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Entry Level Product Development Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

McMaster-Carr

Technology, Development, & Design

Chicago, IL · On-site

$165K - $180K/yr

... engineering, operations, and business teams. You won't just contribute-you'll increasingly shape how systems and products evolve. For example, your work might include: * Improve how customers find ...

NuMat

R&D Process Development Engineer

Chicago, IL

Summary Title: R&D Process Development Engineer Location: Chicago, IL  Compensation: Competitive ... The company's world-class platform integrates MOFs into existing products and processes, merging ...

Numat

R&D Process Development Engineer

Chicago, IL

Summary Title: R&D Process Development Engineer Location: Chicago, IL Compensation: Competitive ... The company's world-class platform integrates MOFs into existing products and processes, merging ...

Numat

R&D Process Development Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Summary Title: R&D Process Development Engineer Location: Chicago, IL Compensation: Competitive ... The company's world-class platform integrates MOFs into existing products and processes, merging ...

Staffingine LLC

Sr. R&D Engineer

Franklin Park, IL · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Job Title: Sr. R&D Engineer Job Location: Franklin Park, IL Job Type: Full-Time * Be a subject ... Originate new ideas to support the R&D product innovation and technology strategy * Establish an ...

ThreeKit

AI Product Intern

Chicago, IL · On-site

$25/hr

Depending on placement, you'll support live product development on our AI Sales Agent or help our Sales Engineering team with customer-facing demo work. Either way, this isn't busywork; you'll ...

ThreeKit

AI Product Intern

Chicago, IL

$25/hr

Depending on placement, you'll support live product development on our AI Sales Agent or help our Sales Engineering team with customer-facing demo work. Either way, this isn't busywork; you'll ...

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Showing results 21-40

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.

Technology, Development, & Design

McMaster-Carr

Chicago, IL • On-site

$165K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

McMaster-Carr rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 416 rated retail wholesalers

Job description

This role is open to December 2026 through Summer 2027 graduates from all majors who are curious, driven, thrive in collaborative environments, and are energized by solving hard problems.
Who We Are
McMaster-Carr is a trusted e-commerce company that keeps industry in motion. Every day, hundreds of thousands of customers turn to our website, app, or catalog to find the parts they need and get them fast-so they can solve problems, avoid downtime, and keep critical operations running smoothly.
We serve industries that touch nearly every part of daily life: aerospace, agriculture, entertainment, marine, medical, automotive, food and beverage, and more. Our work may happen behind the scenes, but its impact is everywhere.
Our customers don't just rely on us to maintain what matters-they also look to us to help them imagine what's next. Through tools like 3D CAD models, intuitive search, and a constantly evolving product offering, we help people discover new solutions, iterate on ideas, and improve the way they work.
Accelerate Your Career & Learn to Solve Meaningful Problems with Technology
From your first day, you'll work hands-on building and improving real systems that power how customers experience McMaster-Carr and how our business operates at scale. You'll learn to write code, debug issues, and deliver features as part of a team, learning how our systems work and how to build reliable, scalable solutions.
In your first few months, you will focus on developing strong technical fundamentals to independently build and improve systems. This includes designing and implementing customer-facing features, improving how people discover and use our products, and contributing to systems that make our operations fast, accurate, and resilient. You'll gain experience working with real workflows-whether that's refining navigation across a complex catalog, applying AI in practical ways, or improving how orders flow through our fulfillment systems.
As you grow, your scope will expand beyond implementation. Over time, you'll take on more ownership: defining problems clearly, weighing tradeoffs, and driving solutions from idea through execution, working across engineering, operations, and business teams. You won't just contribute-you'll increasingly shape how systems and products evolve.
For example, your work might include:
  • Improve how customers find what they need on our website: Design and test new features that make our site faster, smarter, and easier to use-so customers can enjoyably find the products they need.
  • Apply AI to real-world operations: Use tools like generative AI to streamline customer service, create better product descriptions and visuals, and automate internal workflows.
  • Make fulfillment smarter and help us plan ahead: Design systems that improve how we pick, pack, and ship orders -so customers get what they need, faster. Use forecasting tools and automation to anticipate demand, reduce delays, and scale our operations as customer needs evolve.
  • Design tools that free up teammates to focus on what matters: Automate routine tasks-like data entry or resource gathering-so people can spend more time solving complex, meaningful problems.
  • Help the business see what's working-and act quickly when it's not: Create dashboards and tracking tools that surface key insights and guide faster, better decisions. Build systems that capture feedback and route it to the right teams for action.

Who You AreYou are curious, driven, and eager to make an impact. You ask thoughtful questions, enjoy solving tough problems, and bring out the best in the people around you. You know that strong collaboration isn't just about teamwork-it's about creating the conditions for others to contribute fully, challenge ideas constructively, and move the work forward together.The role demands strong judgment, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to take ownership in ambiguous situations. We hire from all majors because the ability to think rigorously, learn quickly, and build effective solutions matters more than a specific background.
Cash Compensation
  • Starting base pay is $133,000
  • Total cash compensation is generally around $165,000 to $180,000and includes a profit sharing based on company profitability.
  • Includes a signing bonus and relocation stipend

Benefits
Growth & Learning
  • 100% tuition reimbursement (including MBAs)
  • Informal and formal mentorship
  • Employee resource groups

Health & Wellbeing
  • Medical, dental, pharmacy, and vision plans with no monthly premiums
  • Inclusive, all-gender benefits

Time Off
  • Paid time off for vacation and personal time

Family & Future
  • Paid parental leave for all new parents
  • Adoption and surrogacy assistance
  • First-time home buyer assistance
  • Industry leading company-funded retirement accounts

Equal Opportunity Employer
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees a workplace with reasonable accommodations and free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. At McMaster-Carr, we do not make employment decisions based on age, ethnicity, citizenship status, military status, gender identity and expression, race, religion, disability status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected group.
This position is not eligible for work authorization sponsorship by McMaster-Carr.
Data We Collect
We may collect professional, education and employment-related data, and any assessments made throughout the recruiting process, to evaluate candidacy for employment. To communicate with job applicants, we may collect applicant names, contact information, and other personal identifiers, including those outlined in the California customer records statute. Through voluntary disclosure, we may also collect protected classifications under federal or California law (e.g., race, gender, etc.). For additional details about the personal information we collect and its uses, please click here.

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