ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Product Development Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Elco Lighting

Be Seen First

Product Development Engineer

Vernon, CA · On-site

$62K - $93K/yr

As a Product Development Engineer at Elco Lighting, you will play a pivotal role in the entire product lifecycle, from concept generation to final production. You will collaborate with cross ...

Nvidia

Product Development Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

We are seeking Product Development Engineers who are experienced, creative problem solvers in various areas and passionate to want to make a visible impact with the work they do. As part of the ...

KLA Corporation

Product Development Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$117K - $200K/yr

Conduct proper hand-off from proof of concept to the Engineering/Product Development Teams for product implementation. Minimum Qualifications Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work ...

Orbotech

Product Development Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$117K - $200K/yr

Conduct proper hand-off from proof of concept to the Engineering/Product Development Teams for product implementation. Minimum Qualifications Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work ...

Orbotech

Product Development Engineer

Milpitas, CA

The Surfscan group includes a team of engineers, technology development, apps engineers and product marketing focused on technology that enables wafer, IC and equipment manufacturers to develop ...

Senko

Product Development Engineer

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Product Development Engineer to lead the design, testing, and verification of fiber-optic connectors tailored for co-packaged optics applications. This ...

Senior plc

Product Development Engineer

Burbank, CA · On-site

Summary: The Product Development Engineer (PDE) is a manufacturing expert who interprets engineering prints and develops the process flow to ensure the product gets made correctly and all ...

Marmon

Product Development Engineer

Lake Forest, CA · Hybrid

$100K - $135K/yr

This role blends hands-on engineering with technical leadershipsupporting new product introductions, driving validation and analysis, advancing R&D initiatives, and serving as a technical partner to ...

Altera

Product Development Engineer

San Jose, CA

$142K - $206K/yr

We are seeking motivated Product Development Engineer to help us in following areas but not limited to it. * Drives and develops testability and manufacturability of integrated circuits from the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProduct Development Engineer JobsProduct Development Engineer Jobs in California

Product Development Engineer information

See California salary details

$39K

$86.7K

$130.8K

How much do product development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development engineer in California is $86,733.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $98,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Product Development Engineer do?

A Product Development Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing new products or improving existing ones. They work closely with cross-functional teams such as design, manufacturing, and marketing to bring innovative products from concept to production. Their tasks often include prototyping, conducting feasibility studies, addressing technical challenges, and ensuring that products meet quality and safety standards. Product Development Engineers play a crucial role in transforming ideas into market-ready products that fulfill customer needs.

What jobs can DT get you?

A Product Development Engineer can qualify for roles such as product manager, design engineer, manufacturing engineer, or quality engineer, depending on their skills and experience. These positions often involve working with cross-functional teams, using CAD software, and understanding product lifecycle processes. Certifications like PMP or Six Sigma can enhance career prospects in related fields.

What do product development engineers do?

Product development engineers design, develop, and test new products or improve existing ones, often working with cross-functional teams to ensure functionality, manufacturability, and quality. They use tools like CAD software and may require knowledge of materials, engineering principles, and project management to bring products from concept to production.

What Is a Product Development Engineer?

A product development engineer designs manufactured goods by integrating market research to deliver products that will meet company goals. As a product development engineer, you will be working on all stages of the production process, from research and development to prototype testing and quality assurance. You may work in any number of fields, from the automotive industry or medical device manufacturing to developing new soaps or food products. Typically, you work as part of a team, sometimes leading a group of engineers through the design and production process. Your duties include creating drafts and blueprints, assessing proper materials, setting goals, and researching competitive products.

How does a Product Development Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product lifecycle?

