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Development Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Bertelsmann

Hardware Development Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site

$113K - $149K/yr

Knowledge of programming in C, C++, C# and firmware development desirable * Analytical skills, creativity, passion for development, initiative, strong communication and teamwork skills and ability to ...

Arvato

Hardware Development Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site

$118K - $156K/yr

Knowledge of programming in C, C++, C# and firmware development desirable * Analytical skills, creativity, passion for development, initiative, strong communication and teamwork skills and ability to ...

KCC Companies

R&D Engineer

Simpsonville, KY · On-site

R&D Engineer KCC Companies is an employee-owned (ESOP) company dedicated to providing complete design, manufacturing, installation, and service for commercial & residential Heating, Ventilation, and ...

Noblesoft Technologies

SDET Lead

Louisville, KY · On-site

$45.75 - $62.25/hr

Job Title: SDET Lead Location: Louisville, Kentucky - 40299 Mandatory skill: POS Testing Experience, Selenium, Java, API Testing, ReadyAPI Job Summary: As a Sr. SDET/Test Lead specializing in API ...

Midea

Refrigeration R&D Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site

Refrigeration R&D Engineer Job Summary: The Refrigeration R&D Engineer is responsible for the research and development of North American Refrigerator Products, focusing on mechanical component and ...

Midea

Refrigeration R&D Engineer

Louisville, KY

Refrigeration R&D Engineer Job Summary: The Refrigeration R&D Engineer is responsible for the research and development of North American Refrigerator Products, focusing on mechanical component and ...

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All JobsDevelopment Engineer JobsDevelopment Engineer Jobs in Kentucky

Development Engineer information

See Kentucky salary details

$42.6K

$83.5K

$133.3K

How much do development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for development engineer in Kentucky is $83,513.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do Development Engineers typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

Development Engineers frequently work alongside designers, product managers, quality assurance teams, and manufacturing specialists to bring projects from concept to completion. They participate in regular meetings to align on project requirements, address technical challenges, and integrate feedback from different departments. Effective communication and a collaborative mindset are crucial, as Development Engineers often serve as the technical bridge between teams, ensuring that the final product meets both functional and business goals.

What do development engineers do?

Development engineers design, develop, and test new products or systems, often working on improving existing technologies. They use engineering principles, CAD software, and prototyping tools, and typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure product functionality and quality.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

Senior engineering roles such as petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, and software development engineers in high-demand industries can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses, stock options, or extensive experience. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities, and compensation varies based on location and company size.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Development Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Development Engineer, you need strong analytical abilities, a background in engineering (typically a bachelor's degree or higher), and proficiency in product design and development principles. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and relevant industry certifications such as Six Sigma or PMP is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These capabilities are important because they enable the creation of innovative, high-quality products that meet technical standards and client needs.

What Is a Development Engineer?

A development engineer is responsible for creating a design for a manufacturing product. Your job duties include conducting research on the potential product, developing design specifications for the product, creating prototypes that can be evaluated, and being involved in market research. The qualifications for a career as a development engineer include a bachelor’s degree, although some employers may prefer a master’s degree in engineering or a related field. A successful development engineer needs strong creative skills and a excellent attention to detail, especially with design.

What is the difference between Development Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectDevelopment EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, often in software, electrical, or systems fieldsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentProduct development, R&D, design teams, often in tech or manufacturing companiesDesign, analysis, testing, and manufacturing in industrial, automotive, or aerospace sectors
Employer & Industry UsageTech firms, manufacturing, electronics, software companiesAutomotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, manufacturing
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in product development, software or hardware designDesigning mechanical systems, machinery, or components

Development Engineers focus on creating and improving products, often in software or integrated systems, while Mechanical Engineers specialize in designing and analyzing mechanical systems and components. Both roles require engineering degrees but differ in their focus areas and industries.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as software, petroleum, aerospace, and electrical engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. Roles requiring specialized knowledge, leadership, or management responsibilities tend to have higher compensation levels.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineering roles such as software engineers, petroleum engineers, and aerospace engineers can reach or exceed $300,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and in high-demand industries. Executive-level engineering positions or those in management may also achieve this level of compensation.

What are Development Engineers?

Development Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test new products, processes, or systems in various industries such as technology, manufacturing, or automotive. They work closely with cross-functional teams to turn ideas and concepts into practical, market-ready solutions. Their responsibilities often include research, prototyping, troubleshooting, and optimizing existing products or processes. Development Engineers play a key role in innovation and ensuring the technical feasibility and quality of new developments.
More about Development Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Development Engineer jobs in Kentucky? For Development Engineer jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Development Engineer jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Development Engineer jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Development Engineer jobs in KY? For Development Engineer jobs in KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Engineer job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,513 per year, or $40.2 per hour.
Development Engineer (Defense)

Development Engineer (Defense)

Ensign-Bickford Industries

Graham, KY

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

This opportunity is located within our Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company business, a global leader of mission-critical hardware and systems solutions including precision energetics systems and innovative explosive solutions.Click here to learn more.

Job Description

Job Description

EBAD seeks an accomplished engineer for the position Development Engineer, reporting to the Product Development Lead- Defense Systems. This group supports both EBAD's Warfighter and Missile Systems market segments, developing initiation, demolition, breaching, vehicle protection, and warhead solutions for military forces around the globe. The position can be located in either Simsbury, CT or Graham, KY.

Responsibilities:

The Development Engineer is the technical lead on projects and is responsible for technical aspects of the product design from concept through development, qualification and production. The Development Engineer will perform conceptual development and modeling of energetic components and systems, ensuring product designs meet the customer requirements.

Responsibilities include:

  • Create 3D conceptual models to meet design requirements
  • Select material specifications to meet environmental requirements
  • Perform design trade studies, hand calculations, and tolerance studies to ensure design fidelity
  • Interact with customers on design, interface and functional details
  • Interact with suppliers to rapid prototype parts for risk reduction and prototype testing
  • Participate in problem solving and failure analysis activities
  • Requirements generation, allocation and flow down
  • Technical compliance and risk assessment/management
  • Coordination of project team technical tasks
  • Cost estimating and management for both proposal and program activity
  • Leading the project throughout the product development life cycle
  • Additional duties include coordination with other departments to ensure the production viability of new designs, creation of the required documentation, and internal and customer approval for this documentation.

Requirements:

The successful candidate must have a BS/MS in an engineering discipline (Chemical or Mechanical preferred) and a minimum of 4 years of experience in product design of defense and/or aerospace products.

Required experience includes:

  • Ability to apply customer requirements and government/military specifications to new product designs
  • Demonstrated experience generating 3D solid models & 2D drawings (SolidWorks preferred)
  • Capable of applying GD&T, and understanding how it affects part cost and manufacturing
  • Strong written, verbal and presentation skills for interaction with various levels of management and customers
  • Proven ability to interpret and analyze mechanical, chemical and/or electrical specification requirements and data
  • Demonstrated competency in problem solving and root cause analysis
  • Must have or be able to obtain a U.S Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
  • Must be a U.S or naturalized Citizen capable of working on U.S. DoD and ITAR restricted products.
  • Must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time (if located in CT facility)

Preferred Skills:

  • Knowledge of explosive materials and energetic devices
  • Experience with product development, rapid prototyping, and manufacturing processes
  • Experience with all Microsoft Office tools including MS Project
  • ANSYS and Solid Works experience

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.

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