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Freelance Soft Goods Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Flexjet

Soft Goods Technician (CLE)

Cleveland, OH · On-site

Currently, we are hiring Soft Goods Technicians to join our team. We offer industry leading ... Able to distinguish colors and align intricate or elaborate designs in fabrics * Able to lift and ...

Flexjet

Soft Goods Technician (CLE)

Cleveland, OH · On-site

Currently, we are hiring Soft Goods Technicians to join our team. We offer industry leading ... Able to distinguish colors and align intricate or elaborate designs in fabrics * Able to lift and ...

YETI Coolers LLC

Industrial Designer II

Bozeman, MT

$131K/yr

The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver with strong soft goods expertise, exceptional communication skills, and a passion for designing equipment that performs when mission success depends ...

Revelyst

Sr. Product Developer, Soft Goods

Bozeman, MT · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Create Bill of Materials (BOMs) and coordinate prototyping of assigned soft good designs across the ... You have: * 5+ years of experience in a soft goods product development role * Demonstrated ...

YETI Coolers LLC

Industrial Designer II

Bozeman, MT · On-site

$131K/yr

The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver with strong soft goods expertise, exceptional communication skills, and a passion for designing equipment that performs when mission success depends ...

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Freelance Soft Goods Designer information

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How much do freelance soft goods designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance soft goods designer in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Soft Goods Designer vs Freelance Textile Designer?

AspectFreelance Soft Goods DesignerFreelance Textile Designer
CredentialsPortfolio, design experience, sometimes fashion or product design backgroundPortfolio, textile design skills, often fashion or interior design knowledge
Work EnvironmentDesigning soft goods like bags, plush toys, home decor itemsCreating patterns and prints for fabrics used in fashion, home, or industrial products
Industry UsageFashion, home goods, accessories, toy manufacturingFashion, interior design, upholstery, industrial textiles

While both roles involve textile and fabric design, Freelance Soft Goods Designers focus on creating physical soft products, whereas Freelance Textile Designers specialize in designing patterns and prints for fabrics. The skills and industry applications overlap but serve different end products.

How do freelance soft goods designers typically manage client communication and project timelines?

Freelance soft goods designers often work with multiple clients simultaneously, which requires clear and proactive communication to manage expectations and deadlines. They usually utilize project management tools or set up regular check-ins to update clients on progress and gather feedback. Because projects may range from initial concept sketches to final prototypes, it's essential to establish milestones and delivery dates early on. Effective time management and flexibility are key to accommodating revisions and ensuring client satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance soft goods designer?

To thrive as a Freelance Soft Goods Designer, you need a solid background in textile design, pattern making, and sewing, typically supported by a degree in fashion, industrial design, or a related field. Proficiency in design software (such as Adobe Illustrator or CAD programs), fabric sourcing, and prototyping tools is important. Strong communication, creativity, and time management skills help you collaborate with clients and manage multiple projects effectively. These skills ensure you can deliver innovative, high-quality designs that meet client needs and deadlines in a competitive freelance market.

What is a freelance soft goods designer?

A Freelance Soft Goods Designer is a professional who specializes in designing products made from soft materials such as fabrics, leather, and foam. These products can include items like bags, backpacks, apparel, footwear, and home textiles. As a freelancer, they work independently with multiple clients or brands to create prototypes, technical drawings, and production-ready designs. Their work often involves trend research, material selection, and collaborating with manufacturers to bring designs to life.
What cities are hiring for Freelance Soft Goods Designer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Soft Goods Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Soft Goods Designer jobs? The most popular types of Soft Goods Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Soft Goods Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Soft Goods Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Soft Goods Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Soft Goods Designer jobs are:
Freelance Soft Goods Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Soft Goods Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Product Development Engineer - Soft Goods

Central Garden & Pet

Franklin, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Central Garden & Pet rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Central Garden & Pet

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,298 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Central Garden & Pet

  • 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

  • 94%

    94% say they get paid breaks

    say they get paid breaks

Featured by Central Garden & Pet, based on 42 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

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