Plastics Engineer Jobs
Plastics Engineer jobs are open across automotive, medical devices, consumer goods, and packaging manufacturing, from entry-level to senior and principal, with specializations in injection molding, materials selection, and tooling design. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 53+ Plastics Engineer jobs
JOB SUMMARY
Plastics Engineer to lead the development, optimization, validation, and continuous improvement of precision injection molding processes for demanding medical, aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. This role combines scientific molding, mold design, Moldflow simulation, advanced metrology, automation, and new product introduction activities to ensure world-class quality, dimensional performance, and manufacturing excellence.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and optimize injection molding processes for precision plastic components with tight-tolerance requirements.
- Lead process validations including IQ/OQ/PQ activities, DOE studies, and process window development.
- Troubleshoot molding defects and implement corrective actions using data-driven methodologies.
- Support new product introductions from concept through production launch.
- Conduct mold design reviews and provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) recommendations.
- Utilize Moldflow simulation tools to perform fill, pack, cooling, shrinkage, and warp analyses.
- Recommend improvements to gating, runner, cooling, venting, and ejection systems.
- Utilize advanced metrology systems including CMMs, optical inspection systems, and industrial CT scanners to validate part geometry and dimensional capability.
- Perform root cause analysis of dimensional variation through metrology data and statistical methods.
- Establish SPC, MSA (Measurement Systems Analysis), Gage R&R, and capability studies (Cp/Cpk).
- Collaborate with tooling, automation, quality, production, and customer teams.
- Evaluate and implement new manufacturing technologies, software platforms, and engineering tools.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
- 3+ years of injection molding and mold design.
- Simulation Software Experience.
- Strong understanding of scientific molding principles and process optimization.
- Experience with dimensional metrology and quality systems.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Experience in medical device, aerospace, defense, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
- Moldflow experience including fill, cooling, pack, shrinkage, and warp analysis.
- Experience with mold design, DFM, and tool qualification.
- Hands-on experience with CMMs, optical measurement systems, and industrial CT scanners.
- Knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, MSA, SPC, and capability analysis.
- Experience with automation systems, robotics, and vision inspection technologies.
- Experience with high-performance polymers including PEEK, PPS, PEI, PFA, FEP, ETFE, and LCP.
Education
Required- Bachelors or better
Behaviors
Required- Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
- Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
- Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
- Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
Motivations
Required- Growth Opportunities: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility
- Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
- Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
- Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
JOB SUMMARY
Plastics Engineer to lead the development, optimization, validation, and continuous improvement of precision injection molding processes for demanding medical, aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. This role combines scientific molding, mold design, Moldflow simulation, advanced metrology, automation, and new product introduction activities to ensure world-class quality, dimensional performance, and manufacturing excellence.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and optimize injection molding processes for precision plastic components with tight-tolerance requirements.
- Lead process validations including IQ/OQ/PQ activities, DOE studies, and process window development.
- Troubleshoot molding defects and implement corrective actions using data-driven methodologies.
- Support new product introductions from concept through production launch.
- Conduct mold design reviews and provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) recommendations.
- Utilize Moldflow simulation tools to perform fill, pack, cooling, shrinkage, and warp analyses.
- Recommend improvements to gating, runner, cooling, venting, and ejection systems.
- Utilize advanced metrology systems including CMMs, optical inspection systems, and industrial CT scanners to validate part geometry and dimensional capability.
- Perform root cause analysis of dimensional variation through metrology data and statistical methods.
- Establish SPC, MSA (Measurement Systems Analysis), Gage R&R, and capability studies (Cp/Cpk).
- Collaborate with tooling, automation, quality, production, and customer teams.
- Evaluate and implement new manufacturing technologies, software platforms, and engineering tools.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
- 3+ years of injection molding and mold design.
- Simulation Software Experience.
- Strong understanding of scientific molding principles and process optimization.
- Experience with dimensional metrology and quality systems.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Experience in medical device, aerospace, defense, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
- Moldflow experience including fill, cooling, pack, shrinkage, and warp analysis.
