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Product Development Associate Jobs in Reading, PA

Join a rapidly expanding company in a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility where quality, teamwork, and career development come first. As a Production Associate , you'll play a key role in ...

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Product Development Associate information

See Reading, PA salary details

$13

$29

$47

How much do product development associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for product development associate in Reading, PA is $29.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.64 and $36.49 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 job categories do people searching Product Development Associate jobs in Reading, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Product Development Associate jobs in Reading, PA are:

What cities near Reading, PA are hiring for Product Development Associate jobs?

Cities near Reading, PA with the most Product Development Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Product Development Associate job openings in Reading, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,916 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

New Product Development (NPD) Designer

The businesses of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Breinigsville, PA • On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Work Your Magic with us!Start your next chapter and join EMD Electronics.

Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you've got big plans - so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people's lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.

Everything we do in EMD Electronics is to help us deliver on our purpose of being the company behind the companies, advancing digital living. We are dedicated to being the trusted supplier of high-tech materials, services and specialty chemicals for the electronics, automotive and cosmetics industries. We foster a global collaborative organization made up of individuals who have the passion to win, obsess about the customer, are relentlessly curious and act with urgency. Together, we push the boundaries of science to make more possible for our customers.

This role does not offer sponsorship for work authorization. External applicants must be eligible to work in the US.


Location:

TheNew Product Development (NPD) Designer is an onsite role in either Austin, TX, Chandler, AZ or Breinigsville, PA. Approximately 15-20% domestic and international travel is required to meet business needs.

Your Role:

As a New Product Development Designer (NPD), you will play a pivotal role in the design, development, and delivery of complex mechanical systems. Working closely with NPD Engineers and Product Management to ideate, refine concepts, and develop/validate robust solutions. You'll fill gaps in specifications and scope to enable downstream product development and execution. This role sits at the intersection of market need rationalization and engineering execution, were decisions impact cost and reliability, throughout the product lifecycle. Thoughtful, data-driven decision making and the ability to influence cross-functional teams are essential.

Core Responsibilities:

  • Participate in the development and conceptualization of new product designs, creating basic drawing concepts as required for internal and external design reviews
  • Translate customer and engineering requirements into innovative, practical, and manufacturable mechanical solutions
  • Work with vendors and outside design support to address design issues and optimize designs for manufacturability
  • Partner closely with electrical and controls engineers to ensure seamless integration of mechanical components within broader system architectures
  • Maintain and manage design documentation and revision control in accordance with company standards. Deliver project design required artifacts as required by the product development stage-gate process
  • Work with vendors to address design issues, and optimize designs for manufacturability
  • Facilitate transition of new products into the manufacturing environment

Who You Are

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field, with 3 or more years of mechanical design experience

OR

  • Associate's degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Drafting and Design, or a related field, with 8 or more years of demonstrated mechanical design experience
  • Proficiency with SolidWorks 3D/2D design

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated experience designing equipment for semiconductor gas and chemical delivery equipment
  • Strong understanding of process piping layouts and sheet metal design
  • Experience translating basic ideas into conceptual drawings
  • Familiarity with relevant codes/standards SEMI, NFPA, ANSI
  • Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills; ability to influence cross functional teams.

Pay range for this position: $90,000 - $130,800

The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information clickhere.


What we offer: We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!

Apply now and become a part of a team that is dedicated to Sparking Discovery and Elevating Humanity!

Employment Type: FULL_TIME