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Professional Plastics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Production Manager

Loves Park, IL · On-site

$65K - $110K/yr

Position Summary: The Production Manager implements measures to improve production methods, equipment performance, product quality, and efficiency by enforcing organizational standards and ...

CNC Machinist Lead

Orchard Park, NY · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Position Summary: The CNC Machinist Lead will be responsible for achieving established safety, quality and operational goals while optimizing efficiency and effectiveness. Focuses on the key daily ...

Assembler

Austell, GA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Position Summary: Assembler will be responsible to assemble parts and perform tasks that are necessary to the production process. Will maintain tidy work areas and follow detailed instructions in ...

Quality Engineer

Orchard Park, NY · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Position Summary: The Quality Engineer ensures that the quality of parts produced meets all customer expectations, and quickly and effectively takes action when non-conformance is found. The Quality ...

Warehouse Associate

Orchard Park, NY

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Position Summary: We are currently seeking a reliable, hardworking warehouse associate to join our team. In this position, you will perform various warehouse activities as well as receive, input ...

Fabricator

Loves Park, IL · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Position Summary: Operates manufacturing equipment and machine pieces to meet product specifications; ensures fabrication accuracy. Operates within all established safety, environmental, quality ...

A desire to learn about new developments in the plastics engineering field and an interest in following that progress through trade shows, professional texts, technical papers, etc.

Position Summary: The CNC Router Operator will produce machined parts by programming, setting up and operating the CNC router. Promotes safe practices while operating router to appropriately achieve ...

Quality Engineer

Orchard Park, NY · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Position Summary: The Quality Engineer ensures that the quality of parts produced meets all customer expectations, and quickly and effectively takes action when non-conformance is found. The Quality ...

Assembler

Austell, GA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Position Summary: Assembler will be responsible to assemble parts and perform tasks that are necessary to the production process. Will maintain tidy work areas and follow detailed instructions in ...

Aerospace Parts Inspector

Chino, CA · On-site

$28 - $34/hr

*This is a SECOND SHIFT position but will be training on FIRST SHIFT for approximately the first 2 months* Position Summary: The Quality Control Inspector is responsible for conducting both quality ...

Fabricator

Loves Park, IL · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Position Summary: Operates manufacturing equipment and machine pieces to meet product specifications; ensures fabrication accuracy. Operates within all established safety, environmental, quality ...

CNC Programmer

Loves Park, IL · On-site

$26.45 - $40.87/hr

*Relevant experienced required* Education and Experience: * 5+ years Mastercam experience * Fifth year college or university program certificate; or two to four years related experience and/or ...

Aerospace Parts Inspector

Chino, CA · On-site

$28 - $34/hr

*This is a SECOND SHIFT position but will be training on FIRST SHIFT for approximately the first 2 months* Position Summary: The Quality Control Inspector is responsible for conducting both quality ...

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Professional Plastics information

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$27

$56

How much do professional plastics jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional plastics in the United States is $27.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $36.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in the plastics industry, and how can new employees effectively overcome them?

Professionals in the plastics industry often encounter challenges such as keeping up with rapidly evolving manufacturing technologies, adhering to strict safety and environmental regulations, and ensuring quality control in production processes. New employees can overcome these challenges by staying updated through ongoing training, actively participating in safety and quality workshops, and seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues. Additionally, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, such as engineering and quality assurance, can help new hires develop a well-rounded understanding of the production cycle and address issues proactively.

What is the difference between Professional Plastics vs Plastic Fabricator?

