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Entry Level Product Development Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Product Design Engineer

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$121.40K - $145.90K/yr

... 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 ...

Product Design Engineer

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$40 - $43/hr

... 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 ...

... Entry Level Software Engineer This position is associated with the design and development of ... Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation ...

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Entry Level Product Development information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$23

$39

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

As of May 30, 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 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 are some common challenges faced by entry-level professionals in product development, 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Product Development jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Product Development jobs in Iowa are:
Product Design Engineer

Product Design Engineer

Three Point Solutions, Inc.

Ottumwa, IA • On-site

$121.40K - $145.90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 hours 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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