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Assistant Product Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Footwear Product Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Footwear Product Developer At Azalea Wang, we move fast, think big, and work collaboratively ... Partner with the Product Assistant to manage and maintain the footwear, outerwear, and accessories ...

As Assistant Manager-Product Engineering, you'll be crucial in ensuring continued innovation and supporting our diverse team. The Assistant Manager-Product Engineering is responsible for the day-to ...

The Assistant IT Product Manager will be responsible for assisting the IT Product Manager with ... Experience in DevOps and/or continuous deployment and/or integration process. * Experience in ...

You'll work directly with peers in engineering, with product partners on the same team, and report ... AI in our hiring We use AI tools to assist in screening applications and assessing fit. Final ...

Product Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

You'll work directly with peers in engineering, with product partners on the same team, and report ... AI in our hiring We use AI tools to assist in screening applications and assessing fit. Final ...

Product Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

You'll work directly with peers in engineering, with product partners on the same team, and report ... AI in our hiring We use AI tools to assist in screening applications and assessing fit. Final ...

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Assistant Product Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$15

$25

$43

How much do assistant product developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant product developer in Chicago, IL is $25.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.06 and $27.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant product developer do?

An Assistant Product Developer supports the product development team in creating, testing, and refining new products. Their responsibilities typically include conducting market research, assisting with design and prototype processes, coordinating with suppliers, and tracking project timelines. They work closely with senior developers, designers, and production teams to ensure products meet quality standards and are delivered on schedule. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.

How does an assistant product developer typically collaborate with other departments during the product development process?

As an Assistant Product Developer, you will regularly collaborate with cross-functional teams such as design, sourcing, marketing, and production. Your role often involves communicating product specifications, gathering feedback from different departments, and ensuring that each stage of development aligns with the project timeline and quality standards. Building strong relationships and maintaining clear communication with these teams is essential for addressing challenges quickly and delivering successful products. It's common to participate in meetings, track progress, and help coordinate samples and approvals throughout the development cycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant product developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Product Developer, you need a solid understanding of product development processes, trend analysis, and strong organizational skills, often supported by a relevant degree in design, merchandising, or a related field. Familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) software, Adobe Creative Suite, and basic data analysis tools is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork are essential soft skills for success in this role. These competencies ensure efficient collaboration, innovation, and the timely delivery of products that meet market and business requirements.

What is the difference between Assistant Product Developer vs Product Developer?

AspectAssistant Product DeveloperProduct Developer
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in product design, engineering, or related fieldSame as Assistant Product Developer, often with more experience
Work EnvironmentSupportive team setting, collaborating with designers and engineersMore autonomous, leading parts of product development
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, tech, and consumer goods companiesUsed across similar industries, often with more responsibility

The main difference between an Assistant Product Developer and a Product Developer lies in experience and responsibility. An Assistant Product Developer supports the development process, gaining hands-on experience, while a Product Developer takes on more independent tasks and decision-making. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are found in similar industries, but the Product Developer role involves greater responsibility and leadership in product creation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Product Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Product Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Product Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Assistant Product Developer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Product Developer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Product Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Assistant Product Developer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Assistant Product Developer job openings:

Footwear Product Developer

AKIRA

Chicago, IL • On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Akira rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Footwear Product Developer
At Azalea Wang, we move fast, think big, and work collaboratively. Everyone has a voice here, ideas are encouraged, and self-starters thrive. We're a tight-knit, high-energy team that shows up every day ready to push product forward together.
The Role: Footwear Product Developer
We're looking for a Footwear Product Developer who lives at the intersection of design, development, and execution. This role is critical to bringing bold Azalea Wang footwear and accessories from concept to line sample, on time and on margin. You'll partner closely with Design, Product, Buyers/Sales, and external manufacturing partners to ensure product is executed with speed, accuracy, and quality in a true fast-fashion environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Partner with the Product Assistant to manage and maintain the footwear, outerwear, and accessories material library, organized for self-service across product and cross-functional teams.
  • Collaborate with Design at concept stage to identify and source new materials and constructions.
  • Manage the full product lifecycle from concept submission through final line sample delivery, following critical path deadlines and communicating closely with Design, Sales, and cross-functional partners.
  • Create and submit detailed, accurate tech packs to external manufacturing partners to ensure clear execution aligned with design intent.
  • Own seasonal assortment tools by vendors across all product categories.
  • Manage all design and development deliverables, ensuring internal deadlines are met to support on-time external execution.
  • Assist the Merchandising Manager with product and material cost negotiations to achieve target LDP margins.
  • Own the fit and development process, partnering with Product to identify and recommend improvements in aesthetics, fit, and quality.
  • Run fit sessions with the Product team, taking detailed notes and photos and clearly communicating required changes to vendors.
  • Identify second proto needs and required wear testing for high-risk styles and new constructions, ensuring clear communication with factories.
  • Partner with Design to own and maintain accurate, up-to-date linesheets.
  • Ensure a clean and thorough handoff of all pending development to the Production team upon PO placement to streamline communication by function.
  • Proactively identify and solve development bottlenecks, material issues, and costing challenges.
  • Support system and data management, including PLM updates and ad hoc reporting as needed.

Qualifications & Experience
  • 3-5 years of experience in footwear product development.
  • Deep understanding of footwear construction, materials, components, and manufacturing processes.
  • Familiarity with footwear and accessory materials and material performance standards.
  • Strong project management and exceptional organizational skills in a fast-paced environment.
  • Highly detail-oriented with a proven ability to meet tight deadlines and cost targets.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, both internally and with external partners.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly across broader teams.
  • Experience working in PLM systems (Centric preferred).
  • Proficiency in Adobe Suite and Google Suite.
  • Self-starter mentality with a collaborative, team-first attitude.

Why You'll Love It Here
  • Fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where ideas move quickly into product.
  • Collaborative culture where everyone's voice matters.
  • High visibility role with real ownership and impact.
  • Opportunity to build bold, fashion-forward footwear at scale.

If you thrive in a high-energy environment, love problem-solving, and are passionate about footwear development, Azalea Wang at AKIRA is the place to hustle, grow, and make your mark.
Benefits and Perks:
We offer competitive benefits for full-time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and a generous employee discount. We're committed to internal growth, providing meaningful development and career advancement opportunities.
Job Type: Full-Time
We are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. Compensation for this position will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.
We may utilize AI-assisted and automated tools as part of the recruiting and hiring process. All employment decisions are made in compliance with applicable laws and without discrimination.
Department Azalea Wang Role Footwear Product Developer (AW) Locations Chicago Headquarters Yearly salary $80,000 - $100,000 Employment type Full-time

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