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Senior Plastics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dart Container

Sr. Plastic Process Engineer

Leola, PA

$106K - $137K/yr

Senior Process Engineer - Plastics (Thermoforming) Own the Equipment. Shape the Process. Are you a hands-on plastics process engineer who thrives on solving complex manufacturing challenges? Do you ...

Dart Container

Sr. Plastic Process Engineer

Leola, PA · On-site

$106K - $137K/yr

Senior Process Engineer - Plastics (Thermoforming) Own the Equipment. Shape the Process. Are you a hands-on plastics process engineer who thrives on solving complex manufacturing challenges? Do you ...

Dart Container

Sr. Plastic Process Engineer

Leola, PA

$106K - $137K/yr

Senior Process Engineer - Plastics (Thermoforming) Own the Equipment. Shape the Process. Are you a hands-on plastics process engineer who thrives on solving complex manufacturing challenges? Do you ...

Polaris, Inc.

$136K - $179K/yr

As the Senior Staff Engineer - Body & Interior Plastics , you will serve as the senior technical authority for molded plastic body systems, enclosure components, and interior plastic assemblies ...

Venteon

Senior Buyer - Plastics

Troy, MI · On-site

$130K/yr

Senior Buyer - Exteriors / Plastics Minimum 3 years of Purchasing Experience Venteon is currently ... Requirements of the Buyer * 8+ years of experience in Procurement, Supply Chain, or Engineering ...

PTA Plastics

Sr. Automation Engineer

Oxford, CT · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

PTA Plastics, an employee-owned and innovative leader in the plastic injection molding, contract ... The Senior Automation Engineer leads the development, optimization, and strategic advancement of ...

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All JobsSenior Plastics Engineer Jobs

Senior Plastics Engineer information

See salary details

$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior plastics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior plastics engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a Senior Plastics Engineer faces when bringing a new product from concept to production?

A Senior Plastics Engineer often encounters challenges such as selecting the appropriate polymer material to balance performance and cost, designing for manufacturability, and troubleshooting issues like warping or sink marks during molding. Coordinating closely with design, manufacturing, and quality teams is essential to ensure that prototypes meet specifications and can be efficiently scaled to production. Additionally, staying updated on regulatory requirements and sustainability practices is crucial, as these can impact material selection and processing methods.

What does a Senior Plastics Engineer do?

A Senior Plastics Engineer specializes in the design, development, and optimization of plastic materials and products. They oversee the selection of appropriate polymers, manage manufacturing processes such as injection molding or extrusion, and ensure that products meet quality and performance standards. These professionals also lead research and development projects, troubleshoot production issues, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring innovative plastic solutions to market.

What is the difference between Senior Plastics Engineer vs Plastics Process Engineer?

AspectSenior Plastics EngineerPlastics Process Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Plastics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field; experience preferredBachelor's in Plastics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and oversight of plastic products and processes in manufacturing settingsFocus on optimizing plastic processing techniques and machinery in production facilities
Industry UsageUsed across plastics manufacturing, automotive, packaging, and consumer goods industriesPrimarily in manufacturing plants and process optimization roles within plastics companies

The main difference is that Senior Plastics Engineers typically have more experience and responsibilities in designing and overseeing plastic products, while Plastics Process Engineers focus on improving manufacturing processes and machinery. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are vital in plastics manufacturing industries.

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

To thrive as a Senior Plastics Engineer, you need expertise in polymer science, materials engineering, and process optimization, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and several years of experience in plastics manufacturing. Proficiency with CAD software, simulation tools, and knowledge of industry standards such as ASTM or ISO is crucial. Strong problem-solving skills, project management abilities, and effective communication set top candidates apart. These skills ensure the development of high-quality plastic products, efficient manufacturing processes, and successful cross-functional collaboration.
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What cities are hiring for Senior Plastics Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Plastics Engineer job openings:
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Senior Plastics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Plastics Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Sr. Supplier Process Engineer - Plastics

