Skip to main content

Plastics Engineering Technology Major

Explore the dynamic world of plastics and polymer technology, where cutting-edge equipment meets hands-on experience. Be part of shaping a sustainable and innovative future!

Specialized Labs

Our students train on the newest equipment, materials, and software in the industry. From an injection molding machine to an impact tester, you have the tools to design, create, and test plastic parts.

Be Recruited by Leading Companies

Leading companies like Nike IHM, Chevron-Phillips, BD Medical, and more recruit our graduates. Through internship opportunities and networking events with national employers jumpstart your engineering career. 

Nationally Accredited

Feel confident you are receiving the most current training. The Plastics Engineering Technology program is fully accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission.

Environmentally Conscious Practices

Integrate sustainability into your studies, repurposing plastics through real-world applications. In recent years, students have saved 100 cubic yards of stadium seats from landfills at Carnie Smith Stadium.

Engineering job at Pitt State lab for plastics technology student
Comprehensive Curriculun
Master plastics manufacturing operations, including product development, processing, project management, and equipment/tooling selection.
Students in plastics engineering technology classroom at PItt State
Hands-On Learning

Transform the plastics lab into your classroom, acquiring technical skills on industry-standard equipment used in today's plastic manufacturing.

Students in engineering technology classroom for plastics program
Polymer Chemistry Initiative

Explore advanced polymer chemistry, plastic design theory, and research opportunities at the National Institute for Materials Advancement.

Embracing Recycled Materials

Explore material degradation and sustainability in plastics engineering technology at Pitt State!
100%

job placement rate

$65K

average starting salary

210

businesses recruit students at Company Days

1

National Institute for Materials Advancement (NIMA).

“It’s exciting to see a project develop through each step, right here in the Kansas Technology Center, from start to finish."

Kaedra Brenner, Plastics Engineering Technology major

Plastics Engineering Technology Careers

In addition to technical skills, the Plastics Engineering Technology program trains students to succeed as leaders. Graduates are prepared to hold positions like:

  • Production Manager: Efficiently oversee and optimize manufacturing processes to meet production goals.
  • Project Engineer: Innovatively plan, execute, and manage engineering projects from conception to completion.
  • Assistant Mechanical Specialist: Assist in analyzing and solving mechanical issues with precision and technical expertise.
  • Process Technician: Skillfully operate and maintain equipment, ensuring smooth and efficient manufacturing processes.
  • Research and Development Engineer: Spearhead innovative research initiatives, developing cutting-edge solutions in engineering.
  • Fabrication Technician: Expertly fabricate components and materials according to engineering specifications.
  • Manufacturing Engineer: Optimize manufacturing processes, ensuring quality and efficiency in production.
  • Plastics Engineer: Apply advanced knowledge to design and develop innovative solutions in the field of plastics engineering.
  • Engineering Technician: Provide technical support to engineers, contributing to the successful implementation of projects.
  • New Product Development Project Manager: Lead cross-functional teams in bringing new products from concept to market.
  • Manufacturing Technician: Execute hands-on tasks in the manufacturing process, maintaining high standards of quality.
  • Tool Design Engineer: Innovate and design tools for efficient and precise manufacturing processes.
  • Design Engineer: Conceptualize and create innovative designs, ensuring functionality and efficiency in engineering projects.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates find success in the industry by mastering the following learning outcomes:

  • Apply knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline.
  • Design systems, components, or processes meeting specified needs for broadly defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline.
  • Apply written, oral, and graphical communication in broadly defined technical and non-technical environments; and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature.
  • Conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments and analyze and interpret the results to improve processes.
  • Function effectively as a member as well as a leader on technical teams.

Additional information
for the School of Automotive and Engineering Technology

Catalog – see program guides