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Entry Level Product Development Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Tekni-Plex

Development Engineer I

Schaumburg, IL

Product Development Engineer-Rubber * In this position you will be responsible for supporting business growth through the development and commercialization of new rubber products in accordance with ...

Tekni-Plex

Development Engineer I

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

Product Development Engineer-Rubber * In this position you will be responsible for supporting business growth through the development and commercialization of new rubber products in accordance with ...

PureEdge Lighting

Product Development Buyer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

As a leading engineer and manufacturer of technologically advanced lighting solutions, we are ... New Product Development Buyer Position Reports to the Supply Chain Manager and CEO Job Location ...

Humetis Group

Product Development Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site

Product Development Scientist Location: Chicago, IL 60642 Duration: 12 Months (with potential for ... Apply scientific and engineering principles to improve or develop products, formulations, processes ...

HEXPOL TPE Americas LLC

Development Engineer

Broadview, IL · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

Overview We are seeking a passionate and energetic Development Engineer to join our dynamic team ... Responsible for design, evaluation, and reporting on TPE product development at the lab and pilot ...

Winlandfoods

Product Development Intern

Oak Brook, IL · Hybrid

$27.50/hr

... as a Packaging Engineer after graduation. Examples of Projects: * New product development; concept/prototype work. * Cost savings initiatives; Optimization, quality improvements, material ...

Kraft Heinz Company

Sci, R&D - Product Dev

Glenview, IL · On-site

$77K - $97K/yr

Independently evaluate, select, and apply standard engineering and scientific techniques, processes, and criteria. Scientist, R&D Product Development - Cream Cheese Are you passionate about Food ...

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All JobsProduct Development Engineer JobsEntry Level Product Development Engineer JobsEntry Level Product Development Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Product Development Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$40.7K

$90.6K

$136.6K

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

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level product development engineer in Chicago, IL is $90,605.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,200.00 and $103,100.00 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 Chicago, IL? For Entry Level Product Development Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Product Development Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Product Development Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Product Development Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Product Development Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Product Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Product Development Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,605 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

ILUS - Product Development Engineer

Daifuku Intralogistics America

Hobart, IN • On-site

Other

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Overview

Under direction, develops new products, models, and mechanisms for conveyor systems and applications. Works on typically small-scale, less complex projects with support from more senior engineers.

Responsibilities
  • Participates in conceiving, designing, developing, engineering, prototyping, testing, and revising typically small-scale, less complex, new fabricated products for conveyor systems and applications
  • Supports the process for engineering calculations to ensure a robust design, including horsepower, stress, torque, deflection, torsion, overhung load, sortation rate, cycle rate, air consumption, and amperage draw
  • Participates in working with other teams to troubleshoot and resolve development and design issues
  • Ensures that new products are safe, reliable, and easy to maintain
  • Recommends appropriate and cost-effective purchased products
  • Helps to analyze data to identify trends in usage, cost, performance, and reliability
  • Participates in developing and executing test plans for concepts and prototypes to establish operational parameters
  • Uses modeling and simulation tools to prove or disprove designs
  • Partners with the Design team, Manufacturing, Quality Control, Purchasing and Administration
  • Travels up to 20%
Qualifications

Education and Experience Requirements 

  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Product Development or equivalent experience
  • Minimum of internship or 1 year of experience in the material handling industry preferred
  • Introductory experience in conveyor systems with carton handling or pallet handling
  • Introductory experience with Motor Drive Roller (MDR), Sortation Technologies, installation, project management, electrical, or Solidworks Enterprise PDM administration highly desirable

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Requirements

  • Knowledge of design and development of conveyor-related products
  • Experience with AutoCAD, Solidworks, Solidworks Enterprise PDM, Microsoft Office and simulation modules
  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced results-oriented environment
  • Organizational skills to meet project plans and deadlines
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
  • Strategic and creative thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Team-oriented and collaborative
  • Ability to learn new skills and technologies

EOE Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans

Federal Contractor

Employment Type: OTHER

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