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Product Development Engineering Jobs in Colorado

Hach

R&D Verification Engineer II

Loveland, CO · On-site

$139K/yr

This role sits within the Product Development Engineering team, where engineering decisions directly influence usability, reliability, and the overall customer experience. Working as part of a ...

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Product Development Engineering information

What is the difference between Product Development Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectProduct Development EngineeringMechanical Engineering
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, often with specialization in product design or developmentBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departments, cross-functional teamsManufacturing plants, design offices, research labs
Industry UsageProduct companies, tech firms, consumer electronicsAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing
Common Search/ComparisonFocuses on product design, prototyping, and development processesFocuses on mechanical systems, thermodynamics, and materials

Product Development Engineering and Mechanical Engineering share foundational engineering principles, but differ in focus. Product Development Engineers concentrate on designing and bringing new products to market, often working closely with marketing and manufacturing teams. Mechanical Engineers may work on designing mechanical systems or components, often within manufacturing or industrial settings. Both roles require strong technical skills, but their daily tasks and industry applications vary.

What is Product Development Engineering?

Product Development Engineering is a field focused on designing, developing, and bringing new products to market. It involves a combination of engineering principles, creativity, and project management to turn ideas into viable products. Product Development Engineers work closely with cross-functional teams, including design, manufacturing, and marketing, to ensure that products meet customer needs and quality standards. Their work often includes prototyping, testing, and refining products throughout the development cycle.

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 strong 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 industry standards or certifications such as Six Sigma are highly valuable. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication help you collaborate across teams and drive innovation. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing high-quality products that meet market needs, technical specifications, and project timelines.

How does a Product Development Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product lifecycle?

Product Development Engineers frequently work alongside teams such as design, manufacturing, marketing, and quality assurance to bring new products from concept to launch. Collaboration often involves participating in regular meetings, sharing technical insights, and ensuring that design specifications align with manufacturability and market requirements. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are vital, as the role requires balancing diverse inputs and troubleshooting issues that arise in each development phase. This collaborative environment ensures that products meet both technical standards and customer expectations.
What are popular job titles related to Product Development Engineering jobs in Colorado? For Product Development Engineering jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Product Development Engineering jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Product Development Engineering jobs in Colorado are:
Product Development Engineering jobs near you
Director, New Product Development

Director, New Product Development

Ursa Major

Fort Collins, CO

$190K - $238K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

The future of aerospace and defense starts here.


Ursa Major was founded to revolutionize how America and its allies access and apply high-performance propulsion, from hypersonics to solid rocket motors, satellite maneuvering and launch. We design and deliver propulsion and defense systems that solve the most urgent and critical national security demands.

Our products and technologies require an extraordinary team. A team that will mold tomorrow's technologies while deploying today's best. We are an intrinsically motivated team that has a passion for solving problems and empowering each other every day to develop our skills, knowing that there is always room for growth.

As the Director, New Product Development, you are responsible for driving the maturation of new technologies into production-ready solid rocket motor (SRM) products. In this role, you will define the front end of product development: shaping architectures, sizing systems, and ensuring new ideas align with customer needs and mission requirements. The Director leads technology development programs, manages early customer engagement, and balances innovation with executable product strategies. By bridging research and productization, this leader ensures that investments in new technologies translate into fielded capabilities that scale across programs.

Responsibilities:

  • Technology Development Leadership – Direct the research and maturation of emerging SRM technologies into viable products. Prioritize and manage investments in new materials, processes, and architectures. Track progress of TRL including investment milestones and projected maturity over time.
  • Customer Engagement & Concept Shaping – Partner with customers at the front end of programs to understand requirements, define feasible solutions, and ensure alignment between technology development and mission needs.
  • Systems-Level Optimization – Lead system-level studies including propulsion sizing, performance trades, and mission analysis on early concepts. Ensure early designs balance performance, cost, manufacturability, and integration.
  • New Product Introduction – Establish processes that transition technologies from concept to early hardware demonstration and eventual production readiness. Ensure seamless handoff to Chief Engineer and design/development teams.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration – Partner with Business Development, Government Relations, Chief Engineer, Systems & Analysis, and Design/Development teams to align technology investments with long-term enterprise strategy.
  • Bookings ownership – setting priority and reporting on monthly/quarterly projections/actuals
  • Manage proposal execution – Manage team that executes gate reviews, writing proposals, architecting proposal solutions, cost estimating, and writing whitepapers.
  • New supplier/partner/consultant engagement – Contribute to finding and nurturing key external relationships to support pursuing new business opportunities.
  • Drive market alignment – Identify key requirements, trends and emerging markets to identify opportunities/risks and align products/roadmaps to drive business growth.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Business, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
  • 15+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, R&D or a related field, with a focus on solid rocket motors.
  • Proven experience leading early-phase technology programs and transitioning them to productization
  • Strong technical aptitude in a related field with the ability to engage with engineering and technical teams.
  • Demonstrated ability to interface directly with customers and translate mission needs into technical solutions
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to influence and inspire a diverse team.
  • Experience managing budgets and overseeing P&L for a department

Preferred Experience:

  • Master's degree or PhD in aerospace engineering or related field
  • Direct leadership of government or defense-funded technology maturation programs
  • Experience with SRM subsystems (cases, nozzles, insulation, grain design) and new materials/processes
  • Familiarity with digital engineering, modeling & simulation, and rapid prototyping methods
  • Track record of building and mentoring multidisciplinary R&D teams

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $190,000 - $238,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. What we can't quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy.

Classification: Full-time Exempt

Benefits Include: (Please note, Interns are not eligible for benefits)

  • Unlimited PTO - Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Bereavement
  • Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Tax Advantage Accounts (HSA/FSA)
  • Employer Paid Short and Long Term Disability, Basic Life, AD&D
  • Additional Benefit Options Including Voluntary Life and Emergency Medical Transport
  • EAP Program
  • Retirement Savings Plan - 401k with Company Match
  • Equity Grants in the Company

How To Apply:
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by filling out the application below and clicking "Submit Application". This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 days and will remain open until filled or adjusted based on the volume of applicants.

NOTE: Research suggests that women and BIPOC individuals may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who believes they have the skills and the drive necessary to succeed here to apply for this role.
US CITIZENSHIP, PERMANENT RESIDENCY, REFUGEE OR ASYLUM STATUS IS REQUIRED.
Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
We're an equal-opportunity employer. You will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
No outside recruiters, please.