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Product Development Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Product Development Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$34.4K

$76.6K

$115.5K

How much do product development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development engineer in Michigan is $76,599.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,800.00 and $87,200.00 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 Michigan? The most popular types of Product Development Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Product Development Engineer jobs in Michigan? For Product Development Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Product Development Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Product Development Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Product Development Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $76,599 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

Sr. Product Development Engineer

The Timken Company

Traverse City, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Timken rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

304th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Your career begins at Cone Drive Operations, a Timken company! Cone Drive is located in beautiful Traverse City, Michigan and boasts 100 years of success in the gearing industry. If you're ready for a challenging career that provides you with the ability to advance personally and professionally, look to Cone Drive. Our associates make the world more productive by improving the efficiency and reliability of the machinery that keeps industry in motion.
The Product Development Engineer will utilize strong technical and analytical skills to design, develop, and launch new industrial gearbox products and components.
Responsibilities:
  • Applies analytical skills, including handbook calculations and finite element analysis (FEA), to design commercial power transmission products, support product application engineering issues, implement engineering changes, and participate in value engineering activities
  • Conducts product ratings calculations including thermal capacity and stress limit load capacity for assemblies and components using approved internal or industry standard tools and methods
  • Develops product rating and selection programmed software solutions
  • Creates, collects, and synthesizes design alternatives to produce innovative solutions that satisfy requirements of product specifications
  • Solicits input from production, manufacturing engineering, and quality assurance throughout the design process to improve products and reduce costs
  • Works with suppliers to develop cost-effective products based on both new part designs and application of commercial power transmission components
  • Employs 3D CAD software to develop creative and accurate solutions for part and assembly designs
  • Applies project management tools (timelines, action plans, design reviews, gate checklists) to lead cross functional teams
  • Assists with product testing and leads efforts to solve design and manufacturing problems
  • Documents intellectual property, produces catalog data, and creates technical support documents

Requirements:
  • Minimum 1-year related experience
  • Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering or related program
  • Experience designing components and assemblies in 3D CAD (Solid Edge or similar)
  • Experience in engineering analysis including use of FEA tools and interpreting data/results
  • Background and interest in computer programming for developing applications and web app tools (C#; .NET; Next.js)

Preferred Experience:
  • Good inter-department project management skills
  • Background in heat transfer
  • Noise and vibration/system dynamics analysis experience
  • Hands-on experience in working with mechanical systems
  • Hands-on experience in working with lab instrumentation

This position may require access to United States export controlled technical data ("CTD") and hardware under the Departments of US State (ITAR) and/or Commerce (EAR). Eligible candidates are; US Citizens, Green Card holders, Asylees or others eligible to receive US export license authorizations. Candidate must be authorized to work in the US.
All qualified applicants shall be treated equally according to their individual qualifications, abilities, experiences and other employment standards. There will be no discrimination due to gender or gender identity, race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran/military status or any other basis protected by applicable law.
Timken is a global technology leader in engineered bearings and industrial motion. Our expanding portfolio of next-generation solutions helps customers around the world improve efficiency, solve their toughest challenges, and push the boundaries of performance. We employ 19,000 people globally, operate from 45 countries, and posted $4.6 billion in sales in 2025.
We have been recognized as one of America's Most Responsible Companies 6x by Newsweek and one of the World's Most Ethical Companies® 15x by Ethisphere.
Why Choose Timken?
  • Over a century of knowledge and innovation
  • A culture of top performance
  • A global, diverse environment
  • Products that contribute to a sustainable world
  • A conviction to improve communities around us
  • Competitive salary and benefits

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About Timken

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Timken Company designs a growing portfolio of engineered bearings and power transmission products that improve the reliability and efficiency of global machinery and equipment to move the world forward. Timken posted $3.8 billion in sales in 2019 and employs more than 17,000 people globally, operating from 42 countries. Why Choose Timken?

Industry

Industrial machinery manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

North Canton, OH, US

Year founded

1899