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What is a product development technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
John Irwin EdD

Before companies begin manufacturing the next big thing, they need to make sure that it will work so that they don't waste resources making a defunct product. A product development technician turns ideas into concrete products that work or improves existing products so that they are more efficient.

Most product development technicians work for companies making medical devices, such as scales, artery stents, and more, although some work in other industries. No matter where they work, the day-to-day tasks of a product development technician usually involve all aspects of the development process, from design to building prototypes.

Most product development technicians have at least a bachelor's degree in business, biology or a related field, although it is possible to succeed in this position without one. Working in product development also requires a lot of practical knowledge and experience with tools such as computer-aided design, which is why many product development technicians gain lab experience first.

What general advice would you give to a product development technician?

John Irwin EdDJohn Irwin EdD LinkedIn profile

Chair, Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology, Professor, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Michigan Technological University

Engineering technology graduates are masters of technology, gaining a broad and deep understanding of the processes, systems, tools, and techniques necessary to construct, modify, operate, and maintain an engineering design. They act as technological integrators, bridging the gap between the skilled trades and engineering fundamentals. This is a great career path for those who enjoy engineering concepts but would rather spend time working with their hands solving specific technical issues than tackling broader, more complex design challenges.
ScoreProduct Development TechnicianUS Average
Salary
6.5

Avg. Salary $82,950

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
2.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.15%

Asian 8.05%

Black or African American 6.26%

Hispanic or Latino 10.43%

Unknown 4.32%

White 70.79%

Gender

female 32.50%

male 67.50%

Age - 52
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 52
Stress level
5.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.0

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.2

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Product development technician career paths

Key steps to become a product development technician

  1. Explore product development technician education requirements

    Most common product development technician degrees

    Bachelor's

    62.5 %

    Associate

    23.7 %

    Master's

    6.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific product development technician skills

    SkillsPercentages
    R8.33%
    Product Development7.08%
    Lab Equipment6.77%
    Troubleshoot6.26%
    Test Equipment5.77%
  3. Complete relevant product development technician training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New product development technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a product development technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real product development technician resumes.
  4. Research product development technician duties and responsibilities

    • Manage daily QC meetings to ensure all handbag products fully adhere to BULGA standards.
    • Manage design control including FMEA risk analysis, surgeon clinical input documentation, design verification and validation activities.
    • Determine instrument detection limits for ICP.
    • Analyze RF, analog and digital test failures to the component level.
  5. Prepare your product development technician resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your product development technician resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a product development technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable product development technician resume templates

    Build a professional product development technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your product development technician resume.
    Product Development Technician Resume
    Product Development Technician Resume
    Product Development Technician Resume
    Product Development Technician Resume
    Product Development Technician Resume
    Product Development Technician Resume
    Product Development Technician Resume
    Product Development Technician Resume
    Product Development Technician Resume
  6. Apply for product development technician jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a product development technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first product development technician job

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Average product development technician salary

The average product development technician salary in the United States is $82,950 per year or $40 per hour. Product development technician salaries range between $61,000 and $111,000 per year.

Average product development technician salary
$82,950 Yearly
$39.88 hourly

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Product development technician reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019
Pros

Ingenuity and the fast paced environment while critical thinking to solve the problems.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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