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Product Development Director Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Eaton

Product Development Engineer

Southfield, MI · On-site

$86K - $126K/yr

Self-directed, self-starter that possesses ability to prioritize multiple projects and works ... Familiar to OEM product development systems and processes. All positions may require participation ...

Eaton

Product Development Engineer

Southfield, MI

$86K - $126K/yr

Self-directed, self-starter that possesses ability to prioritize multiple projects and works ... Familiar to OEM product development systems and processes. All positions may require participation ...

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Product Development Director information

See Michigan salary details

$63.6K

$142.7K

$213.1K

How much do product development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development director in Michigan is $142,667.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,600.00 and $161,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a product development director do?

A Product Development Director oversees the creation and improvement of products from concept to launch. They lead cross-functional teams, manage project timelines and budgets, and ensure that products meet market needs and company goals. This role involves strategic planning, market research, and collaboration with engineering, marketing, and sales departments. Product Development Directors also monitor industry trends and customer feedback to guide future product innovation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a product development director?

To thrive as a Product Development Director, you need expertise in product lifecycle management, strategic planning, market analysis, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software, product roadmap tools, and methodologies like Agile or Scrum is frequently required, as well as experience with budgeting and cross-functional team leadership. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help you inspire teams, align stakeholders, and drive innovation. These competencies are vital for successfully guiding products from concept to market, ensuring they meet customer needs and business goals.

What are the typical cross-functional collaborations for a product development director, and how do they influence project outcomes?

Product Development Directors frequently work with teams across marketing, engineering, design, finance, and supply chain to ensure projects align with business goals and customer needs. These collaborations are crucial for balancing technical feasibility, market demands, budgeting, and timelines. Engaging stakeholders early and maintaining open communication channels helps anticipate challenges and maintain project momentum, ultimately leading to more successful product launches and stronger market positioning.

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

AspectProduct Development DirectorProduct Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple product teams, sets strategic direction, manages product portfoliosFocuses on specific products, manages product lifecycle, gathers customer requirements
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, engineering, or related fields; extensive experience in product management or developmentUsually requires a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or related fields; experience in product management
Work EnvironmentStrategic, leadership-focused, often in senior management settingsOperational, detail-oriented, often in cross-functional teams

The Product Development Director and Product Manager roles differ mainly in scope and strategic focus. The Director oversees multiple products and sets long-term strategies, while the Product Manager handles specific products' day-to-day development and customer needs. Both roles require relevant experience and credentials, but the Director's position is more leadership and strategy-oriented.

What are the most commonly searched types of Product Development jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Product Development jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Product Development Director jobs in Michigan?

For Product Development Director jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Product Development Director jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Product Development Director jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Product Development Director jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Product Development Director job openings:

Product Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Product Development Director job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,667 per year, or $68.6 per hour.

Product Development Engineer

Ford Motor Company

Dearborn, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 6 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


In this position...
Ford is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Software Design & Release Engineer to join our innovative Power Supply & Energy Management organization. In this critical role, you will be responsible for the design, development, integration, testing, and release of embedded software for intelligent Battery Management System (BMS) LIN Sensors that monitor and manage 12V and 48V battery systems within Ford's next-generation vehicles. This position demands a strong understanding of embedded software development, Local Interconnect Network (LIN) communication protocols, intelligent sensor technologies, battery state estimation (SOC, SOH, SOP), functional safety, and cybersecurity. You will collaborate with our core software team during the software product lifecycle from concept to production, working closely with cross-functional teams and external suppliers to deliver world-class smart sensor software for critical energy management systems. You will manage the entire software lifecycle for BMS LIN Sensor modules, ensuring that all software implementations meet Ford's stringent functional, cybersecurity, and quality standards, and are delivered on time to support key program milestones. This position requires a deep understanding of automotive power supply architectures and robust automotive software development and delivery processes.
Responsibilities
What you'll do...
  • Lead the design, development, and release of embedded software for BMS LIN Sensor components, collaborating closely with external suppliers.
  • Translate Ford's functional, performance, diagnostic, cybersecurity, safety, and quality requirements into clear and actionable software specifications for intelligent sensor suppliers.
  • Act as the primary technical interface for software-related topics between Ford and supplier engineering teams, fostering strong partnerships.
  • Review and approve supplier software designs, architectures, test plans, and validation reports to ensure compliance with Ford standards and industry best practices (e.g., ASPICE, ISO 26262).
  • Monitor supplier software development progress, track key performance indicators, and manage deliverables to ensure adherence to program timelines and quality gates.
  • Facilitate efficient resolution of technical issues and defects during all phases of the software development lifecycle, including root cause analysis and corrective action implementation for complex LIN communication or sensor accuracy issues.
  • Ensure rigorous software validation and verification activities are conducted, supporting both bench-level LIN network testing and vehicle-level integration.
  • Support vehicle integration and testing efforts for BMS LIN Sensors, troubleshooting software, diagnostic, and network-related issues as they arise.
  • Participate in cross-functional team meetings, design reviews, FMEAs, and other quality-related processes to ensure robust product development.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of intelligent battery sensing fundamentals (voltage, current, and temperature measurement) and low-voltage (12V/48V) energy management requirements.
  • Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends in automotive software, smart sensors, and LIN network architectures.

Qualifications
You'll have...
  • Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
  • 3+ years of experience in embedded software development and delivery within the automotive industry.
  • 3+ years of a strong understanding of automotive software development processes, including familiarity with ASPICE and ISO 26262.
  • 3+ years of demonstrated knowledge of automotive communication protocols, with specific expertise in LIN (Local Interconnect Network) and associated network management.
  • 3+ years of experience working with automotive suppliers on software development projects.
  • 3+ years of an understanding of cybersecurity principles as applied to automotive embedded systems and smart sensors.

Even better, you may have...
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and experience with Root Cause Analysis (RCA) methodologies.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills.
  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field
  • Direct experience with battery state estimation algorithms (SOC, SOH, SOP) for 12V or 48V energy storage systems
  • Hands-on experience with Vector tools (CANoe, CANalyzer, CANape) for LIN/CAN network analysis, simulation, and diagnostics
  • Experience with automotive cybersecurity standards (e.g., ISO/SAE 21434) and secure software development lifecycle practices
  • Working knowledge of AUTOSAR architecture, particularly as it relates to LIN network management and diagnostic communication (UDS, DTCs)
  • Familiarity with functional safety development per ISO 26262, including hazard analysis, safety case documentation, and ASIL-rated software requirements
  • Experience with low-voltage (12V/48V) power architectures, smart battery sensors, or energy management systems in a production vehicle environment
  • Prior experience managing multiple suppliers concurrently across global program timelines
  • Experience with bench and HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) testing environments for embedded automotive software validation

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.
This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $99,600-$166,600.
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.
This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid
#LI-AC4

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