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Product Development Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Product Development information

See Iowa salary details

$39.9K

$119.3K

$135.7K

How much do product development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development 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 product development?

Product development is the process of creating new products or enhancing existing products to improve market value. It includes all aspects of research, design, testing, and marketing. Product development takes months or years to implement properly because marketers and analysts watch market trends over time to determine whether a product is satisfying a consumer need or want.

What is product development?

Product development is the process of creating new products or improving existing ones to meet customer needs and business goals. It involves several stages, including idea generation, market research, design, prototyping, testing, and launching the product to the market. Product development often requires cross-functional collaboration between teams like marketing, engineering, design, and manufacturing. The goal is to deliver a product that provides value to customers and stands out in the marketplace.

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

To thrive in Product Development, you need expertise in market research, project management, and product lifecycle understanding, often supported by a degree in engineering, business, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Agile software, prototyping platforms, and product management systems (e.g., Jira, Trello) is typically required. Creativity, strong communication, and cross-functional collaboration are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These competencies ensure the creation of innovative, user-centric products that successfully reach the market and meet business goals.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in product development, and how can they be addressed?

Product Development professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing customer needs with technical feasibility, managing cross-functional team communication, and meeting tight deadlines. Navigating these issues typically involves clear prioritization, regular stakeholder check-ins, and fostering a collaborative environment with engineering, design, and marketing teams. Utilizing agile methodologies and maintaining open feedback channels can also help streamline processes and ensure alignment on project goals.

What is the difference between Product Development vs Product Management?

AspectProduct DevelopmentProduct Management
Primary FocusDesigning, creating, and building productsStrategizing, planning, and overseeing product lifecycle
Required SkillsTechnical skills, engineering, designMarket research, communication, leadership
Work EnvironmentEngineering teams, R&D, technical departmentsCross-functional teams, executive meetings
Common CertificationsEngineering degrees, technical certificationsProduct management certifications (e.g., PMP, Scrum)

Product Development focuses on creating and building products, involving technical and engineering tasks. Product Management involves strategizing, planning, and guiding the product's lifecycle, requiring strong market and leadership skills. While they collaborate closely, their core responsibilities differ: one builds, the other manages the product's success.

More about Product Development 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 jobs in Iowa?

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

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Product Development jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Product Development job openings:

Product Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Product Development job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,275 per year, or $57.3 per hour.

Product Development Engineer

Life Line Emergency Vehicles

Sumner, IA • On-site

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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