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Product Development Engineer information

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$34.3K

$76.3K

$115.1K

How much do product development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 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 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.

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Product Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Product Development Engineer job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,330 per year, or $36.7 per hour.
Product Development Engineer

Product Development Engineer

Keystone & Golden, Inc.

Lexington, KY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 hours ago

Job description

About the Company
Our client is a rapidly growing, investor-backed consumer wellness company that has quickly established itself as a category leader in functional oral pouch products. The company is pioneering innovative performance-focused products that deliver functional benefits through a convenient oral delivery format and is experiencing significant growth as the category continues to expand.
This is an opportunity to join a highly entrepreneurial organization during a pivotal stage of growth and play a key role in developing next-generation products from concept through commercialization.
Position Summary
The Product Development Engineer will be a core member of the company's R&D team, responsible for the full product development lifecycle-from bench formulation and ingredient evaluation through scale-up, manufacturing transfer, and commercial launch.
This role combines formulation science, process development, sensory evaluation, and technical commercialization. The successful candidate will work closely with contract manufacturers, suppliers, quality, and operations teams to bring innovative products to market.
The ideal candidate is hands-on, technically strong, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment where creativity, problem-solving, and execution are equally important.
Key Responsibilities
Formulation Development
  • Develop and optimize formulations, flavor systems, and active ingredient delivery platforms.
  • Evaluate ingredients and excipients for functionality, stability, performance, and regulatory compliance.
  • Optimize product characteristics including pH, water activity, dissolution, and sensory performance.
  • Maintain detailed development records, batch documentation, and formulation specifications.

Ingredient & Supplier Evaluation
  • Source and evaluate new ingredients, flavors, excipients, and functional actives.
  • Review supplier documentation including COAs, SDSs, and technical specifications.
  • Assess ingredient quality, performance, and regulatory status.
  • Support qualification of new suppliers and raw materials.

Commercialization & Scale-Up
  • Lead technical transfer of formulations to manufacturing partners.
  • Develop manufacturing instructions, product specifications, and critical quality attributes.
  • Support pilot runs, scale-up activities, and commercial production trials.
  • Troubleshoot manufacturing challenges and drive resolution during commercialization.
  • Serve as a primary technical liaison with contract manufacturing partners.

Sensory & Product Performance
  • Design and execute sensory evaluations focused on taste, texture, mouthfeel, and overall product experience.
  • Analyze sensory data and identify opportunities for product improvement.
  • Translate consumer and panel feedback into formulation enhancements.

Quality & Regulatory Support
  • Assist with development of product specifications and testing protocols.
  • Support compliance with dietary supplement GMP requirements and internal quality standards.
  • Ensure development documentation supports successful commercialization and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Food Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific discipline.
  • 2+ years of hands-on formulation experience in oral pouch products or related oral delivery systems.
  • Experience supporting product scale-up and manufacturing transfer.
  • Strong technical writing and documentation skills.
  • Experience operating laboratory and analytical equipment independently.
  • Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.

Preferred
  • Experience with oral delivery technologies such as pouches, buccal, sublingual, lozenges, or dietary supplement delivery systems.
  • Sensory science or structured sensory panel experience.
  • Working knowledge of dietary supplement regulations and 21 CFR Part 111.
  • Experience with dissolution testing, release testing, or bioavailability-focused product development.
  • Experience working with contract manufacturers in a regulated environment.

Why Consider This Opportunity?
  • Join a category-leading, high-growth wellness company.
  • Work directly on innovative products from concept to launch.
  • Significant exposure to formulation, commercialization, manufacturing, and product strategy.
  • Highly entrepreneurial environment with direct impact on product success.
  • Opportunity to help shape the future of an emerging consumer health category.

Apply