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Product Development Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Cohu

Product Development Intern

Saint Paul, MN

Product Development Intern - Lab Testing (Lifecycle / Reliability) Summary: Cohu is seeking a hands ... Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science ...

Cohu

Product Development Intern

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

Product Development Intern - Lab Testing (Lifecycle / Reliability) Summary: Cohu is seeking a hands ... Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science ...

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All JobsProduct Development Engineer JobsProduct Development Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

Product Development Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$38.7K

$86.1K

$129.8K

How much do product development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development engineer in Minnesota is $86,075.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,500.00 and $97,900.00 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 jobs can DT get you?

A Product Development Engineer can qualify for roles such as product manager, design engineer, manufacturing engineer, or quality engineer, depending on their skills and experience. These positions often involve working with cross-functional teams, using CAD software, and understanding product lifecycle processes. Certifications like PMP or Six Sigma can enhance career prospects in related fields.

What do product development engineers do?

Product development engineers design, develop, and test new products or improve existing ones, often working with cross-functional teams to ensure functionality, manufacturability, and quality. They use tools like CAD software and may require knowledge of materials, engineering principles, and project management to bring products from concept to production.

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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn $500,000 or more annually. High compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, especially in leadership roles or high-demand industries.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial or executive positions, or possessing rare technical expertise and certifications.

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.

More about Product Development Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Product Development Engineer jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Product Development Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:
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What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Product Development Engineer jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Product Development Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Product Development Engineer jobs in MN? For Product Development Engineer jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Product Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Product Development Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,075 per year, or $41.4 per hour.
Product Development Engineer - Thermoforming

Product Development Engineer - Thermoforming

Amcor plc

Deerfield, MN • On-site

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Role Summary: As a member of AFNA's R&D team, you will support new product launches for thermoformed products across the MPS, GCI, Liquid & Dairy business segments. The purpose of this role is to manage new product introductions from the idea/prototype phase through production tool commercialization. This role works closely with account managers, marketing, product management, external design engineers, external tool engineers & mold shops, process engineers, production team members, and quality in the early phases of product development. This role is customer-facing, providing direct support to the commercial team. This role is accountable for delivering new thermoforming development projects, monitor progress, communicate internally and externally regarding key deliverables, and proactively address issues.

What you will do:

  • Demonstrate Amcor's values of Safety, Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability and Results & Outperformance in your work.
  • Conduct design reviews where you will identify and translate abstract customer needs into defined CTQ's and provide input on part features to improve the manufacturability of the parts.
  • Lead new commercial tool introductions and oversee the process from start to finish on schedule through a stage gate process.
  • Lead process development of the thermoforming operation through parameter optimization, DOE experiments, and trials that will lead to a robust and repeatable process for new product tools at both Amcor & co-manufacturing sites.
  • Select vendors to fabricate the tooling and sign-off for acceptance of tooling.
  • Work closely with production and quality on initial tool debugging, followed by process validation and establishing the optimal forming/trimming window and setting processing specifications.
  • Work closely with engineering, sales, quality, and operations to ensure parts meet customer specifications.
  • Provide expertise and recommendations on manufacturing equipment needed to support the current business and enable capability for future growth.
  • Originate innovative ideas to support the R&D product innovation and technology strategy.
  • Manage competing priorities while working on customer specific projects, platforms initiated by Amcor, cost take-out (CTO) initiatives and long-term product and process innovations.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field is preferred.
  • Thermoforming, part design and/or mold-making experience is preferred.
  • 5+ years of industry experience in plastics manufacturing & processing (i.e., extrusion, thermoforming, and tooling).
  • Strong problem-solving, critical thinking skills & attention to detail.
  • 30-50% travel - mostly domestic - to customer, Amcor & co-manufacturing sites.
  • Experience working in a manufacturing environment with proven results leading capital projects working with OEMs and suppliers

Apply