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Entry Level Product Development Engineer Jobs in Washington

Software Technology Inc

SDET Level III

Washington, DC · On-site

$56.50 - $73/hr

In this role, you will have the opportunity to work closely with the engineering team throughout the product development lifecycle. The primary responsibilities would include identifying, designing ...

Inovalon

Senior Software Development Engineer

Bowie, MD · On-site

$118K - $155K/yr

Overview: The Senior Software Development Engineer L4 is expected to successfully work through ... Work with product management to scope and estimate product enhancements; * Design, implement, unit ...

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All JobsEntry Level Product Development Engineer JobsEntry Level Product Development Engineer Jobs in Washington

Entry Level Product Development Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$44.7K

$99.5K

$150.1K

How much do entry level product development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level product development engineer in Washington is $99,537.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $113,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical projects or tasks that an Entry Level Product Development Engineer might work on in their first year?

As an Entry Level Product Development Engineer, you can expect to be involved in a variety of tasks such as assisting with prototype design, conducting product testing, and collaborating with cross-functional teams like marketing and manufacturing. You may also help in analyzing customer feedback, documenting technical specifications, and supporting the development of new features or product iterations. Early on, you'll likely work under the guidance of senior engineers, which provides a great opportunity to learn industry best practices and gradually take on more responsibility as you gain experience.

What does an Entry Level Product Development Engineer do?

An Entry Level Product Development Engineer assists in designing, developing, and testing new products or improving existing ones. They work closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams to bring product ideas to life, often using computer-aided design (CAD) software and prototyping tools. Responsibilities may include conducting research, analyzing data, and supporting product launches. This role provides valuable hands-on experience in the engineering field, helping to bridge the gap between concept and finished product.

What is the difference between Entry Level Product Development Engineer vs Product Designer?

AspectEntry Level Product Development EngineerProduct Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, or related fieldBachelor's in Design, Graphic Design, or related field
Work EnvironmentEngineering teams, R&D labs, manufacturing settingsDesign studios, user research environments, collaborative offices
Industry UsageManufacturing, technology, consumer productsConsumer electronics, apparel, digital products
Common Search IntentUnderstanding engineering roles in product developmentUnderstanding design roles in product creation

The Entry Level Product Development Engineer focuses on designing, testing, and improving products from an engineering perspective, often working closely with manufacturing. In contrast, Product Designers emphasize user experience, aesthetics, and usability, often working in creative and user-centered environments. Both roles are essential in product creation but differ in their focus and skill sets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Product Development Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Product Development Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, problem-solving skills, and a relevant degree such as Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, prototyping tools, and basic knowledge of product lifecycle management (PLM) systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and adaptability help you collaborate across departments and respond to evolving project demands. These skills and qualities are critical for efficiently translating ideas into viable products while meeting technical, cost, and timeline objectives.
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Product Development Engineer jobs in Washington? For Entry Level Product Development Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Product Development Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Product Development Engineer jobs in Washington are:
Entry Level Product Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Product Development Engineer job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,537 per year, or $47.9 per hour.
Product Development Engineer (Contractor)

Product Development Engineer (Contractor)

RentACoop

Germantown, MD • On-site

Contractor

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Product Development Engineer (Contractor)
About RentACoop
RentACoop is a rapidly growing small business with roots on a working farm in Germantown, Maryland. As we continue to expand nationally and globally across multiple product lines and sales channels, we remain grounded in the values that shaped our founding: innovation, integrity, and a deep respect for animals and their caregivers.
Our mission is to design and manufacture practical, high-quality solutions that simplify and enhance the experience of raising chickens and small animals. From hands-on product development to daily operations, our team is united by a shared passion for creating tools that are both functional and thoughtfully designed.
We are proud to lead with purpose across our expanding family of brands:
  • RentACoop - Innovative, durable solutions for backyard chicken keepers
  • RAC Paws by RentACoop - Enrichment and care products for small animals

