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Product Development Engineer - Soft Goods
Job in
Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana, 46801, USA
Listed on 2026-06-02
Listing for:
Central Garden and Pet
Full Time
position Listed on 2026-06-02
Job specializations:
-
Engineering
Product Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Engineering Design & Technologists, Mechanical Engineer
Job Description & How to Apply Below
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…
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