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Product Development Engineer Jobs in Akron, OH (NOW HIRING)

Product Engineer

Alliance, OH · On-site

$102K - $110K/yr

The Product Engineer is responsible for leading the technical development, optimization, and lifecycle management of metal products and processing solutions. This role serves as the primary ...

Product Development & Engineering * Lead the design, development, and implementation of new products and value-added processing solutions. * Evaluate customer specifications, drawings, and technical ...

The Product Engineer is responsible for leading the technical development, optimization, and lifecycle management of metal products and processing solutions. This role serves as the primary ...

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Product Development Engineer information

See Akron, OH salary details

$37.8K

$84.1K

$126.8K

How much do product development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development engineer in Akron, OH is $84,078.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,900.00 and $95,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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 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 job categories do people searching Product Development Engineer jobs in Akron, OH look for?

The top searched job categories for Product Development Engineer jobs in Akron, OH are:

What cities near Akron, OH are hiring for Product Development Engineer jobs?

Cities near Akron, OH with the most Product Development Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Product Development Engineer job openings in Akron, OH as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,078 per year, or $40.4 per hour.

Senior Product Development Engineer

Default

Bedford, OH • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Description:

Summary: The Senior Product Development Engineer leads the design, development, and improvement of products from concept through production. This role is responsible for applying advanced engineering principles to create innovative, reliable, and cost-effective products while ensuring compliance with technical specifications, regulatory requirements, and quality standards. This role will drive the discovery and investigation of new markets through communication with people from a variety of industries. The Senior Product Development Engineer collaborates cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, sales, quality, and supply chain teams to deliver products that meet customer and business objectives.

Duties And Responsibilities:

· Lead the design and development of new products, components, and systems from concept, prototype, and testing through production release.

· Develop engineering specifications, product requirements, and detailed design documentation.

· Conduct in-depth customer interviews to gather insights on product performance, usability, and unmet needs, translating feedback into actionable design improvements and new product development opportunities.

· Collect, compile, and analyze data from field testing to evaluate product performance in real-world conditions, identify improvement opportunities, and inform design refinements and development decisions.

· Perform engineering analysis, FEA simulations, and calculations to validate design performance, safety, and reliability.

· Create and review 3D models, technical drawings, and product documentation using CAD tools.

· Coordinate prototype development, product testing, and validation activities.

· Conduct design reviews and implement design improvements to enhance product functionality, manufacturability, and cost efficiency.

· Collaborate with manufacturing and quality teams to support product launches and resolve production issues.

· Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and company quality procedures.

· Manage engineering changes, risk assessments, and product lifecycle activities.

· Mentor other engineers and provide technical leadership within product development projects.

· Support continuous improvement initiatives and innovation efforts within the organization.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills/Knowledge/Experience/Education Required:

· Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

· Typically, 7–10+ years of experience in product development, engineering design, or related roles.

· Strong knowledge of product development processes, including concept design, prototyping, testing, and production.

· Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, or similar design platforms.

· Experience with engineering analysis, testing methodologies, and design validation.

· Experience with simulation tools such as FEA.

· Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering projects.

· Familiarity with industry-specific standards and regulatory requirements.

· Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability (DFM) principles.

· Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.

· Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Work Environment:

· Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as required.

· Noise levels may vary from low to high depending on the work area.

· Work is performed in a well-lit, heated indoor office connected to the shop floor with adequate ventilation.

· Potential exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes, and airborne particles.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability and physical demands required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements: