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Product Development Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Product Development Lead

Washington, DC · On-site

$130K - $220K/yr

As Product Development Lead, you will assist the U.S. Navy with developing and implementing a strategy spanning system acquisition, modernization, and development to field and sustain integrated ...

As Product Development Lead, you will assist the U.S. Navy with developing and implementing a strategy spanning system acquisition, modernization, and development to field and sustain integrated ...

Product Development Lead

Austin, TX · On-site

$114K - $142K/yr

Coordinate with Product Development Manager, Sourcing Team and Materials & Product Integrity Team on vendor placement based on development capabilities, sample lead times, and development capacity.

The Lead Consultant independently conducts market and performance analysis, develops strategic ... Required 7+ Years Experience in healthcare product development, Medicare product management, or ...

New Product Development Lead

$117K - $146K/yr

Join us in shaping the future of healthcare. Job Summary The New Product Development Lead is one of the most important individual-contributor hires we'll make this year. This is a 0-to-1 role. Given ...

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Product Development Lead information

See salary details

$42.5K

$127K

$144.5K

How much do product development lead jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development lead in the United States is $126,987.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,500.00 and $143,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a product development lead do?

A Product Development Lead oversees the creation and improvement of products from concept to launch. They coordinate cross-functional teams, manage timelines, ensure product requirements are met, and align development efforts with business goals. This role requires strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of market trends and customer needs. The Product Development Lead is also responsible for communicating progress to stakeholders and adapting strategies based on feedback and results.

How does a product development lead typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a product lifecycle?

A Product Development Lead works closely with cross-functional teams such as engineering, design, marketing, and sales throughout the product lifecycle. They facilitate communication between stakeholders to ensure project alignment, prioritize features based on customer needs, and help resolve any roadblocks that arise. Regular meetings and agile ceremonies are common, allowing the Lead to coordinate timelines, gather feedback, and ensure that each department’s contributions are integrated effectively into the final product. This collaborative approach ensures that products are delivered on time, meet market demands, and support the organization's strategic goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a product development lead, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Product Development Lead, you need expertise in product lifecycle management, market research, and cross-functional leadership, often backed by a degree in engineering, business, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Agile project management software, prototyping platforms, and data analytics systems is typically required. Outstanding communication, creative problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills make candidates stand out in this role. These competencies ensure products meet market needs, are delivered on time, and foster collaboration among diverse teams for successful innovation.

What is the difference between Product Development Lead vs Product Manager?

AspectProduct Development LeadProduct Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees product development teams, manages technical aspects, ensures product feasibilityDefines product vision, gathers requirements, prioritizes features, and aligns with business goals
Required SkillsTechnical expertise, project management, leadershipMarket research, strategic planning, stakeholder communication
Work EnvironmentCollaborates closely with engineering and design teamsWorks with marketing, sales, and executive teams
Common UsageUsed in tech and engineering-driven companiesCommon across various industries including tech, retail, and services

The Product Development Lead focuses on managing technical teams and ensuring the successful development of products, often with a hands-on technical role. In contrast, the Product Manager concentrates on defining product strategy, market fit, and stakeholder communication. Both roles are essential in product lifecycle management but differ in scope and focus.

What states have the most Product Development Lead jobs?

States with the most job openings for Product Development Lead jobs include:

Infographic showing various Product Development Lead job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,987 per year, or $61.1 per hour.

Product Development Lead

VTG

Washington, DC • On-site

$130K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview
VTG is seeking a Product Development Lead in Washington, DC, to support our Navy customer.
What will you do?
As Product Development Lead, you will assist the U.S. Navy with developing and implementing a strategy spanning system acquisition, modernization, and development to field and sustain integrated surface ship combat system capability. Responsibilities will include coordinating research and development efforts of advanced and enabling technologies; contributing to planning and developmental tests of various product lines; participating in program and technical reviews; reviewing and ensuring the validity of requirements, specifications and engineering change documents generated during the development process.
Do you have what it takes?
  • Bachelor's degree in any technical-related field or engineering field and 15 years professional experience related to U.S. Navy or Department of War (DoW) systems development and integration, or
  • Master's degree in a relevant field and ten years of relevant experience.
  • Excellent communication and briefing skills
  • Expertise in strategic planning, coordination, logistics and familiarity with senior and flag level support, including new program initiatives.
  • Familiarity with DoW/DON Policies and Procedures related to systems engineering, software development and software management, verification and validation, test and evaluation and Navy combat systems.
  • Knowledgeable with Product Development and Strategic Budget Manager functions.
  • Must have and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Preferred Skills:
  • Foreign Military Sales (FMS) familiarity
  • Knowledge of various Combat System Elements.
  • Surface Navy operational experience a plus

*Position contingent upon contract award*
VTG's estimated starting pay range is $130,000-$220,000 which is a general guideline for the geographic location. When extending an offer, VTG also considers work experience, education, skill level, market considerations and may possibly include contractual requirements which may cause an offer to fall outside of this range.