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Design Development Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Select and negotiate third party agreements with design professionals (e.g., architects, engineers, etc.) and direct them on design development and review, adhering to Dakota building specifications ...

Digital Design Engineer

Lexington, MA · On-site

$120 - $126/hr

Plans, performs, and executes engineering research and design development for both new products and existing products. Performs design/HDL analysis, including high speed and low power designs.

FPGA Design Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$75K - $156K/yr

Overview: Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in ... Candidate must have experience using high level design and simulation tools and be familiar with ...

FPGA Design Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$75K - $156K/yr

Overview: Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in ... Design and/or complete instruments including microprocessors, power, and analog components.

FPGA Design Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$75K - $220K/yr

Overview: Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in ... Design and/or complete instruments including microprocessors, power, and analog components.

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Design Development information

See Boston, MA salary details

$10

$23

$34

How much do design development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for design development in Boston, MA is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $26.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Design Development vs Design Engineer?

AspectDesign DevelopmentDesign Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in design, architecture, or related fieldBachelor's or master's in engineering, design, or related discipline
Work EnvironmentCollaborative teams, design studios, project sitesEngineering offices, manufacturing plants, project sites
Industry UsageArchitecture, product design, industrial designMechanical, civil, electrical engineering projects

Design Development focuses on refining and evolving design concepts, often involving creative and aesthetic decisions. Design Engineers apply engineering principles to develop functional, safe, and manufacturable products or systems. While both roles require technical knowledge, Design Development emphasizes creative design progression, whereas Design Engineers focus on technical feasibility and engineering solutions.

What is design development?

Design development is a phase in the architectural and design process where initial concepts are refined into detailed plans and specifications. During this stage, designers work out the specifics of materials, dimensions, systems, and aesthetics, often collaborating with engineers and consultants. The goal is to translate ideas from the schematic design phase into precise documentation that can be used for construction. This stage helps ensure that the project is feasible, meets client needs, and complies with regulations.

What are some common challenges faced in a Design Development role and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Design Development often encounter challenges such as balancing creative vision with practical constraints like budget, timeline, and client requirements. Navigating feedback from multiple stakeholders and ensuring that design intent is maintained throughout the development process can also be demanding. These challenges can be addressed by fostering strong communication within cross-functional teams, maintaining detailed documentation, and using iterative design reviews to ensure alignment. By staying adaptable and solution-oriented, design development specialists can help bridge the gap between concept and execution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Design Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Design Development, you need a solid background in design principles, project management, and a relevant degree such as architecture, industrial design, or engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and design documentation systems is typically expected. Strong collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills help you effectively translate concepts into practical solutions and work within multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for delivering innovative, functional designs that meet client needs and project requirements.
What are popular job titles related to Design Development jobs in Boston, MA? For Design Development jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Associate Director, Combination Product Development Lead

Vor Bio

Boston, MA

$170K - $195K/yr

Other

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Location: Boston, MA preferred

Associate Director, Combination Product Development Lead 

We are seeking an Associate Director, Combination Product Development Lead to drive development of combination products. This role will have end-to-end accountability for the Design History File (DHF) and will play a central role in advancing device strategy, execution, and readiness for commercialization. 

You will operate at the intersection of device development, drug product, and external partner execution, with direct impact on product quality, program timelines, and patient experience. 

 Roles and Responsibilities 

Combination Product Development: Lead development of combination product systems from late-stage development through commercialization. Translate user needs into product requirements and executable development plans with defined milestones, risks, and timelines. Drive design verification and validation activities, including test strategy, execution, and documentation. Ensure alignment between device design, container closure systems, and fill-finish processes. 

DHF Ownership & Compliance: Own and maintain the end-to-end Design History File / Design Development File (DHF/DDF) across device platforms, ensuring compliance and quality. Partner with Quality to support reviews, audits, and inspection readiness. 

Drug Product Considerations: Apply working knowledge of injectable drug product characteristics, including viscosity, injection forces, and dose delivery, to inform device design and performance. Anticipate and resolve device-drug product interaction challenges to ensure consistent and reliable delivery. 

Risk Management & Usability: Lead risk management activities, including hazard analysis and FMEA, and ensure risks are proactively identified and mitigated. Support human factors and usability efforts to ensure alignment with patient needs and intended use. 

External Partner Management: Manage and coordinate development activities across external vendors and partners. Ensure deliverables meet technical, quality, and timeline expectations and are fully integrated into the DHF and overall development program. Support governance meetings and drive resolution of risks and dependencies. 

Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner across Supply Chain, Quality, Clinical, Commercial, Regulatory, and Manufacturing teams to align on priorities, timelines, and deliverables. Support regulatory submissions by ensuring device and combination product documentation is complete and consistent. 

Program Management: Own program-level tracking of timelines, risks, decisions, and deliverables. Maintain plans and trackers in Smartsheet and communicate progress through clear timeline views using Office Timeline. Ensure documentation is controlled, accurate, and inspection-ready. 

Skills and Competencies 

Combination Product Expertise: Strong understanding of combination product development, design controls, risk management, and verification and validation. 

Execution & Ownership: Ability to operate independently, manage complexity, and drive programs forward with clarity and accountability. 

Cross-functional Leadership: Proven ability to work across functions and align stakeholders in a fast-paced, matrixed environment. 

Problem Solving: Strong analytical and technical problem-solving skills, with the ability to anticipate risks and drive solutions. 

Communication: Clear and effective communicator, able to translate complex technical topics into actionable insights. 

Education, Experience and Qualifications 

Bachelor's degree in engineering or life sciences; advanced degree preferred 

8-12+ years of experience in combination product, drug-device, or medical device development 

Demonstrated experience owning a Design History File / Design Development File (DHF/DDF) through development and commercialization 

Hands-on experience with parenteral injectors.  

Working knowledge of injectable drug product properties and their impact on device performance 

Experience managing external development and manufacturing partners in a regulated environment 

Strong organizational, program execution, and documentation management skills 

The salary range for the Associate Director, Combination Product Development Lead is expected to be between $170,000 and $195,000 per year.  Individual pay may vary based on multiple factors including but not limited to relevant job-related skills, experience, education or training, market factors, and work location.