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Sr Product Development Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Tg Missouri Corporation

Senior Product Engineer

Troy, MI · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Support design development from initial concept through SOP. Attend customer build events and root cause issues. * Negotiate with customers on product design, styling and engineering requirements ...

General Motors

Senior Product Manager

Warren, MI · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

Bachelor's degree in Business, Information Technology, Data Science, Marketing, Engineering, or a ... Proven ability to align product development with broader business strategies, executive priorities ...

LG Electronics

Sr. Development Engineer

Troy, MI · On-site

... industry. Sr. Development Engineer This role requires technical experiences related to building ... product and Development experiences. This role needs to be comfortable working with the ...

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All JobsSr Product Development Engineer JobsSr Product Development Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Sr Product Development Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$64.9K

$103.6K

$178.2K

How much do sr product development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for sr product development engineer in Michigan is $103,617.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,100.00 and $103,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Sr Product Development Engineer vs Product Development Engineer?

AspectSr Product Development EngineerProduct Development Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, relevant experienceBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, R&D departments, cross-functional collaborationDesign, testing, and development teams, project-focused
Employer & Industry UsageTech, manufacturing, automotive, consumer electronicsSimilar industries, often entry to mid-level roles
Common Search & ComparisonHigher responsibility, leadership in projectsEntry to mid-level development tasks

The main difference between a Sr Product Development Engineer and a Product Development Engineer lies in experience and responsibility. The senior role typically involves leading projects, making strategic decisions, and mentoring junior staff, while the product development engineer focuses on executing design and development tasks. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work in comparable environments within tech, manufacturing, or electronics industries.

What are typical challenges faced by a Sr Product Development Engineer during the product lifecycle, and how can they be addressed?

Sr Product Development Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative design with manufacturability, coordinating cross-functional teams, and managing tight project timelines. Successfully navigating these challenges involves strong project management skills, effective communication with design, manufacturing, and quality teams, and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks early in the development process. Regular design reviews, clear documentation, and leveraging feedback from multiple stakeholders are key practices that help address these issues and ensure successful product launches.

What does a Sr Product Development Engineer do?

A Sr Product Development Engineer leads the design, development, and improvement of new products from concept to launch. They collaborate with cross-functional teams such as marketing, manufacturing, and quality assurance to ensure products meet customer needs, technical requirements, and regulatory standards. Their role often includes project management, problem-solving, prototyping, and overseeing testing and validation processes. They also mentor junior engineers and help drive innovation within the company.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sr Product Development Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sr Product Development Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, product lifecycle management, and relevant industry experience, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, project management tools, and knowledge of industry standards or certifications such as Six Sigma are commonly required. Exceptional problem-solving, leadership, and cross-functional communication skills help drive project success and innovation. These competencies ensure efficient product development, high-quality outputs, and alignment with business objectives.
What are popular job titles related to Sr Product Development Engineer jobs in Michigan? For Sr Product Development Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sr Product Development Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Sr Product Development Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Sr Product Development Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Sr Product Development Engineer job openings:
Sr Product Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sr Product Development Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,617 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

Product Development Engineer - Soft Goods

Central Garden & Pet

Bingham Farms, MI

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Central Garden & Pet rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Central Garden & Pet

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,192 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Central Garden & Pet

  • 97%

    97% say they get paid breaks

    say they get paid breaks

  • 94%

    94% say it is easy to take sick days

    say it is easy to take sick days

  • 94%

    94% say they don’t worry about hours

    say they don’t worry about hours

Featured by Central Garden & Pet, based on 41 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees

Job description

Description

ABOUT THE COMPANY
Central Home Brands is a division of Central Garden & Pet, focused on designing and manufacturing soft goods (outdoor cushions, pillows, and pet products) for both Retail and eCommerce.
 
ABOUT THE ROLE
We’re building the next generation of outdoor and pet products—and we’re looking for a Product Development Engineer to help bring them to life. You’ll work hands-on with products, collaborate directly with manufacturing, and have real influence on how products are designed and produced at scale.
 
The Product Development Engineer will focus on engineering initiatives at our Fort Wayne, IN manufacturing facility, while working closely with cross-functional partners, including Product Development, Design, Sales, Operations, and Sourcing. The ideal candidate has experience in textile engineering and demonstrates a strong work ethic, flexibility, and attention to detail.  They will leverage their experience in product design, materials, manufacturing processes, and quality systems to ensure products meet performance, cost, and aesthetic requirements.
 