Our products are inspired by real-world use and tested in real environments. We believe that raising animals can be a transformative experience for families and communities, and we actively support schools, youth programs, and nonprofits across the U.S. through product donations and educational partnerships.
Position Overview
RentACoop is seeking a hands-on Product Development Engineer (Contractor) to help bring new product ideas and product improvements from concept through Golden Sample approval and into production.
This role is ideal for a technically strong, execution-oriented engineer who enjoys turning consumer product concepts into real, manufacturable, and well-tested physical products. While a Product Manager will lead idea generation and product strategy, the Product Development Engineer will be responsible for how those ideas become reality, owning CAD development, prototyping, testing, tooling refinement, and technical communication with manufacturers.
The ideal candidate is both analytical and practical, comfortable working with domestic and overseas factories, and excited by the challenge of building durable, functional, and appealing products for animals and their caregivers. This is a long-term contractor role (approximately 10 hours per week on average) for someone who enjoys being deeply involved in the full product development lifecycle.
Because real-world testing is core to our culture, this role requires access to backyard chickens (or a willingness to keep a small flock, with RentACoop providing support and equipment).
Key Responsibilities
  • Translate approved product concepts and requirements into detailed CAD models and technical specifications.
  • Develop and iterate physical prototypes using 3D printing and other rapid prototyping methods.
  • Design for manufacturability (DFM), ensuring parts are optimized for tooling, durability, and assembly, as we designed for cost effectiveness.
  • Lead functional, durability, and usability testing in real-world environments (including testing with chickens and small animals).
  • Own tooling feedback and revision cycles with mold makers and manufacturers.
  • Serve as RentACoop's technical representative in communications with overseas factories, working closely with the Product and Supply Chain team.
  • Review and approve pre-production samples and Golden Samples against functional and quality standards.
  • Participate in early product concept and review meetings to understand customer needs, use cases, and performance goals.
  • Document test results, design revisions, and lessons learned for future product generations
  • Support timeline management by flagging technical risks and ensuring development milestones are met.

Qualifications
  • Proven experience as a Product Development Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, or similar role focused on consumer physical products.
  • Strong proficiency in 3D CAD. (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Creo, or similar). Company currently utilizes Fusion 360 as part of Auto Desk
  • Hands-on experience with prototyping (3D printing, sample fabrication, materials testing).
  • Working knowledge of injection molding and basic metal fabrication processes, sufficient to lead technical discussions with mold makers and manufacturers and guide tooling revisions.
  • Practical understanding of tooling, tolerances, and factory production processes.
  • Experience communicating directly with manufacturers and mold makers
  • Ability to evaluate and test third-party components (e.g., electrical, heating, materials) against performance requirements.
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple development timelines simultaneously.
  • Clear, professional communicator able to work cross-functionally with Product and Supply Chain teams
  • Passion for building products that are not only functional, but also intuitive and well-designed for end users.
  • Access to backyard chickens (or willingness to establish a small flock with company support) for real-world product testing.

Engagement & Working Style
  • Contractor role (approximately 10 hours per week on average).
  • Long-term partnership model, with involvement across multiple product cycles.
  • Remote role
  • Primarily aligned with standard business hours with occasional evening availability requested for real-time communication with overseas manufacturers.
  • Close collaboration with:
    • Product Manager (for product vision and requirements)
    • Supply Chain Manager (for factory coordination, costing, tooling, logistics)
    • Executive Leadership (for company strategy)

Why Work with RentACoop
  • Play a direct role in building and improving products used by animal owners worldwide.
  • Work in a mission-driven company that values thoughtful engineering, real-world testing, and customer trust.
  • Enjoy the satisfaction of seeing your designs move from concept to prototype to production and into customers' hands.
  • Collaborate with a small, highly engaged team that values craftsmanship, practicality, and continuous improvement.
  • Build a long-term relationship with a growing brand where your technical leadership will shape the next generation of products.

Apply