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Product Development Director Jobs in Waterloo, IA

Ethos

Director of Sales, Manufacturing

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

Director of Sales, Manufacturing The Director of Sales, Manufacturing is accountable for the ... Ensure that all sales activities and customer engagements align with product development processes ...

Ethos

Director of Sales, Manufacturing

Waterloo, IA · On-site

Director of Sales, Manufacturing The Director of Sales, Manufacturing is accountable for the ... This information is used to support strategic planning, product development, and investment ...

Ethos

Director of Sales, Manufacturing

Waterloo, IA · On-site

Director of Sales, Manufacturing The Director of Sales, Manufacturing is accountable for the ... This information is used to support strategic planning, product development, and investment ...

Ethos

Director of Sales, Manufacturing

Waterloo, IA · On-site

Director of Sales, Manufacturing The Director of Sales, Manufacturing is accountable for the ... Ensures that all sales activities and customer engagements align with product development processes ...

H. T. PROF Group

Director of Sales

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$150 - $230/hr

Job Summary of the Director of Sales The Director of Sales is accountable for the direction ... Ensures that all sales activities and customer engagements align with product development processes ...

RFA Engineering

Vehicle Dynamics Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

Provide direct analytical support for one or more product groups. * Develop a growing understanding of product function. * Lead in the development of measurable dynamic performance specifications ...

Martin Bros.

IT Product Manager

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

Product Manager Information Technology Cedar Falls, IA On-site Full-time Martin Bros. builds its ... and developed a team, set clear expectations, and given the direct feedback that makes people ...

IDEX

Sales Manager - OEM (remote)

Cedar Falls, IA · Remote

Reporting to the Business Line Director of Direct Sales, this is a remote, field-facing individual ... Influence OEM equipment specifications early in the product development cycle to embed Viking Pump ...

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Product Development Director information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

$72K

$161.4K

$241.1K

How much do product development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development director in Waterloo, IA is $161,401.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,700.00 and $182,900.00 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 Waterloo, IA?

The most popular types of Product Development jobs in Waterloo, IA are:

What job categories do people searching Product Development Director jobs in Waterloo, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Product Development Director jobs in Waterloo, IA are:

What cities near Waterloo, IA are hiring for Product Development Director jobs?

Cities near Waterloo, IA with the most Product Development Director job openings:

Product Development Director jobs near you

Product Development Engineer

Sumner, IA • On-site

Life Line Emergency Vehicles
Public Safety Statistics Centers and Offices • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Life Line Emergency Vehiclesexternal

$72K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Join the Team That Builds Life-Saving Vehicles

Why Life Line?

At Life Line, you won’t just build parts — you’ll help build ambulances that save lives every day. When you join our team, you become part of something bigger. We foster a supportive, team-oriented environment where your skills grow, your hard work is valued, and your contributions truly make a difference.

Position Summary

We are seeking a New Product Development Engineer to join our engineering team and support the design, development, and continuous improvement of our ambulance and emergency vehicle products, including custom ambulance builds. Reporting to the Director of New Product Development, this role takes new vehicle concepts, standard product features, and customer-driven custom configurations from initial concept through prototyping, testing, and full production release — ensuring all designs meet the highest standards of safety, durability, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and develop new ambulance modules, patient compartments, chassis integrations, and related subsystems from concept through production
  • Support the Director of New Product Development in executing the product roadmap and translating strategic priorities into engineering deliverables
  • Develop engineering solutions for custom ambulance builds, working directly with sales and customers to translate unique specifications and requests into manufacturable designs
  • Create detailed engineering drawings, 3D models, and BOMs using CAD software (AutoCAD, Inventor, or similar)
  • Develop and execute prototypes, conduct testing, and validate designs against performance, safety, and durability requirements
  • Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards (e.g., KKK-A-1822, NFPA 1900, GVS/GSA specifications, CAAS, or applicable regional/national standards)
  • Collaborate with manufacturing, production, and quality teams to ensure both standard and custom designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and meet production timelines
  • Work with suppliers and vendors to source components, evaluate materials, and manage engineering changes
  • Support root-cause analysis and corrective action for field issues, warranty claims, and quality concerns
  • Manage engineering documentation, change orders, and revision control throughout the product lifecycle for both standard and custom builds
  • Partner with sales and customer teams to scope custom orders, provide engineering feasibility input, and set realistic delivery expectations
  • Stay current on emerging technologies, materials, and regulatory changes affecting emergency vehicle design
  • Support cost reduction initiatives and continuous improvement efforts across existing product lines

Skills and Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field
  • 3+ years of experience in product development or design engineering, ideally in automotive, truck body, specialty vehicle, or heavy equipment manufacturing
  • Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD, Inventor, or equivalent)
  • Working knowledge of vehicle electrical systems, structural design, and/or fabrication methods (sheet metal, composites, welding)
  • Comfort working on both structured new-product programs and fast-turnaround, customer-specific custom builds
  • Familiarity with relevant regulatory and industry standards (FMVSS, KKK-A-1822, NFPA, or similar) is a strong plus
  • Experience with DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and DFA (Design for Assembly) principles
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work cross-functionally with production, quality, and sales teams
  • Excellent communication and documentation skills; comfortable presenting design updates to leadership, including the Director of New Product Development

Preferred Experience

  • Experience specifically in ambulance, fire apparatus, or emergency/specialty vehicle manufacturing
  • Prior experience supporting custom or made-to-order vehicle builds
  • Knowledge of GVWR/weight distribution analysis for upfit vehicles
  • Experience with FEA (Finite Element Analysis) or other simulation tools
  • Familiarity with electrical/12V-24V systems, lighting, and communication equipment used in emergency vehicles

Contingencies of Employment

  • Successful completion of a background check, pre-employment drug screen and physical examination.
  • Successful completion of a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check, if applicable to the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Life Line Emergency Vehicles (LLEV) is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace where all employees and applicants are valued, respected, and supported.

LLEV does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Work Authorization

Life Line Emergency Vehicles does not offer employment sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.