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Product Development Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Eaton

Business Development Manager

Davenport, IA · On-site

$113K - $165K/yr

The successful candidate will be equally at home with complex marketing formulas, public and customer relations, team building, strategic planning, and product development. • Manage the business ...

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Product Development Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$39.9K

$119.3K

$135.7K

How much do product development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development manager in Iowa is $119,275.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $134,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a product development manager?

A Product Development Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the process of creating new products or improving existing ones within a company. They coordinate cross-functional teams, manage timelines, and ensure that products meet market needs and business objectives. Their role often includes market research, product design, testing, and working closely with marketing, engineering, and sales teams to bring products to market successfully.

What does a product development manager do?

A product development manager helps a company design new goods and merchandise to increase sales and revenue. As a product development manager, you collaborate with market research and product marketing managers to form development and marketing strategy around new product ideas. You also work with teams in the product development and marketing departments to implement strategies and design new goods or services. You oversee quality assurance testing to ensure that the end user is satisfied with the products your company creates.

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

To thrive as a Product Development Manager, you need expertise in project management, market analysis, and product lifecycle strategies, usually supported by a degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Agile methodologies, product management software (e.g., Jira, Trello), and certifications such as PMP or Scrum Master are highly beneficial. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you motivate teams and navigate cross-functional collaboration. These competencies are crucial for driving innovation, meeting market demands, and ensuring successful product launches.

What are some common challenges a product development manager might face when balancing stakeholder expectations and project timelines?

A Product Development Manager often navigates the challenge of balancing diverse stakeholder expectations with realistic project timelines. Stakeholders, such as marketing, sales, and engineering teams, may have differing priorities or urgency, which can lead to conflicting demands. Effective communication, setting clear project milestones, and regularly updating all parties are essential strategies. Additionally, managing scope creep and ensuring alignment on product vision help prevent delays and maintain focus on deliverables.

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

AspectProduct Development ManagerProduct Manager
Primary FocusOversees the development process, managing teams and technical aspectsDefines product vision, strategy, and manages the product lifecycle
Required SkillsTechnical knowledge, project management, team leadershipMarket research, user experience, strategic planning
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with engineering, design, and production teamsWorks closely with marketing, sales, and customer feedback

While both roles are integral to product success, the Product Development Manager primarily focuses on managing the development process and technical teams, whereas the Product Manager concentrates on defining the product vision and strategy. Understanding these distinctions helps organizations assign the right responsibilities and professionals to each role.

Is product development manager a 9-5 job?

Product development managers often work standard business hours, but their schedule can extend beyond 9-5 depending on project deadlines, meetings, and company needs. They may need to be flexible, especially during product launches or critical phases, and often collaborate with cross-functional teams across different time zones.
More about Product Development Manager jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Product Development jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Product Development jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Product Development Manager jobs in Iowa?

For Product Development Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Product Development Manager jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Product Development Manager jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Product Development Manager jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Product Development Manager job openings:

Product Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Product Development Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,275 per year, or $57.3 per hour.

Product Development Engineer

Sumner, IA • On-site

Life Line Emergency Vehicles
Public Safety Statistics Centers and Offices • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Life Line Emergency Vehiclesexternal

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Join the Team That Builds Life-Saving Vehicles

Why Life Line?

At Life Line, you won’t just build parts — you’ll help build ambulances that save lives every day. When you join our team, you become part of something bigger. We foster a supportive, team-oriented environment where your skills grow, your hard work is valued, and your contributions truly make a difference.

Position Summary

We are seeking a New Product Development Engineer to join our engineering team and support the design, development, and continuous improvement of our ambulance and emergency vehicle products, including custom ambulance builds. Reporting to the Director of New Product Development, this role takes new vehicle concepts, standard product features, and customer-driven custom configurations from initial concept through prototyping, testing, and full production release — ensuring all designs meet the highest standards of safety, durability, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities 

  • Design and develop new ambulance modules, patient compartments, chassis integrations, and related subsystems from concept through production
  • Support the Director of New Product Development in executing the product roadmap and translating strategic priorities into engineering deliverables
  • Develop engineering solutions for custom ambulance builds, working directly with sales and customers to translate unique specifications and requests into manufacturable designs
  • Create detailed engineering drawings, 3D models, and BOMs using CAD software (AutoCAD, Inventor, or similar)
  • Develop and execute prototypes, conduct testing, and validate designs against performance, safety, and durability requirements
  • Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards (e.g., KKK-A-1822, NFPA 1900, GVS/GSA specifications, CAAS, or applicable regional/national standards)
  • Collaborate with manufacturing, production, and quality teams to ensure both standard and custom designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and meet production timelines
  • Work with suppliers and vendors to source components, evaluate materials, and manage engineering changes
  • Support root-cause analysis and corrective action for field issues, warranty claims, and quality concerns
  • Manage engineering documentation, change orders, and revision control throughout the product lifecycle for both standard and custom builds
  • Partner with sales and customer teams to scope custom orders, provide engineering feasibility input, and set realistic delivery expectations
  • Stay current on emerging technologies, materials, and regulatory changes affecting emergency vehicle design
  • Support cost reduction initiatives and continuous improvement efforts across existing product lines

Skills and Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field
  • 3+ years of experience in product development or design engineering, ideally in automotive, truck body, specialty vehicle, or heavy equipment manufacturing
  • Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD, Inventor, or equivalent)
  • Working knowledge of vehicle electrical systems, structural design, and/or fabrication methods (sheet metal, composites, welding)
  • Comfort working on both structured new-product programs and fast-turnaround, customer-specific custom builds
  • Familiarity with relevant regulatory and industry standards (FMVSS, KKK-A-1822, NFPA, or similar) is a strong plus
  • Experience with DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and DFA (Design for Assembly) principles
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work cross-functionally with production, quality, and sales teams
  • Excellent communication and documentation skills; comfortable presenting design updates to leadership, including the Director of New Product Development

Preferred Experience

  • Experience specifically in ambulance, fire apparatus, or emergency/specialty vehicle manufacturing
  • Prior experience supporting custom or made-to-order vehicle builds
  • Knowledge of GVWR/weight distribution analysis for upfit vehicles
  • Experience with FEA (Finite Element Analysis) or other simulation tools
  • Familiarity with electrical/12V-24V systems, lighting, and communication equipment used in emergency vehicles

Contingencies of Employment

  • Successful completion of a background check, pre-employment drug screen and physical examination.
  • Successful completion of a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check, if applicable to the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Life Line Emergency Vehicles (LLEV) is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace where all employees and applicants are valued, respected, and supported.

LLEV does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Work Authorization

Life Line Emergency Vehicles does not offer employment sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.


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