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Product Development Jobs in Wichita, KS (NOW HIRING)

Senior Manager, Product Management

Wichita, KS · On-site

$113K - $149K/yr

Build business cases for new product development, technology investments, and portfolio expansion opportunities. * Partner with Engineering to ensure roadmap priorities align with customer and ...

The Senior Manager ensures that guest needs, behaviors, and emerging trends directly inform product development and brand experience decisions. This position will have 2 direct reports. This role is ...

You will drive the development of advanced residential HVAC products from concept through production, influencing system architecture, engineering analysis, detailed design, validation, and product ...

Showing results 21-40

Product Development information

See Wichita, KS salary details

$38K

$113.6K

$129.3K

How much do product development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development in Wichita, KS is $113,608.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,400.00 and $127,900.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Product Development jobs in Wichita, KS?

The most popular types of Product Development jobs in Wichita, KS are:

What are popular job titles related to Product Development jobs in Wichita, KS?

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

What job categories do people searching Product Development jobs in Wichita, KS look for?

The top searched job categories for Product Development jobs in Wichita, KS are:

What cities near Wichita, KS are hiring for Product Development jobs?

Cities near Wichita, KS with the most Product Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Product Development job openings in Wichita, KS as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $113,608 per year, or $54.6 per hour.

Spirit Defense - Advanced Product Development & Research Engineering Technical Analyst (Associate or

Wichita, KS • On-site

Spirit AeroSystems
Machinery Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$67K - $103K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago


Spirit AeroSystems rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Overview

This role is at Spirit AeroSystems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, at Spirit's Defense Business Unit ("Spirit Defense"). Spirit Defense is an independent supplier to the defense and space marketplace. Through innovative engineering and rapid prototyping excellence, Spirit Defense provides the capabilities, technologies and support customers need to succeed in their missions.


Responsibilities

Position Responsibilities:

  • Conceives new product configurations, designs, manufacturing processes and advanced technologies for new aerostructures
  • Defines and performs research programs to mature concepts, technologies and processes
  • Understands full life cycle requirements for product development
  • Defines future factory vision, concepts and options
  • Defines engineering requirements and compliance approaches up front
  • Defines test and certification plans
  • Assesses or evaluates product performance and manufacturing cost and viability
  • Performs trade studies for design alternatives
  • Capable of defining necessary resources and development plans
  • Works in concert with key functions to align and advance research plans
  • Progresses concept through initial configuration, prototyping, risk reduction and mature technology readiness
  • Documents and communicates plans and evaluations for future work packages, i.e. bid and proposal
  • High energy, self-starter, with applicable knowledge of composite development techniques and manufacturing processes
  • Develops concepts through the initial configuration, prototyping, risk reduction, verification, and validation and can progress a project through to completion
  • Authors test reports and certification plans
  • Hands-on experience with a variety of carbon fiber reinforced thermoset matrix composite materials manufacturing processes, including hand layup, compression molding, and vacuum bagging

This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at the Wichita, KS, location.


Qualifications

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor's degree in a technical field
  • 2+ years of related technical experience
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance and Special Program Access (for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship)

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Mid-Level (Level 3): 5+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering (preferably from an ABET-accredited engineering program)
  • Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance
  • 3D computer aided modeling and/or 3D printing
  • Experience with composite fabrication, composite materials, tooling related composites, layups and cure cycles
  • Experience with robotics, automation, design, and various programming languages (e.g., C++ & Python)
  • Familiarity with Linux operating system (e.g., Ubuntu)
  • Machining/CNC background
  • Experience utilizing various Microsoft Office Suite applications, such as Office 365 and Microsoft Project, Power Point, Excel, Word, Teams and Visio
  • Experience with aerostructure manufacturing
  • Experience in cross-functional project management
  • Experience with Continuous Improvement, Lean, Industry 4.0, World Class Manufacturing, Future Factory, Production System, etc.
  • Knowledge of engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain
  • Knowledge of operational processes, flow, and procedures
  • Knowledge of financial processes and procedures
  • Knowledge of Robotic Operating System (i.e., ROS and/or ROS2)
  • Research experience
  • Must be a self-starter and able to perform duties with minimum supervision
  • Experience building interpersonal professional relationships
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

Union:

This is a union-represented position.

Drug Free Workplace:

We are a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Pay & Benefits:

We strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

We also provide eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary Pay Range - Associate (Level 2): $67,150 - $103,000

Summary Pay Range - Mid-level (Level 3): $78,100 - $119,700

Kansas Tax Credit:Join Spirit AeroSystems' Kansas team and you may be eligible for a $5,000 state of Kansas Aviation tax credit for up to five years.Click herefor more information on the tax credit.

Security Clearance:

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.


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