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Senior Product Development Scientist Jobs in Michigan

Detailed development of a product or system to meet customer's functional and cost requirements ... The Senior PDE is the main line of technical communication with the customer, Hutchinson sales and ...

Detailed development of a product or system to meet customer's functional and cost requirements ... The Senior PDE is the main line of technical communication with the customer, Hutchinson sales and ...

Detailed development of a product or system to meet customer's functional and cost requirements ... The Senior PDE is the main line of technical communication with the customer, Hutchinson sales and ...

Senior R&D Scientist

Grawn, MI · On-site

$100K - $127K/yr

On-site work Job Id: 54025 Senior R&D Scientist Bel is part of a mission-driven, family-owned ... Essential Duties and Responsibilities Product and Process Development (35%) * Lead development ...

The Product Development Engineer will utilize strong technical and analytical skills to design, develop, and launch new industrial gearbox products and components. Responsibilities: * Applies ...

The Product Development Engineer will utilize strong technical and analytical skills to design, develop, and launch new industrial gearbox products and components. Responsibilities: * Applies ...

Senior Product Owner

Detroit, MI · On-site

$119K - $158K/yr

A Senior Product Owner is pivotal in steering product development teams, translating business ... Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Computer Science, Business, Engineering, or related fields.

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Senior Product Development Scientist information

See Michigan salary details

$33

$46

$58

How much do senior product development scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior product development scientist in Michigan is $46.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.07 and $54.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior product development scientist?

Senior Product Development Scientists are experienced professionals who lead the creation and improvement of new products, often in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, or materials science. They design experiments, analyze data, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure products meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards. Their role involves both scientific research and project management, guiding products from concept through to commercialization. With advanced expertise, they mentor junior scientists and help set strategic direction for product pipelines.

What are some common challenges senior product development scientists face when bringing new products to market?

Senior Product Development Scientists often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative ideas with regulatory compliance, managing tight project timelines, and ensuring cross-functional collaboration between R&D, marketing, and manufacturing teams. Navigating shifting market demands while adhering to strict quality and safety standards can be demanding. Additionally, effectively communicating technical concepts to non-scientific stakeholders is key to securing buy-in and moving projects forward.

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

To thrive as a Senior Product Development Scientist, you need advanced expertise in scientific research, experimental design, and product formulation, usually supported by a Master's or PhD in chemistry, biology, or a related field. Familiarity with analytical instrumentation, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and compliance with industry regulations is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, leadership, and effective cross-functional communication set top performers apart. These skills ensure innovative, compliant, and commercially viable product development in competitive scientific industries.

What is the difference between Senior Product Development Scientist vs Product Development Scientist?

AspectSenior Product Development ScientistProduct Development Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's/PhD in relevant field, experience in product developmentBachelor's/Master's in relevant field, entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, cross-functional teamsResearch labs, product teams, manufacturing support
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, consumer goods, biotech companiesSimilar industries, often in early to mid-stage product development

The main difference between a Senior Product Development Scientist and a Product Development Scientist lies in experience level and responsibilities. Senior roles typically involve leadership, project management, and advanced technical expertise, while Product Development Scientists focus on executing development tasks. Both roles are essential in product innovation within similar industries and work environments.

What does a senior product development scientist do?

A senior product development scientist leads the design, development, and testing of new products or improvements to existing products, often overseeing research activities and collaborating with cross-functional teams. They utilize scientific knowledge, laboratory skills, and project management to ensure products meet quality and regulatory standards, typically working in research and development environments. Strong analytical, communication, and technical skills are essential for success in this role.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Senior Product Development Scientist jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Senior Product Development Scientist job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Product Development Scientist jobs in MI?

For Senior Product Development Scientist jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Senior Product Development Scientist job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,908 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Sr. Product Development Engineer

Daifuku

Grand Rapids, MI

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Daifuku rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

289th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

About Us
Daifuku Intralogistics America Corporation is a leading provider of intelligent material handling systems. With hundreds of engineers in-house, the company designs, manufactures, integrates, and installs a full spectrum of intralogistics solutions to meet client needs. These include leading-edge conveyor and sortation systems, voice- and light-directed order fulfillment equipment, a suite of warehouse controls & execution software, robotics, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS), mezzanines, and structures, all backed by critical round-the-clock service and support.
If you want to join a team of industry leading experts who want to create an impact on the future of material handling solutions, we want to hear from you!

Job Summary

Leads development of new product designs for automated material handling systems. Works on medium and large projects. Leads work teams, oversees the work of others, and mentors less senior team members.


Essential Functions

  • Creates product designs that are manufacturable, scalable, consistent, competive, and desireable to Wynright's customers
  • Performs diverse, specialized and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making
  • Ensures that new products are safe, reliable and easy to maintain
  • Follows engineering standards and uses modeling and simulation tools to prove or disprove designs
  • Partners with the design team, internal customers, manufacturing, quality control, purchasing, and outside vendors to develop new solutions
  • Maintains a progress schedule that meets project milestones
  • Performs on-site testing and verification
  • Travels up to 20%
  • Conceives, develops, engineers, prototypes, tests, and revises products designs
  • Analyzes data to identify trends in usage, cost, performance, and reliability
  • Developes and executes test plans for concepts and prototypes
  • Selects appropriate and cost-effective purchased parts
  • Performs engineering calculations to ensure robust designs, including horsepower, stress, torque, deflection, torsion, overhung load, sortation rate, cycle rate, air consumption, and amperage draw
  • Works with other teams to troubleshoot and resolve development and design issues
  • Participates in new product scope specification
  • Reviews product designs for compliance with engineering principles, company standards, and customer requirements and specifications
  • Leads work teams, oversees the work of other team members, and mentors less-senior team members

Education and Experience Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline, preferably Mechanical, Industrial, or Product Development, or equivalent experience
  • Minimum of 6 years of Material Handling-related experience
  • Experience designing conveyor, sortation, or automation equipment is required
  • Experience designing parts or equipment for volume manufacturing is required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Requirements

  • Experienced with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD and 2D AutoCAD
  • Experienced with MS Office including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Project, Teams, etc.

Benefit Information

  • Many great benefits to include Health/Vision/Dental/401k with match/Pet Insurance
  • FSA/HSA
  • Employee Assistance Program

EOE Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans
Federal Contractor

If you need assistance applying to an open position online, please email HR-ILUS@daifukuna.com



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