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Product Development Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Design and develop glass products with a focus on the Cut, Break, and Grind (CBG) process. * Support glass development projects, assist program managers/project leaders in meeting project milestones ...

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Product Development information

See Kentucky salary details

$36.9K

$110.3K

$125.5K

How much do product development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development in Kentucky is $110,292.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,400.00 and $124,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the job of product development?

Product development involves designing, creating, and improving products to meet market needs. It includes tasks such as research, prototyping, testing, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring a product from concept to launch. Skills in project management, market analysis, and technical knowledge are often essential in this role.

How much money does a product developer make?

Product developers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those in specialized fields can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with benefits and bonuses.

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 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.

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 jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In product development, senior roles such as Director of Product Management, Vice President of Product, or Chief Product Officer often earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, leadership responsibilities, and in large organizations. These positions typically require strong strategic skills, industry knowledge, and often a background in engineering, business, or related fields. Compensation can also include bonuses, stock options, and other incentives.

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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In product development, high-paying roles such as freelance consultants, project managers, or specialized technical contractors can earn around $4,000 weekly without a formal degree, often relying on experience, skills, and industry certifications. These positions typically require strong expertise, a portfolio of work, and the ability to work independently or on contract basis.

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 most commonly searched types of Product Development jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Product Development jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Product Development jobs in Kentucky? For Product Development jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Product Development jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Product Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Product Development job openings in Kentucky as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,292 per year, or $53 per hour.
Product Development Engineer

Product Development Engineer

Keystone & Golden, Inc.

Lexington, KY โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop and optimize product formulations, flavor systems, and ingredient delivery platforms.

  • Lead technical transfer of formulations to manufacturing partners and support pilot runs, scale-up activities, and commercial production trials.

  • Design and execute sensory evaluations focused on taste, texture, mouthfeel, and overall product experience.


Job description

About the Company

Our client is a rapidly growing, investor-backed consumer wellness company that has quickly established itself as a category leader in functional oral pouch products. The company is pioneering innovative performance-focused products that deliver functional benefits through a convenient oral delivery format and is experiencing significant growth as the category continues to expand.

This is an opportunity to join a highly entrepreneurial organization during a pivotal stage of growth and play a key role in developing next-generation products from concept through commercialization.

Position Summary

The Product Development Engineer will be a core member of the company's R&D team, responsible for the full product development lifecycleโ€”from bench formulation and ingredient evaluation through scale-up, manufacturing transfer, and commercial launch.

This role combines formulation science, process development, sensory evaluation, and technical commercialization. The successful candidate will work closely with contract manufacturers, suppliers, quality, and operations teams to bring innovative products to market.

The ideal candidate is hands-on, technically strong, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment where creativity, problem-solving, and execution are equally important.

Key Responsibilities

Formulation Development

  • Develop and optimize formulations, flavor systems, and active ingredient delivery platforms.

  • Evaluate ingredients and excipients for functionality, stability, performance, and regulatory compliance.

  • Optimize product characteristics including pH, water activity, dissolution, and sensory performance.

  • Maintain detailed development records, batch documentation, and formulation specifications.

Ingredient & Supplier Evaluation

  • Source and evaluate new ingredients, flavors, excipients, and functional actives.

  • Review supplier documentation including COAs, SDSs, and technical specifications.

  • Assess ingredient quality, performance, and regulatory status.

  • Support qualification of new suppliers and raw materials.

Commercialization & Scale-Up

  • Lead technical transfer of formulations to manufacturing partners.

  • Develop manufacturing instructions, product specifications, and critical quality attributes.

  • Support pilot runs, scale-up activities, and commercial production trials.

  • Troubleshoot manufacturing challenges and drive resolution during commercialization.

  • Serve as a primary technical liaison with contract manufacturing partners.

Sensory & Product Performance

  • Design and execute sensory evaluations focused on taste, texture, mouthfeel, and overall product experience.

  • Analyze sensory data and identify opportunities for product improvement.

  • Translate consumer and panel feedback into formulation enhancements.

Quality & Regulatory Support

  • Assist with development of product specifications and testing protocols.

  • Support compliance with dietary supplement GMP requirements and internal quality standards.

  • Ensure development documentation supports successful commercialization and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Food Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific discipline.

  • 2+ years of hands-on formulation experience in oral pouch products or related oral delivery systems.

  • Experience supporting product scale-up and manufacturing transfer.

  • Strong technical writing and documentation skills.

  • Experience operating laboratory and analytical equipment independently.

  • Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.

Preferred

  • Experience with oral delivery technologies such as pouches, buccal, sublingual, lozenges, or dietary supplement delivery systems.

  • Sensory science or structured sensory panel experience.

  • Working knowledge of dietary supplement regulations and 21 CFR Part 111.

  • Experience with dissolution testing, release testing, or bioavailability-focused product development.

  • Experience working with contract manufacturers in a regulated environment.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

  • Join a category-leading, high-growth wellness company.

  • Work directly on innovative products from concept to launch.

  • Significant exposure to formulation, commercialization, manufacturing, and product strategy.

  • Highly entrepreneurial environment with direct impact on product success.

  • Opportunity to help shape the future of an emerging consumer health category.