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Development Engineering Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Apply statistics and engineering methods to optimize workflow and effectiveness. Education/Experience: * High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of ...

Apply statistics and engineering methods to optimize workflow and effectiveness. Education/Experience: * High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of ...

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Development Engineering information

See Ohio salary details

$46.6K

$91.4K

$145.9K

How much do development engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for development engineering in Ohio is $91,414.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,600.00 and $101,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Development Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectDevelopment EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Primary FocusDesigning, developing, and testing new products and technologiesDesigning, analyzing, and manufacturing mechanical systems and components
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, product development teams, R&D departmentsManufacturing plants, design offices, testing facilities
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering, often with specialization in development or product designBachelor's or higher in mechanical engineering, often with licensing or certification

Development Engineering and Mechanical Engineering share overlapping skills in design and engineering principles, but Development Engineers focus on creating new products and innovations, while Mechanical Engineers often work on designing and maintaining mechanical systems. Both roles are vital in product development and manufacturing industries, with Development Engineers typically involved earlier in the product lifecycle.

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

To thrive as a Development Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, product design, and problem-solving, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency in CAD software, simulation tools, and familiarity with manufacturing processes or industry-specific certifications are commonly required. Strong collaboration, creativity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for excelling in cross-functional teams and driving innovation. These skills and qualities are vital to deliver high-quality products efficiently, solve complex technical challenges, and bring new solutions to market.

How do Development Engineers typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product lifecycle?

Development Engineers frequently work alongside design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to bring products from concept to market. They participate in regular meetings to align on project goals, share technical insights, and address challenges that arise during prototyping or testing. Effective communication and a collaborative mindset are essential, as Development Engineers often translate complex engineering concepts for non-technical stakeholders and coordinate with suppliers or external partners to ensure product requirements are met.

What is development engineering?

Development engineering is a multidisciplinary field that combines engineering, technology, and social sciences to design and implement solutions for global development challenges. Development engineers work to improve infrastructure, health, education, and economic opportunities in underserved communities, often focusing on sustainable and scalable solutions. They may collaborate with governments, NGOs, and local communities to identify problems, develop appropriate technologies, and ensure that projects have a lasting, positive impact.
Associate Development Engineer

Associate Development Engineer

First Solar

Perrysburg, OH • On-site

$62K - $89K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


First Solar rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 72 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

427th of 515 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job Description
First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.
Basic Job Functions:
  • Perform material and device research to enhance thin film solar cell performance and stability and to reduce manufacturing cost.
  • Primary/secondary ownership of projects or functional areas within the group.
  • Plan, execute and characterize development engineering experiments in the laboratory and manufacturing environment.
  • Apply statistics and engineering methods to optimize workflow and effectiveness.

Education/Experience:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.
  • Associate's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 5 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.
  • Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 1 year of relevant technical experience or 1 year of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.
  • Master's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline without prior technical work experience.

Required Skills/Competencies:
  • Advanced knowledge in several skills that are relevant to the group.
  • Skills and hands-on experience in design and execution of experiments in laboratory or manufacturing environment.
  • Analytical skills to interpret data and derive conclusions.
  • Ability to make and execute detailed plans to achieve objectives with strong sense of ownership.
  • Effective communication skills.
  • Evaluation of adhesives, coatings, glass, polymers, metals and other materials and mechanical properties using industry standard analysis techniques and methods, preferred.
  • Process development and equipment/process characterization for adhesives, coatings, glass, metals, polymers, mechanical part assembly, or related materials, processes and application equipment preferred.
  • Fundamental understanding of process capability, KPIs/KPOs, detailed process mapping, DFMEA, PFMEA, control plans, fingerprints, OCAPs and other equipment or process related documentation, preferred.
  • Troubleshooting, root cause or failure analysis experience with equipment, product, process or material failures, preferred.
  • Product development and product qualification process, specification and DFMEA experience, preferred.

Essential Responsibilities:
  • Identify opportunities for improvement in solar cell efficiency, material selection and process/equipment design through engineering, scientific or empirical methods.
  • Apply established methods for material analysis, statistical analysis of data or execution/planning of experiments.
  • May contribute to determine and evaluate material specification for improved performance. May contribute to determine and evaluate tool/equipment specifications.
  • Effective team member that can support cross functional project and take ownership of sub-deliverables.
  • Works under minimal supervision. May assist in orienting, mentoring, and training lower level employees.
  • Complies with Company's Environmental, Quality, Safety or any other policies that have been enforced.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:
  • Reports to Manager- Process Development
  • May have direct reports.

Travel:
  • Some travel may be required, <5%.

Estimated Salary Range:
  • $62,500 - $89,000 Annually

US Physical Requirements:
Hybrid Physical Requirements:
  • Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift.
  • Will climb stairs on an occasional basis.
  • Will lift, push or pull up to 58 pounds on an occasional basis.
  • Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
  • 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required.
  • Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
  • May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
  • May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
  • Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards).
  • All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair).

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role. All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.

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