Product Development Engineers work closely with teams such as design, manufacturing, marketing, and quality assurance throughout the product lifecycle. They often facilitate communication to ensure that product specifications align with customer needs and production capabilities. Regular meetings and collaborative problem-solving sessions are common, as these engineers help translate technical requirements into actionable plans. This collaborative approach not only streamlines development but also fosters innovation and ensures the final product meets both technical and market expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Product Development Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Product Development Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, product design, and project management, typically supported by a degree in mechanical, electrical, or related engineering fields. Proficiency with CAD software, prototyping tools, and familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, and effective communication skills help you collaborate across teams and innovate solutions. These skills and qualities are essential for efficiently developing market-ready products that meet user needs and business objectives.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn $500,000 or more annually. High compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, especially in leadership roles or high-demand industries.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial or executive positions, or possessing rare technical expertise and certifications.

What is the difference between Product Development Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectProduct Development EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Industrial, or related engineering; often some experience in product designBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; licensure optional for certain roles
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, manufacturing settings, cross-functional teamsDesign offices, manufacturing plants, research labs
Industry UsageProduct design, consumer electronics, automotive, aerospaceMechanical systems, HVAC, manufacturing equipment, automotive

Product Development Engineers focus on designing and developing new products, often working closely with cross-functional teams to bring concepts to market. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on mechanical systems and components across various industries. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, Product Development Engineers typically emphasize product design and innovation, whereas Mechanical Engineers may work on a wider range of mechanical systems.

More about Product Development Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Product Development Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Product Development Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Product Development Engineer jobs in California? For Product Development Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Product Development Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Product Development Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Product Development Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Product Development Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Product Development Engineer jobs in CA? For Product Development Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Product Development Engineer jobs near you
Product Development Engineer

Product Development Engineer

TS Conductor

Huntington Beach, CA • On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Position Overview

We are looking for a hands-on engineer to join our product development team. You will take new concepts from the bench to production, working closely with manufacturing, suppliers, and end customers to bring innovative products to market. You will be expected to own the technical aspects of your projects while communicating clearly with cross-functional partners.

Essential Functions

  • Lead design and development of new products and components from concept through production release.
  • Create and maintain 3D models, detailed drawings, and engineering documentation.
  • Plan and execute mechanical and materials testing to validate designs and support qualification programs.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are producible and cost-effective.
  • Visit customer and partner sites to gather requirements and provide installation and technical support.
  • Identify problems creatively and propose novel solutions.

Requirements / Training and Experience

  • Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science degree.
  • Strong academic record (3.5 GPA or above).
  • Proficiency in SolidWorks, CREO, or equivalent 3D CAD suite.
  • 2 to 3 years in product development, overhead transmission line work or manufacturing.
  • Mechanical or materials testing experience.
  • Willingness to travel to project sites for short durations.
  • Comfortable communicating with customers and partners.
  • Great attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
  • Team spirit.
  • Good analytical skills.
  • Additional certification in Quality Assurance is a plus.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
  • Ability to comprehend and follow directions.
  • Position is in Huntington Beach, CA

Incentives

  • Benefits offered the first of the month following 30 days of employment, include: medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, paid time off (sick and vacation), 10 company holidays, 401(k) with company match, etc.
  • Referral Rewards program

Work Environment

The Product Development Engineer position works in a combination of work settings from office and lab to a safety sensitive manufacturing environment. The Product Development Engineer will often work directly on the shop floor of the manufacturing facility, near and around large-scale production processes and equipment. Product Development Engineer may also work in Research and Development (R&D) and Quality Control Testing to design and develop new manufacturing processes, testing, and experiments to improve product design and production methods, and to ensure product quality and compliance with standards. The position will spend time in the engineering office performing tasks such as designing manufacturing systems, developing process flow diagrams, analyzing data, creating manufacturing instructions, and collaborating with others. Occasionally, will participate in on-site visits needed to visit suppliers, vendors, or customer sites to review quality issues, assess manufacturing capabilities, troubleshooting issues, or assess material or tooling quality and performance. Occupational health and safety practices are essential in manufacturing environments and is expected to adhere to safety protocols and wear appropriate protective equipment when necessary.