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Entry Level Product Development Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Three Point Solutions

Product Design Engineer

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$40 - $43/hr

EPDP / product development lifecycle - 1+ year exposure Education / Experience * Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical / Agricultural Engineering (or equivalent) * Entry-level to early-career ( 0-2 years ...

RFA Engineering

Mechanical Product Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

We are seeking an Entry-Level to experienced candidate to become an integral part of our ... Support new product development programs through machine rebuilds, component adoption, and product ...

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Entry Level Product Development information

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How much do entry level product development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level product development in Iowa is $23.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.18 and $24.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level product development professionals, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level professionals in product development often face challenges such as balancing multiple project priorities, quickly adapting to changing product requirements, and effectively communicating ideas within cross-functional teams. To overcome these challenges, it's helpful to stay organized by using project management tools, proactively seek feedback from more experienced colleagues, and actively participate in team meetings to improve communication skills. Embracing a growth mindset and being open to learning from setbacks will also help new product developers build confidence and advance in their roles.

What is the difference between Entry Level Product Development vs Entry Level Product Design?

AspectEntry Level Product DevelopmentEntry Level Product Design
Primary FocusCreating, testing, and refining products from concept to productionDesigning the visual and functional aspects of products
Required SkillsEngineering, prototyping, project managementSketching, CAD, user experience
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, R&D labs, cross-functional teamsDesign studios, collaborative teams, software tools
Common CertificationsEngineering degrees, CAD certificationsDesign software certifications, portfolio

Entry Level Product Development and Entry Level Product Design share overlapping skills like creativity and teamwork but differ mainly in focus. Product development emphasizes engineering and manufacturing processes, while product design centers on aesthetics and user experience. Both roles are essential in bringing a product from concept to market, often working closely together in the product lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level product development professional, and why are they important?

To excel in Entry Level Product Development, you need a background in product design, basic market research, and project management, often supported by a relevant degree such as business, engineering, or design. Familiarity with tools like Adobe Creative Suite, CAD software, and project management platforms (e.g., Jira or Trello) is commonly expected. Creativity, problem-solving, and strong teamwork are vital soft skills that help drive innovation and effective collaboration. These competencies ensure the successful creation, refinement, and launch of products that meet market needs and organizational goals.

What is an entry level product development job?

An entry level product development job involves assisting in the design, creation, and improvement of new products or features under the supervision of more experienced team members. Responsibilities often include conducting market research, creating prototypes, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and gathering user feedback. This role is ideal for recent graduates or individuals new to the field who are looking to gain experience in bringing ideas to market. Strong communication, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to learn are important for success in entry level product development positions.

What qualifications do you need to be an entry level product development?

Entry level product development roles typically require a bachelor's degree in engineering, design, or a related field. Strong problem-solving skills, familiarity with design software like CAD, and basic knowledge of manufacturing processes are also important qualifications for this position.
What are the most commonly searched types of Product Development jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Product Development jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Product Development jobs in Iowa? For Entry Level Product Development jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Product Development jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Product Development jobs in Iowa are:
Entry Level Product Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Product Development job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,705 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Product Design Engineer

Three Point Solutions

Ottumwa, IA • On-site

$40 - $43/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job Title:         Product Design Engineer
Client:              Heavy Machine Manufacturing Company
Location:         Ottumwa, IA 52501
Duration:         24 Months (Possibility of Extension/Conversion)
Shift:                1st Shift (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Job Summary

Entry-level product engineering role focused on mechanical design support, troubleshooting, and product validation for production lines (Windrower Platform), with strong involvement in design improvements and testing.

Key Responsibilities

• Support mechanical design and troubleshooting for production line
• Evaluate and improve design solutions for cost, quality, and performance
• Execute product validation and verification (V&V) activities
• Analyze engineering requirements and specifications
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, suppliers, manufacturing)
• Document design decisions, analysis, and test results
• Assist in prototype development and implementation of design changes
• Support continuous improvement initiatives

Core Duties

• Mechanical design support (CAD-based)
• Product testing & validation (V&V)
• Troubleshooting production/design issues
• Engineering documentation & reporting
• Cross-functional coordination
• Process and product improvement

Work Environment / Role Nature

• Mix of office (design) and shop-floor support
• Collaboration-heavy engineering team environment
• May require occasional overtime for production support
• Exposure to assembly line and manufacturing processes

Required Skills

• Mechanical design (Creo or similar CAD tools) – 1–2 years
• Problem-solving & troubleshooting – 2+ years
• Engineering fundamentals (design, testing, analysis) – 1–2 years
• Communication & teamwork – 2+ years
• Product testing & validation – 1+ year

Preferred Skills

• Product Verification & Validation (V&V)
• Assembly line processes & documentation

• Weld processes & documentation
• SAP
• Excel & PowerPoint

Technical Exposure Areas

• CAD / Engineering tools – 1–2 years
• Engineering specifications & analysis – 1–2 years
• EPDP / product development lifecycle – 1+ year exposure

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical / Agricultural Engineering (or equivalent)
• Entry-level to early-career (0–2 years experience)

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