Milwaukee Tool

Brookfield, WI • On-site

$98K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Description:
WE CREATE EMPOWERED LEADERS! At Milwaukee Tool we firmly believe that our People and our Culture are the secrets to our success. As Senior Quality Engineer, you'll be integral to our production operations, leading quality initiatives that ensure our motor products meet the highest standards of performance and reliability.
The Supplier Process Engineer (SPE) provides quality and technical guidance to engineering on cross-functional R&D and Operations projects, including New Product Development, Product Support, and Value Engineering. The primary duty of this position is to provide supplier selection support, technical expertise, and supplier development for Milwaukee Tool's key suppliers. SPE will participate in on-site supplier process assessments/audits to assess supplier technical capabilities and provide on-site support as needed. This position will develop action plans and drive implementation to close supplier technical gaps within component manufacturing.
Behind our doors you'll be empowered every day to own it, drive it, and do what it takes to support the biggest breakthroughs in the industry. With the support and resources of one of the fastest-growing brands in the construction industry, you'll help shape the future of manufacturing quality at Milwaukee Tool-where innovation meets precision, and every product reflects our commitment to excellence.
Your Role on Our Team:
Plastics Process Expertise & Tooling Leadership
  • Serve as Milwaukee Tool's plastics processing expert, providing technical leadership in thermoplastics, mold design, process setup, and optimization.
  • Apply expert-level understanding of hot/cold runner systems, valve gates, core-pull systems, material shrink, and mold flow analysis to assess and improve supplier processes.
  • Lead tooling-related activities, including design reviews, maintenance evaluations, and validation of new tools through T0/T1/Tn builds.
  • Collaborate with engineering on process improvements, tooling robustness, and Value Engineering opportunities.

Supplier Capability, Auditing & Quality Systems
  • Execute end-to-end supplier capability management: process audits, molding assessments, and readiness validation.
  • Identify technical gaps in supplier molding processes and drive detailed action plans to close them.
  • Implement process-focused supplier quality systems emphasizing controls, metrology, data-driven decision making, and QMS compliance.

Part Approval & Program Launch
  • Lead plastics-related PPAP deliverables including DFM, PFMEA, control plans, capability studies, and readiness reviews.
  • Ensure suppliers meet timing and performance expectations for injection-molded components.

Issue Resolution & Quality Performance
  • Lead structured problem-solving (8D, Six Sigma, Red X), ensuring permanent corrective actions.
  • Analyze trends, validate root causes, and deploy prevention systems that stabilize supplier molding capability.

Process Capability & Statistical Control
  • Validate molding process capability using Cp/Cpk, DOE, control charts, and other statistical methods.
  • Ensure suppliers maintain repeatable, predictable molding parameters with robust process windows.

Leadership, Influence & Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with engineering, purchasing, and quality teams to communicate technical insights and influence supplier decisions.
  • Support risk assessment, technical reviews, and supplier transition efforts.

Risk Management
  • Identify and mitigate risks related to tooling, process variation, capacity, and supplier stability.

TOOLS you'll bring with you:
  • BS in Plastics Engineering Technology or equivalent; RJG Master Molder I/II strongly preferred.
  • Minimum 5 years hands-on thermoplastics processing experience.
  • Strong understanding of mold design, tooling principles, material data, and injection molding processes.
  • Demonstrated leadership in complex project execution within cross-functional environments.
  • Experience with supplier management, including assessment, auditing, development, performance evaluation, and improvement planning.
  • Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS), including NCMR, SCAR, PPAP, APQP, FMEA, and root cause methodologies.
  • Travel required up to 25-50% domestically and internationally, sometimes on short notice

Other TOOLS we prefer you to have:
  • Professional certifications (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma Green Belt).
  • Experience with ISO-9001, TS16949, or VDA 6.3 audits.
  • Self-starter who thrives in fast-paced environments and builds organizational capability.
  • Ability to identify risks, communicate effectively, build action plans, and deliver results.

Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.

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