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Product Development Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

$115 - $125/hr

Position Summary Gates Corporation is seeking a Product Development AI Engineer to accelerate innovation across our global product portfolio by applying artificial intelligence, machine learning, and ...

Research and Development Engineer

Glasgow, KY ยท On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Own development of new products from concept through validation and implementation. * Design and engineer product solutions aligned with technical and commercial requirements. * Develop prototypes ...

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Showing results 1-20

Product Development Engineer information

See Kentucky salary details

$34.3K

$76.3K

$115.1K

How much do product development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development engineer in Kentucky is $76,330.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,500.00 and $86,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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 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 popular job titles related to Product Development Engineer jobs in Kentucky?

For Product Development Engineer jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Product Development Engineer job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,330 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Product Development Engineer, PVT

Ford Motor Company

Louisville, KY โ€ข On-site

$97K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. We also believe in providing you with the freedom to define and realize your dreams. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career potential as you help us define tomorrow's transportation.

Do you have what it takes to make smart vehicles for a smart world? Join the Ford Product Development team. Utilizing Design Thinking & User Experience methods, you'll work to deliver breakthrough products and services that delight our customers. We're seeking forward-thinking, laser-focused professionals with a passion for bringing innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life.ย We have opportunities around the world for you to contribute to such advancements as autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and more!

You'll have...

Bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or related field and 3 years of experience in the job offered or related occupation. 3 years of experience with each of the following skills is required: 1. Performing statistical analysis using Minitab to run time series plots, control charts, Pareto charts and fishbone diagrams. 2. Applying FMEA tool to assess severity, occurrence, and detection when analyzing warranty data and returned parts. 2 years of experience with each of the following skills is required: 1. Managing multiple projects simultaneously using project management tools including GHANTT charts, PERT, and CPM diagrams. 2. Conducting tolerance analysis and evaluating mating part interferences using CAD tools for both 3D and 2D modeling. 3. Performing data analytics by integrating and analyzing multiple data sources including GSAR and RD mapping. 4. Applying Six Sigma methodologies, including DMAIC, to improve processes and reduce variability. 1 year of experience with each of the following skills is required: 1. Presenting data and communicating root cause analysis and corrective actions to stakeholders at various organizational levels, ensuring clear understanding across diverse audiences. 2. Applying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to data analysis by interpreting part prints using geometric tolerancing techniques.

We are offering a salary ofย $97,968.00 - $161,842.20/yr.ย 

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 the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:

Immediate medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage
Flexible family care, parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care 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.
For a detailed look at our benefits, click here:

https://fordcareers.co/GSRnon-HTHD

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.

#LI-DNI

#DNP

Bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or related field and 3 years of experience in the job offered or related occupation. 3 years of experience with each of the following skills is required: 1. Performing statistical analysis using Minitab to run time series plots, control charts, Pareto charts and fishbone diagrams. 2. Applying FMEA tool to assess severity, occurrence, and detection when analyzing warranty data and returned parts. 2 years of experience with each of the following skills is required: 1. Managing multiple projects simultaneously using project management tools including GHANTT charts, PERT, and CPM diagrams. 2. Conducting tolerance analysis and evaluating mating part interferences using CAD tools for both 3D and 2D modeling. 3. Performing data analytics by integrating and analyzing multiple data sources including GSAR and RD mapping. 4. Applying Six Sigma methodologies, including DMAIC, to improve processes and reduce variability. 1 year of experience with each of the following skills is required: 1. Presenting data and communicating root cause analysis and corrective actions to stakeholders at various organizational levels, ensuring clear understanding across diverse audiences. 2. Applying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to data analysis by interpreting part prints using geometric tolerancing techniques.

We are offering a salary ofย $97,968.00 - $161,842.20/yr.ย EOE.

This Job Notice is posted as a result of the filing of an application for permanent alien labor certification for the relevant job opportunity. Any person may provide documentary evidence bearing on the application to the Certifying Officer at the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Foreign Labor Certification, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Room N-5311, Washington, DC 20210.

Note, this is a hybrid position whereby the employee will work both from home and from the anticipated worksite. Hence, the employee must live within a reasonable commuting distance from the anticipated worksite.ย  Review incoming electrical warranty claims data daily to ensure prompt understanding of the issue and proper classification of the warranty claim, review customer and dealership comments; Frequently, the details provided by the dealership service departments sufficiently define the customer symptom, however, lack sufficient detail to clearly identify the details needed to determine root cause. Work across manufacturing, Product design, process engineering, and operations skill teams to determine most likely source team for leading issue containment and permanent corrective action. Contact warranty claim dealership/s to request suspect parts for analysis. Interview repair technician to document detailed understanding of actions taken, and repair diagnoses. Lead the analysis of returned warranty parts for root cause then develop Interim Containment actions. Support Variability Reduction Team (VRT) for specific subsystems and work closely with Supplier partners for subsystem components to address quality concerns. When customer surveys are conducted, participate in phone calls to customers who agree to be contacted. This will require preparation of detailed probing questions designed to clarify details of the customer satisfaction with their purchased vehicle. Once this call/interview is complete, document the results by affected subsystem to aide the forward model design team in development of future vehicle content changes. Lead engineering commodity changes for future minor product launches and lead cost reduction actions in current production vehicles. Domestic and International Travel Required up to 10%.

What you'll be able to do:

Product Development Engineer, PVT - positions offered by Ford Motor Company (Louisville, Kentucky). Note, this is a hybrid position whereby the employee will work both from home and from the anticipated worksite. Hence, the employee must live within a reasonable commuting distance from the anticipated worksite.ย  Review incoming electrical warranty claims data daily to ensure prompt understanding of the issue and proper classification of the warranty claim, review customer and dealership comments; Frequently, the details provided by the dealership service departments sufficiently define the customer symptom, however, lack sufficient detail to clearly identify the details needed to determine root cause. Work across manufacturing, Product design, process engineering, and operations skill teams to determine most likely source team for leading issue containment and permanent corrective action. Contact warranty claim dealership/s to request suspect parts for analysis. Interview repair technician to document detailed understanding of actions taken, and repair diagnoses. Lead the analysis of returned warranty parts for root cause then develop Interim Containment actions. Support Variability Reduction Team (VRT) for specific subsystems and work closely with Supplier partners for subsystem components to address quality concerns. When customer surveys are conducted, participate in phone calls to customers who agree to be contacted. This will require preparation of detailed probing questions designed to clarify details of the customer satisfaction with their purchased vehicle. Once this call/interview is complete, document the results by affected subsystem to aide the forward model design team in development of future vehicle content changes. Lead engineering commodity changes for future minor product launches and lead cost reduction actions in current production vehicles. Domestic and International Travel Required up to 10%.ย 


Ford logo

About Ford

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow's transportation.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Doral, FL, US

Year founded

1982