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Product Development Director Jobs in Rhode Island

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Mechanical Design Engineer

Exeter, RI · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Direct Hire Position Overview M Force Partners is seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to support the design and development of innovative products for automotive and powersports ...

Dir GAU

Providence, RI · On-site +1

$102K - $163K/yr

Direct the development and administration of unit responsible for the resolution of member and ... Oversee the coordination of member and provider complaints, grievances and appeals for all products.

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Direct Hire Pay: $31.00-$38.00/hour Position Overview M Force Partners is seeking an experienced Prototype Fabrication Technician (Machine Operator) to support new product development through ...

In this role, the Product Manager will be part of the global development team. This role reports to the Director of Product Management. The right individual will have aptitude and enthusiasm for ...

In this role, the Product Manager will be part of the global development team. This role reports to the Director of Product Management. The right individual will have aptitude and enthusiasm for ...

In this role, the Product Manager will be part of the global development team. This role reports to the Director of Product Management. The right individual will have aptitude and enthusiasm for ...

Showing results 41-60

Product Development Director information

See Rhode Island salary details

$71.5K

$160.3K

$239.4K

How much do product development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development director in Rhode Island is $160,298.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,800.00 and $181,700.00 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 Rhode Island?

The most popular types of Product Development jobs in Rhode Island are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Product Development Director jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Product Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Product Development Director job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $160,298 per year, or $77.1 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer

M Force Recruiting Partners

Exeter, RI • On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

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Job description

Mechanical Design Engineer

Location: Exeter, RI
Job Type: Direct Hire

Position Overview

M Force Partners is seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to support the design and development of innovative products for automotive and powersports applications. This position will work throughout the complete product development lifecycle, taking mechanical components and assemblies from initial concept through prototyping, testing, design validation, and production release.

The ideal Mechanical Design Engineer has strong SolidWorks experience and a hands-on product development background involving mechanical design, rapid prototyping, manufacturing processes, and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA). This individual will collaborate with electrical engineering, product management, manufacturing, quality, and domestic and international suppliers to develop products that meet performance, quality, cost, and manufacturability requirements.

This Mechanical Design Engineer opportunity is well suited for someone who enjoys developing physical products, solving complex design challenges, building and testing prototypes, and seeing their designs progress from concept to production.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design mechanical components and assemblies using SolidWorks 3D CAD
  • Develop product concepts through sketches, CAD models, renderings, and technical design presentations
  • Create production-ready 3D models, detailed engineering drawings, and assembly documentation
  • Design products and components for automotive and powersports applications
  • Develop and evaluate prototypes using 3D printing, CNC fabrication, laser cutting, bending, and other rapid prototyping methods
  • Apply Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) principles to improve manufacturability, quality, cost, and product performance
  • Collaborate with electrical engineering teams to integrate wiring harnesses and electrical components into mechanical designs
  • Perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to evaluate structural performance and support engineering decisions
  • Participate in Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), technical design reviews, and risk assessments
  • Support Design Verification Plans and product validation testing
  • Ensure product designs support applicable DOT, SAE, ECE, IP rating, and other relevant requirements
  • Create detailed part drawings incorporating GD&T, materials, surface finishes, tolerances, and manufacturing requirements
  • Develop Bills of Materials, assembly drawings, installation documentation, and packaging specifications
  • Work with domestic and international suppliers to obtain quotations, evaluate samples, resolve technical issues, and support production
  • Prepare engineering documentation and product information for ERP systems
  • Develop technical illustrations, product data sheets, installation instructions, and product launch documentation
  • Maintain organized CAD models, drawings, design reviews, DFMEA documentation, and other engineering records
  • Support engineering change requests, product revisions, and non-conformance investigations
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and the development of engineering best practices

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related engineering discipline
  • Minimum of 3 years of mechanical design or product development experience
  • Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks 3D CAD
  • Experience working with SolidWorks PDM or similar product data management systems
  • Experience applying DFMA principles to mechanical product design
  • Experience designing components involving sheet metal, injection molding, thermoforming, castings, or similar manufacturing processes
  • Experience creating detailed production drawings using GD&T
  • Knowledge of Bills of Materials, manufacturing documentation, and engineering product release processes
  • Strong understanding of product development from concept through production
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and engineering problem-solving skills
  • Ability to manage multiple engineering projects and priorities
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and other cross-functional teams

Preferred Qualifications

  • Automotive or powersports product development experience
  • Consumer product or consumer electronics design experience
  • Experience designing vehicle accessories or electromechanical products
  • Rapid prototyping and prototype development experience
  • 3D printing or additive manufacturing experience
  • 3D scanning experience
  • CNC machining, fabrication, or laser cutting experience
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA) experience
  • Design Verification Testing experience
  • DFMEA experience
  • Knowledge of DOT, SAE, ECE, or IP rating requirements
  • ERP system experience
  • Experience working with international manufacturing suppliers
  • Wrike or similar project management software experience

Job presented by M Force Partners

M Force Partners is a specialized recruitment partner connecting top-tier talent with leading organizations. With a deep understanding of engineering/technical, medical, professional and executive disciplines and industry demands, we deliver tailored recruitment solutions, including direct hire and contract placements, to ensure the right fit for both candidates and clients.

If this role isn't the right fit for you, we encourage you to explore our other opportunities at mforcepartners.com.

Do you know someone who may be a great match? Feel free to share this opportunity within your network.

Equal Opportunity Employer

M Force Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Company Description

M Force Partners is a specialized recruitment partner connecting top-tier talent with leading organizations. With a deep understanding of engineering/technical, medical, professional and executive disciplines and industry demands, we deliver tailored recruitment solutions, including direct hire and contract placements, to ensure the right fit for both candidates and clients.

If this role isn’t the right fit for you, we encourage you to explore our other opportunities at mforcepartners.com.

Do you know someone who may be a great match? Feel free to share this opportunity within your network