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Consumer Product Testing Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Astrix Inc

R&D Formulation Scientist

Columbus, IN · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Experience with stability studies, product testing, and analytical techniques is preferred ... consumer products industries. * Familiarity with GLP, GMP, USP microbiological methods, and ...

nmlp

Electronic Technician

East Chicago, IN · On-site

NMP supports prominent industrial and consumer product manufacturers across a wide variety of ... Sets up and operates standard electronic testing equipment. Uses hand power tools and hand tools ...

Wag'n Tails Mobile Conversions

CAD Design

Granger, IN · On-site

$24.25 - $33.50/hr

... product testing. * Visit production floor to collect data and update process documentation ... Hands-on training from industry experts with backgrounds in automotive, RV, and consumer products

POLYWOOD

Product Engineer

Syracuse, IN · On-site

Bonus Skills: • Experience with CAM software or CNC programming. • Background in furniture, consumer products, outdoor goods, or other engineered components. • Knowledge of material testing ...

Poly-Wood LLC

Product Engineer

Syracuse, IN · On-site

Background in furniture, consumer products, outdoor goods, or other engineered components. Knowledge of material testing, durability assessments, and structural performance standards. Experience with ...

POLYWOOD

Product Engineer

Syracuse, IN · On-site

... consumer products, outdoor goods, or other engineered components. • Knowledge of material testing, durability assessments, and structural performance standards. • Experience with GD&T, design for ...

Apply Early

Heartland FPG

Quality Supervisor

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

Heartland Food Products Group is a global leader in the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industry ... testing and disposition of in-line and final product testing. Essential Duties and Key ...

Apply Early

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsConsumer Product Testing JobsConsumer Product Testing Jobs in Indiana

Consumer Product Testing information

See Indiana salary details

$11

$24

$49

How much do consumer product testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for consumer product testing in Indiana is $24.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $27.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a product tester get paid?

Product testers typically earn between $10 and $25 per hour, depending on the company and the complexity of the testing. Some positions may offer a flat fee per product or survey, and experience or specialized knowledge can lead to higher pay. Compensation varies widely based on the testing type and employer requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Consumer Product Testing Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Consumer Product Testing Specialist, you need a solid understanding of quality assurance principles, product standards, and data analysis, often supported by a relevant science or engineering degree. Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment, statistical analysis software, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and analytical thinking are crucial soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills ensure accurate product evaluations, adherence to safety standards, and clear reporting, which are vital for consumer trust and regulatory compliance.

Is there a legit product tester job?

Consumer product testing is a legitimate job that involves evaluating products for companies, often requiring attention to detail and reporting skills. These roles can be found through reputable companies or testing panels, but job seekers should be cautious of scams and verify the legitimacy of offers before providing personal information or payment.

What is consumer product testing?

Consumer product testing is the process of evaluating products by having real consumers use and provide feedback on them before they are released to the general market. This testing helps companies understand how their products perform in real-world conditions, identify any issues, and gather opinions on usability, safety, and overall satisfaction. The feedback gathered is used to improve products, ensure they meet quality standards, and make them more appealing to consumers. Testers may receive free products or compensation in exchange for their honest reviews.

What is the difference between Consumer Product Testing vs Consumer Product Inspection?

AspectConsumer Product TestingConsumer Product Inspection
Primary FocusEvaluating product safety, quality, and performance through testing proceduresExamining products for defects, compliance, and visual quality
Required CredentialsKnowledge of testing methods, certifications in quality assuranceAttention to detail, understanding of inspection standards
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, testing facilities, manufacturing sitesWarehouses, retail outlets, manufacturing lines
Industry UsageManufacturers, testing labs, quality assurance firmsRetailers, importers, quality control agencies

Consumer Product Testing involves evaluating products through scientific methods to ensure safety and performance, while Consumer Product Inspection focuses on visually and physically examining products for defects and compliance. Both roles are essential in maintaining product quality but differ in their approach and focus areas.

What types of cross-functional teams do Consumer Product Testing professionals typically collaborate with, and how does this impact daily work?

Consumer Product Testing professionals frequently work alongside research and development, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and marketing teams. This collaboration ensures that products not only meet safety and compliance standards but also align with consumer expectations and market trends. Daily work often involves coordinating test schedules, sharing data, and participating in meetings to discuss findings and suggest improvements. These cross-functional interactions foster a dynamic work environment and help professionals develop a broader understanding of the product lifecycle.

How to be a consumer product tester?

To become a consumer product tester, you can sign up with market research companies or product testing websites that recruit participants for testing new products. Typically, you need to complete a profile and sometimes a screening questionnaire to qualify for specific tests. Good communication skills and attention to detail are important for providing useful feedback during testing sessions.

Can you actually get paid to test products?

Consumer product testing jobs typically pay individuals to evaluate products for companies, often involving providing feedback on quality, usability, and packaging. Payment can vary from small stipends to hourly wages, and some roles may require specific skills or certifications. Legitimate testing opportunities are usually offered by reputable companies or market research firms and do not require upfront fees.
What are popular job titles related to Consumer Product Testing jobs in Indiana? For Consumer Product Testing jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Consumer Product Testing jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Consumer Product Testing jobs in Indiana are:
Consumer Product Testing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Consumer Product Testing job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,330 per year, or $24.7 per hour.
Product Development Engineer - Soft Goods

Product Development Engineer - Soft Goods

Central Garden & Pet

Fort Wayne, IN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Be an early applicant

Central Garden & Pet rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Central Garden & Pet

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 70,368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Central Garden & Pet

  • 97%

    97% say they get paid breaks

    say they get paid breaks

  • 94%

    94% say it is easy to take sick days

    say it is easy to take sick days

  • 94%

    94% say they don’t worry about hours

    say they don’t worry about hours

Featured by Central Garden & Pet, based on 40 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees

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 www.central.com 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.
#LI-MJ1

Working at Central Garden & Pet

Perks for frontline workers

From Central Garden & Pet, via Breakroom

  • Safety is a top priority!

  • Paid Vacation

  • Paid Holidays

  • Paid Sick Time

  • Paid Breaks

  • Consistent shift and schedule

  • Comprehensive Health Insurance

  • 401k with Company Match

  • Referral Program with Cash Bonus

  • Education Assistance

  • Paid Parental Leave

About Central Garden & Pet, in their own words

From Central Garden & Pet

Our leading consumer and professional brands provide forward-thinking, high quality products to care for your lawn, garden, pets and community. We are committed to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger.

Company values

From Central Garden & Pet

The Central Way | We Do the Right Thing | We Strive to be the Best | We are Entrepreneurial | We Win Together | We Grow Every Day | We are Passionate

Diversity and inclusion statement

From Central Garden & Pet

Central Garden & Pet is committed to building a great place to work that embraces diversity as a key pillar of our culture. This is a journey, and we are committed to listening, learning and doing the work to move forward together.

What Central Garden & Pet employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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