What Does a Plastics Engineer Do?
A plastics engineer is an expert on plastics, the semi-liquid chemical polymers used every day. This job requires a firm grasp on chemistry and physics in order to perform the various duties within the industry. In tasks such as developing, researching, testing and problem solving, plastics engineering is necessary for organizations as diverse as automobile manufacturers, toy makers and food storage. Development unquestionably is one of the most important roles for a plastics engineer. New techniques and new chemical combinations constantly are being created in order to better serve the plastics market, and engineers lead the way in inventing these new plastic products. By applying the skills learned while obtaining an engineering degree, these engineers frequently work in labs in order to develop plastics. Most likely, they are called on for their expertise because a client needs a stronger, lighter or cheaper plastic than already was in use.