This position reports to the Director of Product Development and may be based in Bingham Farms, MI (Corporate) or Fort Wayne, IN (Manufacturing Plant). Domestic travel between 25% to 50% is required.
 
If you’re excited about building consumer products from concept to production in a collaborative, hands-on environment, we’d love to hear from you!
 
What You’ll Do
  • Engineer products from concept through validation, to enable volume manufacturing. This includes specification development, prototyping, and testing.
  • Lead projects or small teams within product engineering, with opportunities to grow into broader technical or people leadership responsibilities.
  • Leverage prior experience with textiles, soft goods, and sewing techniques to achieve the desired product goals.
  • Develop and maintain 3D product models and technical specifications to support domestic and international prototyping.
  • Identify opportunities for cost reduction, product improvement, and process optimization.
  • Partner cross-functionally with Product Development, Design, Item Setup, and Production teams to ensure engineering accuracy and alignment as products transition from development to production.
  • Manage technical documentation, item specifications, and product data within CAD and PLM systems.
  • Provide leadership input across Technical Services processes, with scope to take ownership of key areas such as engineering drawing specifications, bills of materials, routing set-up, cut layouts, packing guidance, rate evaluations, and standard operating procedures.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of material technologies, manufacturing processes, and consumer product trends relevant to Technical Services and Product Development and actively share insights that inform team strategy and product decisions.
  • Contribute to additional projects and initiatives as business needs evolve. 
Professional Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in textile engineering, soft goods, or a related field
  • Proven ability to lead teams or projects, with experience transitioning from individual contributor to first-level people leadership.
Required Skills:
  • Proficiency with CAD Software (Auto CAD, Turbo CAD, or similar)
  • Proficiency with 3D Modelling Software (Clo3D or similar)
  • Ability to create and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and BOMs
  • Strong competency in Microsoft Office Programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
  • Highly detail-oriented, with the ability to manage accuracy while maintaining a big-picture perspective.
  • Flexibility to support special projects across Product Development Engineering, R&D, and Manufacturing beyond daily responsibilities.
  • Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and visual) to describe technical details in a relatable way to a variety of audiences.
  • Excellent project management and organizational abilities
  • Strong understanding of materials used in soft goods: fabric, fiber, foam, etc.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience using Product Lifecycle Management software
  • SAP experience
  • Familiarity with ASTM, ISO, or other relevant testing standards
  • Experience working with overseas manufacturing
  • Experience developing products for outdoor, pet, or home goods categories 
  • Experience with Packaging Engineering
  • Experience or prior work with electrical components (i.e. heating elements)

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS

  • Paid Time Off – Enjoy paid vacation days, holidays, and a floating holiday!
  • Top-Tier Health Coverage – Comprehensive health insurance benefits include medical, dental, vision, accident, disability, dependent life, and other voluntary options.  Our Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are available with a company-funded stipend.
  • Peace of Mind – Employer-paid Life Insurance
  • Secure Your Future – A competitive 401(k) plan with employer match to help you plan ahead.
  • Family First – Paid Parental Leave so you can focus on what matters most.
  • Grow With Us – We support your journey with Education Assistance for college degrees and professional certifications.
  • Career Advancement – Opportunities for career advancement and internal mobility.
  • Never Stop Learning – Unlock access to thousands of free online courses through our Learning & Development platform.
  • Celebrate You – Our Employee Recognition Programs spotlight your achievements and contributions.
  • Support When You Need It – Confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.
  • Perks Galore – Enjoy discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin® and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.
 
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.
#LI-MJ1

Working at Central Garden & Pet

Perks for frontline workers

From Central Garden & Pet, via Breakroom

  • Safety is a top priority!

  • Paid Vacation

  • Paid Holidays

  • Paid Sick Time

  • Paid Breaks

  • Consistent shift and schedule

  • Comprehensive Health Insurance

  • 401k with Company Match

  • Referral Program with Cash Bonus

  • Education Assistance

  • Paid Parental Leave

About Central Garden & Pet, in their own words

From Central Garden & Pet

Our leading consumer and professional brands provide forward-thinking, high quality products to care for your lawn, garden, pets and community. We are committed to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger.

Company values

From Central Garden & Pet

The Central Way | We Do the Right Thing | We Strive to be the Best | We are Entrepreneurial | We Win Together | We Grow Every Day | We are Passionate

Diversity and inclusion statement

From Central Garden & Pet

Central Garden & Pet is committed to building a great place to work that embraces diversity as a key pillar of our culture. This is a journey, and we are committed to listening, learning and doing the work to move forward together.

What Central Garden & Pet employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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