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Product Development Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Refrigeration R&D Engineer Job Summary: The Refrigeration R&D Engineer is responsible for the ... Duties/Responsibilities: · Analyze consumer insights, product performance data, and competitive ...

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 · On-site

$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 ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Hopkinsville, KY · On-site

$76K - $103K/yr

Support new product development from concept and prototype through testing and production launch ... Create and maintain engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.

New

Mechanical Design Engineer

Hopkinsville, KY · On-site

$76K - $103K/yr

Support new product development from concept and prototype through testing and production launch ... Create and maintain engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.

New

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 Technician

Gates

Elizabethtown, KY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Gates Corporation rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

366th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

What to Expect
As an innovation leader, we look for ambitious, forward thinking, open-minded and well-rounded individuals to join our global team. Located in our Elizabethtown, KY plant, you will be a Product Development Technician.
Key Responsibilities
  • Schedule and follow prototypes and customer samples through production
  • Manufacture samples on production and developmental equipment per engineering specifications
  • Support commercialization activities by coordinating schedules, following trials, documenting, summarizing and reporting data from the trials
  • Work closely with engineers, technicians, and manufacturing operators to support continuous improvement and quality activities in production
  • Maintains Instron Lab and historical records
  • Tests materials and products in a laboratory environment consistent with engineering specifications
  • Perform routine analyses and calculations
  • Provide data in various formats per engineer's requests
  • Prioritize tasks to meet goals and deadlines

About You
  • High school degree is required; 2 yr technical degree is preferred
  • Instron testing and certification preferred
  • Minimum of 3 years of manufacturing experience
    • Experience in laboratory environment strongly preferred
  • Good interpersonal oral and written skills
  • Ability to read, write, and communicate fluently in English
  • Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office tools (Word, Outlook, Excel, etc.)
  • Experience with manufacturing and/or laboratory work
  • Ability to perform mathematical calculations
  • Use of mechanical testing equipment, hand tools, thermocouples, and microscopes
  • Problem solving skills
  • Good planning, time management, and organizational skills
  • A preference to hands on work style
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.

PAY & BENEFITS
  1. Full-Time
  2. Relocation is not provided
  3. Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire
  4. Eligible for 3 weeks of paid vacation + 11 holidays (9 scheduled & 2 floating) + 8 sick days. All vacation days are accrued
  5. 401(k): 3% company contribution and additional 3% company match
  6. Tuition Reimbursement

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