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Product Development Engineer Jobs in Wheeling, IL

... as a Packaging Engineer after graduation. Examples of Projects: * New product development; concept/prototype work. * Cost savings initiatives; Optimization, quality improvements, material ...

Engineer II, DEV

Barrington, IL ยท On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

What You'll Do Product Design & Development * Develop and engineer disposable medical devices from concept through commercialization. * Design catheter-based delivery systems and other disposable ...

Manager, R&D - Product Dev

Glenview, IL ยท On-site

$112K - $141K/yr

... product developers supporting a broad portfolio of initiatives. This role is responsible for translating business needs into practical development plans, driving technical execution, and ensuring ...

Manager, R&D - Product Dev

Glenview, IL ยท On-site

$112K - $141K/yr

Bachelor's degree required in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field, plus a minimum of 6 years of product development experience within CPG, food and ...

Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, Engineering, or Computer Science * 10+ years of experience managing products, product development, and managing products within financial services

Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, Engineering, or Computer Science * 10+ years of experience managing products, product development, and managing products within financial services

Showing results 41-60

Product Development Engineer information

See Wheeling, IL salary details

$40.9K

$91K

$137.2K

How much do product development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development engineer in Wheeling, IL is $90,993.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $103,500.00 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 cities near Wheeling, IL are hiring for Product Development Engineer jobs?

Cities near Wheeling, IL with the most Product Development Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Product Development Engineer job openings in Wheeling, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,993 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Product Development Intern

Winlandfoods

Oak Brook, IL โ€ข Hybrid

$27.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Winland Foods, Inc., based in Oak Brook, IL, is a global manufacturer of private label and branded foods for retail and co-pack customers. We use only the finest ingredients and ensure every product we make meets the highest standards of taste, quality and accessibility. Across all our food categories, we offer customers a range of premium and value solutions to meet the evolving needs of the consumers. We work closely with our customers to offer consumer-loved brands and custom private label products, and also create new innovative products. We specialize in pasta, sauces, syrups, dressings, jams and jellies, pie fillings, pita chips, dry dinners, dry baking ingredients, and more. We are proud to share we have manufacturing facilities across the United States, Canada, and Italy.

Employee Type:

Full time

Location:

IL Oak Brook

Job Type:

Administration

Job Posting Title:

Product Development Intern

Job Description:

Schedule: (Hybrid) Monday and Friday are remote, while Tuesday-Thursday are in office
Work Location: 2015 Spring Road Suite 400, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Salary: $27.50 per hour, with an additional one-time lump sum payment to support expenses
Duration: May to August 2027 - Summer Internship

Job Summary:

As an Intern/Coop in Research, Development & Innovation, you will have the unique opportunity to apply Food science principles to meet project objectives.Our team has deep technical expertise across a variety of packaging formats.You can expect a combination of:

  • Stimulating projects

  • Exposure to industry experts

  • On-the-job learning alongside experienced professionals

  • Continuous development opportunities, and much more

As an intern/coop, you will work independently and as part of various teams, working toward goals on project assignments with guidance provided as needed with the intent of offering opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills to prepare the intern/coop for a career as a Packaging Engineer after graduation.

Examples of Projects:

  • New product development; concept/prototype work.

  • Cost savings initiatives; Optimization, quality improvements, material substitutions.

  • Product renovation which involves modifying existing product attributes to address operational issues or customer needs.

  • Ingredient exploration in testing out new options that could improve product performance or improved functionality.

In addition to hands-on experience in Finance, this position will provide the intern with:

  • Skills in project leadership, project management, time management and organizational skills

  • Understanding the function of ingredients within a formula

  • Exposure to manufacturing equipment in understanding the impact of process conditions and controls.

  • Presentation skills as you present your findings to the cross functional team and R&D Leadership Team

  • Experience in team collaboration as you work with a cross-functional team on delivering project objectives. This includes building skills in assessing how each role impacts the commercialization of a product and influencing and negotiating to align the team.

EEO Statement:

Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool, and as a global company we believe our success is enhanced by fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.