Entry Level Qualification 

12

Career Fields 

Engineering & Technology

For Specially Abled 

Career Entrance Exam 

JEE MAIN BE/BTECH, JEE ADVANCED, GATE

About Career 

Plastic and Polymer Engineers work in the field of designing, testing, developing and manufacturing plastics and polymer-related products. You will try to engineer polymers in different ways so as to develop new kinds of plastics which might be virus resistant or biodegradable. You will also engage in evaluation of plastic products in terms of elasticity, quality, resistance, biodegradability, etc. As a plastic engineer, you will also have to know and use different kinds of plastic processing methods like plastics extrusion, compression moulding, injection moulding, fibreglass, etc. You can even work in petrochemical industries, that is, petroleum downstream industries where you will using refined crude oil and producing end products like polymers, plastics and other compounds found in our everyday products.

Key roles and responsibilities:

1. Coordinating with other materials engineer to develop new products.

2. You will be developing and installing new injection mould equipment and document the implementation processes.

3. You will plan and prepare all the different specifications of plastic processes and execute them for maintaining optimal quality as well as designing control plans.

4. You will have to evaluate all the alternatives to the plastic resin to make sure the production process within the budget.

5. You will engage in monitoring the manufacturing processes and maintain the optimization of all equipment so as to support the ISO structures.

6. Test, design and analyze plastic-related products and analyze their strength and durability.

7. Develop new materials and ways of processing plastic.

8. Support different industries in relation to plastic processing.

9. Make improvements in plastic products to increase efficiency.

10. Develop ways to create sustainable plastic products.

11. Performing investigations and finding out ways to optimize coating formulas.

12. You will have to provide support to all other equipment so as to increase the productivity of all plastic associated processes.

13. You will have to provide support to the purchase and design department with regard to the development of plastic tools used for injection moulding equipment.

14. Conducting root cause analysis of all injection moulding.

Career Entry Pathway 

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies – Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies - UG (B.Tech in Plastic and Polymer Engineering)

Once you’ve completed your secondary level studies, you can pursue your higher secondary studies in Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies. You can then pursue B.Tech in Plastic and Polymer Engineering wherein you’ll be introduced to the advanced knowledge of polymers, plastic design, production designing, and other related topics.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies – Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies - UG (B.Tech in Plastic and Polymer Engineering) - PG (M.Tech in Polymer Technology)

Once you’ve completed your secondary level studies, you can pursue your higher secondary studies in Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies. You can then pursue B.Tech in Plastic and Polymer Engineering. Then, you can move on to postgraduate degrees like M.Tech in Polymer Technology where you will be taught the use of plastics in traditional commodities as well as its use in the pharmaceutical industry and other fields.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies – Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies - UG (B.Tech in Plastic and Polymer Engineering) - PG (M.Tech in Polymer Technology)-Ph.D. In Plastics Engineering

Once you’ve completed your secondary level studies, you can pursue your higher secondary studies in Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies. You can then pursue B.Tech in Plastic and Polymer Engineering. Then, you can move on to postgraduate degrees like M.Tech in Polymer Technology. After that, you can go for a doctoral degree so that you can be introduced to major branches of polymers and plastics and also, engaged in research.

Required Qualification & Competencies 

Undergraduate studies after school:

It is necessary to have a bachelor’s degree to become a successful polymer engineer. A B.Tech in Plastic and Polymer Engineering will make you eligible for entry-level job opportunities.

Post Graduate studies:

For advanced knowledge and application of your skill set related to plastic engineering, you need to have a Master’s degree in Technology in Polymer Technology. This will also introduce you to advanced knowledge of how polymers work and are used to produce commodities. With the M.Tech in Polymer Technology, you will also be eligible for the top jobs in the market.

Doctoral Studies:

A Doctorate Degree in Plastics Engineering is the highest degree in the field of study. It is necessary to have a master’s degree before you can go for a Doctorate degree in Plastics Engineering. With the doctorate degree, you can be eligible as an Associate Researcher or a Professor.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

1. You should have interests for Realistic Occupations. Realistic occupations involve more practical and hands-on activities than paperwork or office work. Realistic occupations often involve physical activities for getting things done using various tools and equipment.  

2. You should have interests for Conventional Occupations. Conventional occupations involve repetitive and routine tasks as well as fixed processes or procedures for getting things done. These occupations involve working more with data, systems, and procedures and less with ideas or creativity.

3. You should have interests for Investigative Occupations. Investigative occupations involve working with ideas and quite a lot of thinking, often abstract or conceptual thinking. These involve learning about facts and figures; involve the use of data analysis, assessment of situations, decision making and problem-solving.

4. You should have knowledge of Production and Processing - raw materials, production machinery, production systems, production processes, quality control, and other techniques for manufacturing or construction and distribution of goods.

5. You should have knowledge of Engineering and Technology - various applications of one or more branches of Engineering Science & Technology to manufacture and produce various goods or construct or erect various structures. This includes knowledge about design, development, prototype testing, manufacturing, construction, installation, repair and maintenance.

6. You should have knowledge of Technical and Engineering Design - Knowledge of various techniques, methods, specifications and tools for designing, developing, testing, and evaluating integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, manufacturing plants, structures, and systems. This includes studying blueprints, drawing, and models.

7. You should have knowledge of Mechanical Engineering & Technology - Mechanical Engineering & Technologies which include design, development, testing, manufacturing, installation, operations, repair and maintenance of different machinery, devices, equipment and tools.

8. You should have knowledge of Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and other mathematical disciplines and their applications.

9. You should have Active Listening Skills - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, understanding the points being made by others, asking questions, etc.

10. You should have Critical Thinking Skills - analysis of complex situations, using logic and reasoning to understand the situations and take appropriate actions or make interpretations and inferences.

11. You should have complex Problem Solving Skills - analysis and understanding of problems, evaluating various options to solve the problems and using the best option to solve the problems.

12. You should have Judgment and Decision Making Skills - Skills in considering pros and cons of various decision alternatives; considering costs and benefits; taking appropriate and suitable decisions.

13. You should have Active Learning Skills - Focused and continuous learning from various sources of information, observation and otherwise for application in getting work done.

14. You should have Mathematical Reasoning Ability - to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem. 

15. You are always or mostly careful about your actions and behavior.

16. You are practical always or in most situations.

17. You are always or mostly disciplined in your action and behavior.

18. You are always or mostly organized in your day-to-day life and activities.

Career - Job Opportunities & Profiles 

Generally, Plastic and polymer engineers are employed by Polymer Manufacturing Industries. Since plastic has become an integral part of our lives, there are several opportunities for a Polymer Engineer. Some of the entry-level jobs in this area are:

1. Graduate Engineer Trainee

Getting your master degree and more experience can help you get into job roles like:

1. Production Manager Trainee

2. Quality Engineer

Some of the top plastic companies which hire Plastic and Polymer Engineers are: Finolex Industries Limited, GAIL India Limited, Haldia Petrochemicals Limited, Reliance Industries Limited, LG Polymers India Private Limited, etc.

Polymer Engineers can work in both Private or Public Sector Organizations.

Work Environment

A Plastic and Polymer Engineer can work in offices as they should have access to a proper computer and to design equipment. Plastic and polymer engineers can also work in development and research facilities, that is, in laboratory settings. As for working hours, polymer engineers generally have to work full time, that is, 40 hours per week, though, there may be overtime hours too, whenever necessary.

SPECIALISATION TRACKS IN THIS CAREER

1. Product Development Engineer (Plastic and Polymers)

As a product development engineer, you will be involved in managing the design, prototyping and testing the development process of the plastic product in each step. You may also engage in assessing the mechanical design so as to make sure that the quality of the product in maintained. As a product development engineer, you will also select the materials required to develop the final product.

2. Process Engineer (Plastic and Polymers)

As a process engineer, you will be applying pressure, temperature, and other forces so that the raw material is transformed into a desired product. You will help in controlling, directing and intensifying several chemical processes to synthesize the polymer substance so that it develops into a proper plastic form.

3. Quality Assurance Engineer (Plastic and Polymers)

As a quality assurance engineer, you will be developing different tests so that you could check the strength and durability of the plastic product. As a quality assurance engineer, you will be responsible for passing any plastic product after the tests so that they could be transferred to the next stage of production.

4. Packaging Technologist (Plastic Packaging)

As a packaging technologist, you will develop different packaging materials. You will make sure that the packing material meets the required standards and specifications of packaging. You may also have to run trials to check the suitability of your packaging and test their performance under durability and strength tests.

CAREER GROWTH

At first, junior level Plastic and Polymer Engineers need to work under the supervision of senior engineers after their B.Tech. In the major companies, they will be employed as a Graduate Engineering Trainee where they will receive formal training.

With 2-3 years of experience and after doing a post-graduate degree, they can handle difficult projects as Assistant Engineer.
Eventually, with 8-12 years of experience, you can grow into the role of a or Senior Engineer and handle independent projects and supervise your team of engineers and technicians.

With about 15-20 years of experience, you can work as a Chief Engineer/Principal Engineer/Vice President or similar position.

Salary Offered  

Plastic and Polymer Engineers generally receive a good salary which grows well, based on the experience and the educational qualification of an engineer. A Plastic and Polymer Engineer can get an entry-level salary of Rs.25,000 to Rs. 80,000 per month. If they have a Master degree, they can get an entry-level salary of Rs.55,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 per month. Junior-level salaries can go up to Rs. 55,000 to Rs. 1,20,000. If you have enough experience, you can enter the midrange salary of Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 2,00,000 per month. Senior personnel with a lot of experience can get a high salary of Rs. 1,80,000 to Rs.2,50,000 or more per month.   

MONTHLY EARNINGS IN INDIAN RUPEE

1. Entry level: 0 - 2 years of work experience

2. Junior Level: From 1 to 12 years of work experience

3. Mid Level: From 5 to 20+ years of work experience

4. Senior Level: From 10 to 25+ years of work experience (there could be exceptions in some high-end technical, financial, engineering, creative, management, sports, and other careers; also in the near future, people will reach these levels much faster in many careers and in some careers, these levels will have no meaning as those careers will be completely tech skill driven such as even now, there is almost no level in a Cyber Security Expert’s job)

Famous Personalities 

Information not available.

Work Activities 

As a Plastic and Polymer Engineer, you have to work in an office or a lab. You will have to develop new products and keep a record of different findings. You might even have to work and develop products which are necessary for the consumer, as well as, friendly to the environment. Here are a few core skills and activities that a Plastic and polymer engineer must master:

1. Monitoring processes, systems, and performance: Observing and recording information on various criteria to monitor mechanical, electronics, electrical and other processes and systems; monitoring the progress of projects and tasks.

2. Strategic planning: Developing visions and goals, developing strategies and action plans for achieving visions and goals.

3. Working in a team: Working in a team of people; developing a team; maintaining professional relationships among team members.

4. Using computers for work: Using computers for day-to-day office work; using computer software for various applications in day-to-day professional work; entering data and process information; for writing.

5. Updating and using relevant knowledge: Keeping updated with the latest knowledge relevant to your fields of work and use of the relevant knowledge in getting things done.