What Is a Product Developer and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A product developer is a mix between an engineer and an industrial designer that develops new products or improves existing ones for small businesses or large corporations. In this career, you work with clients to understand their needs, research market opportunities, and delve into trends to see which products sell the best. With this data, you try to create a competitive design. Your job duties can include creating prototypes, translating sketches into specification sheets, using computer design programs, and collaborating with sales, marketing, technical, or manufacturing departments to launch products. As a product developer, you combine business skills with design and engineering to invent better products than those on the market.

To become a product developer, you must earn a bachelor’s degree in sales, marketing, or a related field. While there are many different degree paths that lead to a developer job, you may also need an AutoCAD certification to prove experience using computer programs and software. Applicants must also have strong communication and drawing skills. A master’s degree in product design and development may also provide in-depth knowledge in the field. It is also possible to use a degree or experience in the industrial arts.

Job Summary

Our clothing brand is looking for a collaborative Product Developer to join our team. You will be part of the entire development process, working with our designers to transform their initial concept into a viable commercial product, assisting with both material selection and sourcing. You then create spec sheets for our external vendors so they can produce samples and begin mass production of the design. Spec sheets and sampling are essential functions of this role, as they are part of the quality control process. Another essential function of this role is conducting market research to identify trends and develop forward-thinking ideas. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree as well as industry knowledge and experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct market research to identify trends and develop product ideas
• Collaborate with designers and engineers to execute concepts
• Create spec sheets to communicate product requirements
• Select and source materials from outside vendors and suppliers to meet product requirements
• Monitor production schedules to ensure deadlines are met
• Assist with quality control testing
• Suggest changes to current product lines to improve business process

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in product design, fashion merchandising, or a related field
• Industry experience strongly preferred
• Research and forecasting skills
• Experience with product lifecycle management a plus
• Time management and organizational skills
• Attention to detail