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Product Development Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Collaborate with New Product Development (NPD) and Product Engineering (PE) teams. * Engage with ... HVAC industry associations to influence code changes and technology adoption. * Use your ...

Product Engineer

Liberty, KY · On-site

$75K - $105K/yr

As an Engineer Product within the manufacturing industry, you will play a pivotal role in designing ... development. * Communicate effectively with suppliers, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ...

Hardware Development Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site

$113K - $149K/yr

With 20,000 team members at over 100 locations, we focus on the Consumer Products, Tech, Health ... Knowledge of programming in C, C++, C# and firmware development desirable * Analytical skills ...

Hardware Development Engineer

Louisville, KY

$118K - $156K/yr

With 20,000 team members at over 100 locations, we focus on the Consumer Products, Tech, Health ... Knowledge of programming in C, C++, C# and firmware development desirable * Analytical skills ...

Director, Crushing Products

Lexington, KY · On-site

$200K - $209K/yr

Lead, align, and develop Product Management and Applications teams while driving cross-functional execution across Business Development, Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, Product Support, and ...

Showing results 21-40

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 7, 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.

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, 15% 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 Manager BuzzBallz

Sazerac Company

Frankfort, KY • On-site

$128K - $193K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Sazerac rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 435 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Sazerac Company Overview
Build your career at Sazerac! With almost 400 years of rich history, Sazerac Company has thrived as an independent, American family-owned company with operations in the United States and around the world. Since the 2000s, Sazerac has averaged double digit growth every year! Sazerac Company produces and markets the most award-winning bourbons and whiskeys in the world, including Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Blanton's, and Sazerac Rye. Additionally, Sazerac owns many popular brands across a range of spirits, including Fireball, Southern Comfort, Seagram's V.O., Myers's, Goldschläger, Parrot Bay, 99 Brand, and Platinum Vodka.
We're proud of our award-winning culture and distilleries. Our Louisville office has been named one of the "Best Places to Work in Kentucky" four times, and our Buffalo Trace Distillery has earned the title of "world's most award-winning distillery" through the dedication of our craftsmen for well over 200 years. Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced professional, Sazerac provides extraordinary opportunities for growth with competitive salaries and benefits in an exciting, entrepreneurial industry.
Job Description/Responsibilities
The Product Development Manager - BuzzBallz leads and coordinates all BuzzBallz-related new product development (NPD) initiatives across domestic and international markets. This role is responsible for driving disciplined project execution, coordinating technical feasibility assessments, and ensuring strong cross-functional alignment throughout the commercialization process. The position supports company growth by enabling efficient innovation, minimizing execution risk, and aligning Texas-based R&D resources to high-value strategic initiatives. The role works closely with Product Development, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Procurement, Brand, and Commercial teams in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
What You'll Do
  • Lead and coordinate BuzzBallz-related NPD initiatives from concept through commercialization. Support the NBD process through technical feasibility assessments, project governance, stage-gate readiness, and cross-functional alignment to ensure successful execution of domestic and global innovation projects.
  • Provide responsive technical support and clear communication to internal stakeholders supporting the BuzzBallz Business Unit, including Brand, Product Development, Operations, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Quality, Procurement, and Commercial teams. Ensure projects are executed efficiently, risks are communicated proactively, and commercialization activities support business objectives and consumer expectations.
  • Ensure all BuzzBallz formulations, commercialization activities, and project documentation comply with company standards and all applicable regulatory, safety, and legal requirements across domestic and international markets. Ensure accurate documentation, traceability, and regulatory alignment throughout the product lifecycle.
  • Drive consistency and continuous improvement in BuzzBallz project governance, technical reviews, stage-gate processes, and commercialization workflows. Support initiatives that improve execution efficiency, strengthen NBD rigor, reduce late-stage project risk, and optimize prioritization of high-value innovation opportunities supporting the BuzzBallz Business Unit.

Qualifications/Requirements
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or a related scientific field
  • 15+ years of experience in product development, commercialization, manufacturing, or operations within the distilled spirits, beverage alcohol, food, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry
  • 5+ years of leadership or supervisory experience leading technical teams and cross-functional projects
  • Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong sensory aptitude
Preferred
  • Experience supporting new business development (NBD), commercialization, and production scale-up initiatives
  • Experience with sensory evaluation programs or analytical testing
  • Experience leading innovation within the beverage alcohol or ready-to-drink (RTD) category
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to travel up to 25%
  • Ability to distinguish flavors and aromas through taste and smell
  • Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance

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Culture and Benefits
Sazerac offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401K, paid time off, and more. These benefits may vary depending on location and work type. Learn more about how we support our employees here.
The annual salary range for this role is $128,984.80 - $193,477.20. Final compensation will be based on relevant experience, qualifications, geographic location, and internal pay equity considerations.
Sazerac is committed to equality of opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability or any other legally protected status.
What's Next:
After you apply, a recruiter will review your application and reach out to qualified candidates. Selected candidates will follow our interview process, which may include a phone screen, hiring manager interview, and panel interviews with business leaders. There may be additional steps or assessments throughout the process dependent on the position. Applicants who are not selected to move through the process, at any stage, will be notified via email.

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