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Product Development Associate Jobs in Ann Arbor, MI

As a Field Sales & New Business Development Associate, you'll be responsible for driving new ... Collaborate with design and production teams to deliver customer-focused solutions * Track sales ...

As a Field Sales & New Business Development Associate, you'll be responsible for driving new ... Collaborate with design and production teams to deliver customer-focused solutions * Track sales ...

... to real product development. What You Might Work On * Participating in general laboratory ... associates can thrive. Join us to grow your skills and be part of a mission that matters.

... to real product development. What You Might Work On * Participating in general laboratory ... associates can thrive. Join us to grow your skills and be part of a mission that matters.

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Product Development Associate information

See Ann Arbor, MI salary details

$13

$29

$47

How much do product development associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for product development associate in Ann Arbor, MI is $29.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.03 and $37.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a product development associate do?

A Product Development Associate supports the creation and improvement of new products within a company. They conduct market research, assist in designing product concepts, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and help manage the product development process from idea to launch. Their role often includes analyzing customer needs, monitoring trends, and ensuring products meet quality standards. This position is collaborative and requires strong organizational and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a product development associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Product Development Associate, you need strong analytical abilities, project management skills, and a relevant bachelor's degree (such as in business, engineering, or marketing). Familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) software, data analysis tools, and prototyping platforms is commonly required. Creativity, teamwork, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for efficiently bringing innovative products to market and collaborating successfully with cross-functional teams.

How does a product development associate typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product lifecycle?

As a Product Development Associate, you’ll work closely with departments such as marketing, engineering, and manufacturing throughout the product lifecycle. You’ll help translate customer feedback and market trends into product requirements, coordinate with designers and engineers to ensure feasibility, and assist in managing timelines and deliverables. Regular meetings and clear communication are vital, as you’ll often serve as a liaison to ensure everyone is aligned on goals and progress. This collaborative environment not only strengthens your teamwork skills but also provides valuable exposure to various aspects of the business.

What is the difference between Product Development Associate vs Product Manager?

AspectProduct Development AssociateProduct Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in business, marketing, or related field; some roles may require internships or entry-level experienceBachelor's degree often required; MBA or relevant certifications preferred; extensive experience in product lifecycle management
Work EnvironmentCollaborative teams within product development, R&D, or marketing departmentsCross-functional teams including engineering, marketing, sales, and executive leadership
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech, manufacturing, and consumer goods companies for entry to mid-level rolesUsed across industries for strategic product oversight and lifecycle management

The Product Development Associate focuses on supporting the creation and refinement of products, often handling research, testing, and coordination tasks. In contrast, the Product Manager oversees the entire product lifecycle, making strategic decisions and managing cross-functional teams. While both roles require a background in business or related fields, the Product Manager role typically demands more experience and leadership responsibilities.

Is product development a good career?

Product development is a viable career that involves designing, creating, and improving products, often requiring skills in project management, market research, and technical knowledge. It offers opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and growth in various industries, with roles typically requiring cross-functional teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Product Development jobs in Ann Arbor, MI?

The most popular types of Product Development jobs in Ann Arbor, MI are:

What cities near Ann Arbor, MI are hiring for Product Development Associate jobs?

Cities near Ann Arbor, MI with the most Product Development Associate job openings:

Product Development Analyst

Ford Motor Company

Allen Park, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Ford Motor Company rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 527 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 45 rated automakers


Job description

We made history and now we work to transform the future - for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.

At Ford, the Vehicle Hardware Engineering teams are using Design Thinking & User Experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that will delight our customers. Our employees are laser-focused on bringing innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life. From autonomy and electrification to smart mobility technologies, our teams around the world are working together with excitement to make smart vehicles for a smart world.

The Product Development Analyst supports physical testing, data collection, and facility operations within Ford's test laboratories (e.g., vibration, powertrain, engine dynamometer, wind tunnel, and related vehicle/component test environments). Working alongside engineers and technical staff, this role executes day-to-day test operations, collects and processes test data, maintains lab equipment and facilities, and helps ensure testing is completed safely, accurately, and on schedule. This is a hands-on, engineering-support role that does not require a formal engineering degree, though relevant technical experience is valued.  These positions will range from a Ford Salary Grade 6 - 8.

You'll have...

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • 1+ years of relevant technical/lab experience (e.g., testing, instrumentation, purchasing/procurement support, or related hands-on technical work)

  • Proficient with Microsoft Office

Even better, you may have...

  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree, or actively pursuing

  • Additional lab, automotive, or test-specific experience (e.g., vibration, battery/high-voltage, engine/dynamometer, or wind tunnel testing)

  • Strong communication, organizational, and technical writing skills, with the ability to present data to varied audiences

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively, taking direction from multiple stakeholders

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day
Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

#LI-Onsite

#VehicleHardwareEngineering #LI-CW1
 

In this position...

  • Set up, operate, and troubleshoot lab/test equipment and instrumentation (e.g., sensors, dynamometers, wind tunnels, cameras, and data acquisition systems) to execute daily test schedules safely and accurately.

  • Collect, process, and analyze test data, transferring results into corporate databases and reporting anomalies, failures, or facility issues to engineers and lab leadership.

  • Support test setup and equipment/fixture modifications in coordination with engineers and technical staff.

What you'll do...

  • Maintain lab documentation, procedures, and equipment inventory, and support process/efficiency improvements.

  • Interface with internal and external customers to understand test objectives and communicate results and technical data clearly.

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in compliance with Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) and quality standards.


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