principal equipment design engineer, principal mechanical engineer, senior staff equipment engineer ... Experience with plastic and metal welding, automated assembly, inspection, and test, human-assist ...

Form Energy

Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Weirton, WV · On-site

Principal equipment design engineer, principal mechanical engineer, senior staff equipment engineer ... Experience with plastic and metal welding, automated assembly, inspection, and test, human-assist ...

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Principal Plastics Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal plastics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 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 Mechanical Engineer

Burlington, MA • On-site

Viken Detection
Investigation and Physical Security Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Viken Detectionexternal

$145K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Description

Viken Detection is seeking a highly experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership and architectural ownership across our advanced detection and imaging systems. This highest-level individual contributor role sets mechanical design strategy, drives cross-platform alignment, and tackles complex system-level challenges. The Principal Mechanical Engineer partners closely with Engineering, Physics, Program Management, and Operations to deliver high-performance, manufacturable, reliable, and cost-effective solutions from concept through sustaining engineering.


Responsibilities

  • Serve as mechanical system architect for major product platforms 
  • Lead system-level design decisions, trade studies, and risk mitigation 
  • Establish mechanical standards, best practices, and reusable design architectures 
  • Drive cross-functional alignment across mechanical, electrical, software, and physics teams 
  • Lead development of complex electromechanical systems including structures, mechanisms, and enclosures 
  • Drive early-stage innovation by assembling and testing proof-of-concept prototypes to validate concepts and reduce technical risk
  • Own mechanical execution across the full product lifecycle from concept through sustaining 
  • Resolve high-impact, cross-subsystem technical challenges 
  • Oversee tolerance analysis, structural integrity, environmental robustness, and reliability 
  • Partner with Operations to ensure manufacturable, scalable, and cost-effective designs 
  • Lead mechanical NPI efforts, production readiness, and supplier engagement 
  • Incorporate production, quality, and field feedback into continuous improvement 
  • Mentor engineers and lead technical design reviews 
  • Influence engineering roadmaps, resourcing, and long-term technical strategy 
  • Advise engineering leadership on mechanical risk, capability, and execution 
  • Promote engineering rigor, documentation quality, and technical excellence
  • Travel as needed (e.g., to suppliers, manufacturing partners, field deployments, or customer sites) to support development, integration, and issue resolution

Requirements

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering 
  • 10+ years of mechanical engineering experience in complex product development 
  • Proven technical lead or system owner on shipped products 
  • Experience designing electromechanical systems such as handheld devices, large-scale industrial or vehicle-mounted equipment, or precision mechanisms 
  • Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes including injection-molded plastics, structural metals, welded assemblies, and tolerance management 
  • Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks or Onshape; working knowledge of FEA and mechanical simulation 
  • Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills 
  • Demonstrated ownership of designs from concept through full-rate production 
  • Experience with ruggedized, safety-critical, or harsh-environment products; collaboration with Physics or Imaging teams preferred 
  • Passion for mission-driven engineering and real-world impact


Additional Information

Location: This role is based in Burlington, MA. We are seeking local candidates, as relocation assistance is not available.

Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. 

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