- Experience with mold design, DFM, and tool qualification.
- Hands-on experience with CMMs, optical measurement systems, and industrial CT scanners.
- Knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, MSA, SPC, and capability analysis.
- Experience with automation systems, robotics, and vision inspection technologies.
- Experience with high-performance polymers including PEEK, PPS, PEI, PFA, FEP, ETFE, and LCP.
Education
Required- Bachelors or better
Behaviors
Required- Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
- Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
- Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
- Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
Motivations
Required- Growth Opportunities: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility
- Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
- Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
- Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
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Find Plastics Engineer JobsPlastics Engineer Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Automotive
- Electronics & Hardware
- Medical Devices
- Science & Research
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in plastics engineer jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in plastics engineering, materials science, or mechanical engineering
- Hands-on experience with injection molding processes and troubleshooting
- Proficiency in CAD software for mold or part design
- Knowledge of polymer material properties and resin selection
- Familiarity with DFMEA, GD&T, and first-article inspection procedures
- Experience with ISO or IATF quality management systems
Tips for Your Plastics Engineer Job Search
Tailor your resume to process specifics
List the exact resins you've processed, the presses or extruders you've run, and the tolerances you've held. Hiring managers for plastics engineer roles skim for material families and machine types before reading anything else.
Highlight mold design and DFM experience
Design for manufacturability is a shortlist filter at most injection molding shops. If you've caught a sink mark risk, reduced cycle time, or flagged a gate location issue during design review, name that work explicitly on your resume.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists plastics engineer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by process, not just title
Search for the specific process you know, such as blow molding, thermoforming, or rotational molding, alongside the title. Many openings are posted under process-specific labels and won't surface on a generic plastics engineer search.
Prepare for a technical screen before the interview
Most plastics engineer interviews open with a materials or troubleshooting question before you ever meet the hiring manager. Brush up on rheology basics, common defect causes like warpage and flash, and how you'd approach a first-article inspection.
Negotiate relocation for plant-side roles
Production and process engineering roles are almost always on-site, and many are in regions where the talent pool is thin. If you're open to relocation, say so in your application. Employers in those markets often have relocation budgets ready for strong candidates.
Plastics Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most plastics engineers?
The companies hiring the most plastics engineers right now include Tesla, AbbVie, and Club Car, with the largest share of openings in California, Texas, and Massachusetts, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Automotive suppliers, medical device manufacturers, and consumer packaging companies consistently post the highest volume of openings.
How many plastics engineer jobs are remote?
About 17% of plastics engineer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most process and tooling roles. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote flexibility are product development, materials engineering, and applications engineering roles that do not require direct press-side oversight.
How do you become a plastics engineer?
Start with a bachelor's degree in plastics engineering, materials science, polymer engineering, or mechanical engineering with coursework in polymers. Build hands-on experience through internships, co-ops, or entry-level process technician roles where you work directly with molding or extrusion equipment. Supplement with professional development through SPE, the Society of Plastics Engineers, and pursue certifications in quality systems or specific processes as your specialty develops.
Can you get a plastics engineer job with little experience?
Yes, entry-level plastics engineer roles exist at molders, compounders, and OEM suppliers for candidates with a relevant degree and any hands-on exposure, even from academic labs or co-ops. Focus your applications on process engineering assistant and quality engineer roles, which are common entry points. Demonstrating familiarity with specific resin families or defect analysis gives you an edge over other new graduates applying to the same openings.
What does the plastics engineer interview process look like?
Most plastics engineer interview processes start with a recruiter phone screen focused on your background and process experience, followed by a technical interview where you'll work through real troubleshooting scenarios such as diagnosing a warpage or short-shot defect. Finalists typically do an on-site visit that includes a plant floor walk, a conversation with the engineering team, and sometimes a practical exercise reviewing a part drawing or process data set.
Where can I find and apply to plastics engineer jobs?
You can find and apply to plastics engineer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from companies across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your process background and specialty, then apply directly to each one that fits your experience and location preferences.
See All 53 Plastics Engineer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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