Product Development Technician in Kansas Career Overview
In the role of a Product Development Technician, you play a significant part in the innovation and improvement of products within various industries. Your contributions impact the entire product lifecycle, from conception to production. Here are some key aspects of your responsibilities and significance:
Collaboration with Teams: You work closely with engineers, designers, and marketing teams to translate ideas into viable products. This teamwork is essential for aligning technical specifications with market needs.
Prototyping and Testing: Designing and testing prototypes is a core function. You help identify potential issues early in the development phase, which is vital for ensuring product quality and performance.
Quality Assurance: You monitor manufacturing processes to ensure adherence to quality standards. Your role ensures that products meet required specifications before they reach the market.
Market Research: Keeping abreast of market trends and customer feedback allows you to contribute valuable insights during the development process, enhancing product relevance and competitiveness.
Documentation and Compliance: Proper documentation is crucial for maintaining regulatory compliance and facilitating communication across departments. Your attention to detail ensures that all processes are documented thoroughly.
Innovation and Improvement: You are often involved in continuous improvement efforts, recommending enhancements to existing products or processes based on technical research and analysis.
In summary, as a Product Development Technician, you are integral to transforming concepts into market-ready products, ensuring quality, functionality, and alignment with consumer expectations. Your technical expertise combines with creative problem-solving to improve products and contribute to overall company success.
Product Development Technician Salary in Kansas
Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
Required Education To Become a Product Development Technician in Kansas
To become a Product Development Technician, you will need to obtain relevant educational qualifications. Below are the degree programs that can help prepare you for this career:
Manufacturing Engineering Technology: This degree program focuses on the processes, techniques, and tools used in manufacturing. It typically covers topics such as production planning, quality control, and materials management, enabling you to understand product design and development within a manufacturing context.
Industrial Engineering: This program emphasizes the optimization of complex processes or systems. You will study topics like operations research, systems simulation, and production systems, which are essential for improving efficiency and productivity in product development.
Industrial Engineering Technology: Similar to Industrial Engineering, this program focuses on the practical application of engineering principles to improve manufacturing and service systems. You'll learn about process improvement, ergonomics, and project management, all relevant to product development processes.
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering: These programs integrate engineering principles with biological sciences. The focus is on developing products and technologies relevant to healthcare and medical industries, which can be significant in the product development sector, particularly in the biomedical field.
Chemical Engineering Technology: This program prepares you to work in industries that focus on chemical processes. You will study the production of chemicals, food, pharmaceuticals, and related products, equipping you with the technical knowledge needed for product development in chemical manufacturing.
Consider pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree in one of these fields to gain the foundational knowledge necessary for a career as a Product Development Technician.
Best Schools to become a Product Development Technician in Kansas 2024
John C Calhoun State Community College
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Texas A & M University-College Station
Johns Hopkins University
Clemson University
Purdue University-Main Campus
- Assist engineers in determining the practicality of proposed product design changes and plan and carry out tests on experimental test devices or equipment for performance, durability, or efficiency.
Product Development Technician Required Skills and Competencies in Kansas
Technical Proficiency: You should be comfortable with various tools and technologies used in product design and development, including CAD software, prototyping tools, and testing equipment.
Problem-Solving Skills: You need a strong ability to identify issues during the development process and create effective solutions to overcome them.
Attention to Detail: Your work requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure that designs meet specifications and quality standards.
Analytical Thinking: You should possess the capacity to evaluate data and feedback critically, allowing you to make informed decisions throughout the product development cycle.
Project Management: The ability to manage timelines, resources, and team expectations is essential for keeping projects on track.
Communication Skills: You must communicate effectively with team members, engineers, and stakeholders to ensure alignment and clarity throughout the development process.
Collaboration: Working well within a team is vital, as you will collaborate with various departments, including marketing, engineering, and manufacturing.
Creativity and Innovation: You should be able to think creatively to propose new ideas and improvements for products and processes.
Adaptability: The ability to adjust to changing demands and challenges is important in a fast-paced product development environment.
Quality Assurance Knowledge: Familiarity with quality control processes and standards will help you ensure that final products meet regulatory and customer requirements.
Job Duties for Product Development Technicians
Document test results, using cameras, spreadsheets, documents, or other tools.
Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, work specifications, drawings, or charts.
Set up mechanical, hydraulic, or electric test equipment in accordance with engineering specifications, standards, or test procedures.
Analytical or scientific software
- A&D Technology iTest
- Data acquisition software
Computer aided design CAD software
- Autodesk AutoCAD Mechanical
- PTC Creo Parametric
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Basic Skills
- Reading work related information
- Talking to others
Problem Solving
- Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Job Market and Opportunities for Product Development Technician in Kansas
As a Product Development Technician in Kansas, you will find a dynamic job market characterized by a steady demand for skilled professionals. Here are several key points about the current landscape:
Demand for Product Development Technicians: Industries such as manufacturing, food processing, and technology are increasingly relying on product development techs to innovate and improve product lines. This high demand is driven by the continuous push for efficiency and quality improvement in product development processes.
Growth Potential: The job market for Product Development Technicians shows promising growth potential. As companies aim to stay competitive, they are investing in research and development, which opens new opportunities. The rise of emerging technologies and industries will also likely propel the need for skilled technicians in product development.
Geographical Hotspots:
- Wichita: Known for its aerospace and manufacturing sectors, Wichita is a significant hub for product development, with several companies continually seeking product development technicians to enhance their offerings.
- Kansas City Metropolitan Area: This region offers a diverse job market, with strong demand in food production and consumer goods. The Kansas City area is home to many large corporations that prioritize innovation.
- Topeka: While smaller than other markets, Topeka has growing opportunities in local manufacturing and development firms that are expanding their product lines.
- Manhattan and Lawrence: With the presence of educational institutions and research facilities, these cities provide unique opportunities, particularly in tech-focused product development.
Industry Diversification: The demand for Product Development Technicians spans various sectors, including healthcare, consumer goods, and electronics. This diversification indicates robust job security and adaptability in your career path.
Consider these factors as you navigate the job market in Kansas, where opportunities are emerging in various industries requiring skilled technicians adept at transforming innovative ideas into market-ready products.
Top Related Careers to Product Development Technician 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become a Product Development Technician in Kansas
American Society for Quality (ASQ)
Explore resources related to quality management and product development. ASQ offers certifications, articles, and training opportunities that can enhance your skills as a Product Development Technician.
ASQ WebsiteSociety of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
SME provides access to industry standards, technical journal articles, and professional training geared toward manufacturing and product development.
SME WebsiteProduct Development and Management Association (PDMA)
Gain insights into the best practices and methodologies in product development. PDMA offers resources such as research publications, webinars, and a membership network.
PDMA WebsiteNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Find guidelines and standards that may be relevant to your work in product development. NIST provides extensive resources on measurement science and standards.
NIST WebsiteJob Accommodation Network (JAN)
If you have specific accommodation needs, JAN offers resources that help you understand your rights and how to ensure a productive working environment.
JAN WebsiteKansas Department of Commerce
Access information regarding local industry trends, workforce training programs, and economic data that can inform your role in the Kansas market.
Kansas Department of Commerce WebsiteLinkedIn Learning
Explore online courses related to product development, engineering principles, and project management. These courses can enhance your qualifications and skill sets.
LinkedIn LearningCoursera
Offers various product management and development courses from recognized universities, which can help you broaden your knowledge and skills in the field.
Coursera WebsiteInstitute of Industrial Engineers (IIE)
Find a variety of resources focused on industrial engineering, including publications, networking opportunities, and professional development initiatives.
IIE Website
Consider exploring these resources to expand your knowledge and stay updated on trends in the product development field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Product Development Technician in Kansas
What are the primary responsibilities of a Product Development Technician? Your main duties include assisting in the design and development of new products, conducting tests to evaluate functionality and durability, collaborating with engineers and designers, and documenting processes and results to ensure quality control.
What educational background is recommended for this position? Typically, an associate degree in a related field such as engineering technology, product design, or materials science is recommended. Some employers may also consider candidates with relevant experience in lieu of formal education.
What skills are most important for a Product Development Technician? Key skills include strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software, excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively within a team.
What industries commonly employ Product Development Technicians in Kansas? You can find opportunities across various industries, including manufacturing, consumer goods, electronics, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals.
Is there a demand for Product Development Technicians in Kansas? Yes, there is a steady demand for Product Development Technicians as companies continue to innovate and improve product offerings. The tech and manufacturing sectors in Kansas are particularly active in their hiring efforts.
What are the typical work environments for Product Development Technicians? You will often work in office settings and laboratories or manufacturing environments. Depending on your role, you may also spend time on the production floor collaborating with various teams.
What kind of advancement opportunities are there in this career? As a Product Development Technician, you may advance to roles such as Product Development Manager, Project Manager, or Lead Technician. Continuous education and gaining specialized certifications can further enhance your career growth.
Are there professional certifications available for Product Development Technicians? Yes, various organizations offer certifications related to product development, quality assurance, and materials management that can help you enhance your qualifications and career prospects.
What is the average salary for a Product Development Technician in Kansas? The average salary can vary based on experience and specific industry but generally falls in the range of $45,000 to $65,000 per year.
What job search resources are available for finding Product Development Technician positions in Kansas? You can utilize online job boards, company websites, and more localized employment agencies. Networking through professional organizations or attending industry conferences can also lead to job opportunities.