Product Development Engineer - Soft Goods

Job Description

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 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.

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