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Product Development Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Product Development Engineer

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Product Development Engineer designs new products, reverse-engineers existing ones, and ensures product quality through rigorous testing and prototyping. This role identifies and resolves product ...

New

Product Development Engineer

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Product Development Engineer designs new products, reverse-engineers existing ones, and ensures product quality through rigorous testing and prototyping. This role identifies and resolves product ...

Why This Role Matters The Senior Product Development Engineer at ITW Mechanical Fastening, a division of ITW, plays a key role in developing innovative fastening and anchoring solutions that improve ...

Product Development Engineer-Rubber * In this position you will be responsible for supporting business growth through the development and commercialization of new rubber products in accordance with ...

Product Development Engineer-Rubber * In this position you will be responsible for supporting business growth through the development and commercialization of new rubber products in accordance with ...

Senior Engineer, Product Development

Northlake, IL · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Engineer, Product Development Posting Start Date: 6/30/26 Main Location: Northlake,IL Requisition ID: 53343 You may be our new Senior Engineer, Product Development SUMMARY OF ROLE COMPENSATION ...

New Product Development Engineering Manager

Glenview, IL · On-site

$111K - $139K/yr

Why This Role Matters The New Product Development Engineering Manager at ITW Mechanical Fastening, a division of ITW, plays a critical role in shaping the future of some of the construction industry ...

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Showing results 1-20

Product Development Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$38.3K

$85.2K

$128.4K

How much do product development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development engineer in Illinois is $85,162.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,800.00 and $96,900.00 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 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 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.

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

The most popular types of Product Development Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What job categories do people searching Product Development Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Product Development Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Product Development Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Product Development Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Product Development Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,162 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Product Development Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

North Chicago, IL

$40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Title: Product Development Engineer
Location: North Chicago, IL
Hire Type: Contract 1+ yr
Compensation: $40/hr target
Benefits: As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.
Must have Skill Set:

  • Medical Device / Combination Product Development: Hands-on experience developing, testing, and characterizing medical devices, drug-delivery systems, or combination products.

  • DOE & Product Testing: Demonstrated experience designing and executing DOE studies, functional testing, and/or reliability testing.

  • Design Verification & Validation: Experience supporting design verification, design validation, risk-based testing, and applicable design controls.

  • Technical Data & Documentation: Strong ability to analyze experimental data and develop clear technical reports, protocols, and presentations.

Overview:
A growing organization is seeking a Product Development Engineer to support the development, testing, and commercialization of medical devices, drug-delivery systems, and combination products. This role will combine hands-on laboratory testing, experimental design, data analysis, and technical documentation while partnering closely with cross-functional teams throughout the product development lifecycle.

Job Duties:

  • Plan, design, and execute laboratory studies supporting new product development and product investigations.
  • Design and conduct DOE studies to evaluate product functionality, manufacturability, reliability, accuracy, sensitivity, and selectivity.
  • Perform hands-on testing, characterization, and evaluation of medical devices, drug-delivery systems, and related products.
  • Support design verification, design validation, and risk-based testing activities.
  • Develop test methods, protocols, and strategies for new product evaluations and product/process investigations.
  • Analyze experimental data, identify trends, summarize findings, and prepare technical reports and presentations.
  • Support product and process optimization, technology transfer, scale-up, and transition to commercial manufacturing.
  • Troubleshoot product and manufacturing issues and participate in investigations related to deviations, failures, and process performance.
  • Create and maintain technical documentation, including SOPs, test protocols, reports, batch records, and validation documentation.
  • Partner cross-functionally with Quality, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Marketing, laboratory teams, and external manufacturing partners.
  • Ensure development and testing activities comply with applicable cGMP, FDA, ISO, design control, and internal quality requirements.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • 1–5 years of relevant experience in medical device, drug-delivery system, combination-product, or related product development.
  • Hands-on laboratory experience supporting product development, testing, characterization, and/or manufacturing processes.
  • Experience developing and executing DOE studies, functional testing, and reliability testing.
  • Experience with experimental data analysis and technical reporting.
  • Experience supporting design verification and/or design validation activities.
  • Understanding of product development and commercial-scale manufacturing processes.
  • Strong technical writing, documentation, data reporting, and presentation skills.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams.
  • Knowledge or experience with batteries utilized in medical devices or drug-delivery systems.
  • Familiarity with design controls, human factors/usability, risk management, FDA requirements, and applicable ISO standards.
  • Experience supporting technology transfer and process validation.
  • Experience working with contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs).
  • Experience using electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs).
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.


Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.