AspectProfessional PlasticsPlastic Fabricator
CredentialsIndustry certifications, technical trainingTrade certifications, specialized training
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, warehousesWorkshop, fabrication shop
Industry UsageSupplies raw plastics, technical supportProcesses plastics into custom parts

Professional Plastics primarily supplies raw plastic materials and offers technical support, while plastic fabricators focus on transforming those materials into finished products through cutting, shaping, and assembly. Both roles are essential in the plastics industry but serve different functions within the supply chain.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Professional Plastics specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Professional Plastics specialist, you need in-depth knowledge of plastic materials, fabrication processes, and quality control, typically supported by a technical or engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, CNC machines, and industry certifications such as those from the Society of Plastics Engineers are common requirements. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top professionals apart in this field. These competencies ensure precise production, innovation, and customer satisfaction in a highly technical and competitive industry.

What are professional plastics?

Professional plastics are high-performance plastic materials that are used in a wide range of industries such as aerospace, medical, electronics, and manufacturing. These plastics are engineered for specific properties like strength, durability, chemical resistance, and heat tolerance, making them suitable for demanding applications. Common examples include polycarbonate, acrylic, nylon, and PEEK. Professional plastics are often supplied in the form of sheets, rods, tubes, and films, and are fabricated into finished parts or products.
What cities are hiring for Professional Plastics jobs? Cities with the most Professional Plastics job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Plastics jobs? The most popular types of Plastics jobs are:
What states have the most Professional Plastics jobs? States with the most job openings for Professional Plastics jobs include:
Production Manager

Production Manager

Professional Plastics

Loves Park, IL • On-site

$65K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Be an early applicant


Professional Plastics rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 338 rated retail wholesalers


Job description

Position Summary: The Production Manager implements measures to improve production methods, equipment performance, product quality, and efficiency by enforcing organizational standards and coordinating the activities of production employees

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Include the following, as well as other duties that may be assigned.

  • Program CNC machines using Mastercam
  • Set up machines and manage tooling
  • Troubleshooting—equipment, processes and programs
  • Assess and manage operator efficiency and machine utilization using productivity software
  • Manage production employees across all shifts to drive productivity, accuracy in reporting, and efficient operation of machines
  • Lead daily production meeting to communicate safety, quality, and scheduling of jobs
  • Work with engineering, ensure that material, tooling and programs are available for scheduled jobs
  • Complete production plan by scheduling and assigning personnel and establishing priorities
  • Maintain quality by establishing and enforcing organizational standards
  • Communicate job expectations; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results
  • Maintain work flow by setting processing variables (cycle times), observing efficiency and equipment performance
  • Compile production performance records and data to address questions/issues
  • Develop reporting procedures for production issues (maintenance, programs)
  • Recommend measures to improve production methods, equipment performance, and quality of product
  • Assist the workforce regarding safety, scheduling, and personnel issues
  • Maintain workforce by recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training employees
  • Work with staff to develop personal growth opportunities
  • Maintain compliance within established policies and procedures
  • Support company mission, vision, strategic plan and goals
  • Quality Control – first article, in-process and final inspection
  • Program optimization – red-line revisions
  • Inventory management of value added products and programs
  • Perform all other duties as assigned by management

Supervisory Responsibilities: Direct reports include Leads from the following departments: Router, Machining and General Labor

Experience we're looking for:

  • Production management
  • 5+ years machining experience (Mazak, Haas)
  • CNC operations
  • Manufacturing processes
  • Lean manufacturing
  • Quality control
  • Shop floor supervision
  • Process improvement
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Team leadership

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel)
  • Proficiency in standard office and database programs/equipment
  • Knowledge of ERP systems

Education and Experience: (Required and preferred educational and experiential qualifications)

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university preferred
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • 1-3 years’ experience in an Production Manager Role

Benefits Package:

  • DailyPay Earned Wage Access
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • 401K Plan with Company Match
  • Basic Life and AD&D
  • Voluntary Life Insurance
  • Long Term Disability
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Morgan Stanley Financial Advice
  • Short Term Disability
  • Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity
  • MetLife Legal Plan
  • Norton LifeLock
  • United Pet Care Discount Program
  • LifeMart Employee Discounts

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, reach with hands or arms and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. Certain areas of the work environment may have elevated noise levels and require hearing protection.

Job Type: Full-time

Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran