Lead Product Development Engineer

Company Description

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

Job Description

The Opportunity: 

This Hot Wheels position is a focused, technical engineering role responsible for supporting and helping to drive technical product innovation and the development of creative new product concepts into manufacturable solutions. The Lead Product Development Engineer serves as the focal point for technical decision-making, ensuring designs meet financial cost targets, performance expectations, schedules, safety, and quality standards. In this role, you will lead value engineering and advanced product quality planning at the brand level, while setting the technical direction across projects. You will help support early proof of concept models, with a focus on electro-mechanical performance-based items. You will mentor and guide engineers, providing technical oversight and elevating team capabilities. You will partner with cross-functional teams—including Design, Marketing, Program Management, Quality, Packaging, Manufacturing, and external development partners to ensure efficient execution and a seamless flow of product concepts through the development lifecycle.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

• Lead cost and performance feasibility assessments with Design and PMs to ensure concepts can be efficiently manufactured while meeting cost and schedule objectives.
• Drive innovation in mechanisms and electro-mechanical systems, including breadboard and prototype development to achieve functional toy goals.
• Own and define technical specifications, translating design intent into precise, manufacturable requirements for tooling, materials, and production processes.
• Apply manufacturing knowledge in plastics, assembly techniques, molding processes, and integration of electronics to deliver robust and scalable solutions.
• Mentor and develop engineers, setting technical direction and reviewing designs to strengthen team expertise across mechanical and electro-mechanical domains.
• Champion value engineering and quality assurance initiatives, ensuring products meet brand objectives, safety regulations, and consumer expectations.
• Anticipate risks and resolve complex technical challenges, demonstrating strong problem-solving and strategic decision-making throughout the development lifecycle.
• Strategic impact: Anticipate risks, propose solutions, and drive projects to meet business objectives on schedule.

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For:

• BA/BS degree or higher in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related discipline) preferred, or equivalent work experience.
• 8+ years of relevant experience working in Product Engineering, Product Development or related field in toys or consumer products
• Expert understanding of engineering principles, product lifecycle, and quality assurance.
• Extensive knowledge of plastic materials, molding, tooling, decoration, electronics, and assembly processes.
• Deep knowledge of automation, robotics, electronics, or electro-mechanical products.
• Advanced CAD proficiency (SolidWorks, Creo) and simulation tools; ability to apply FEA results.
• Proven track record managing large, complex projects and cross-functional teams.
• Skilled in developing innovative 3D models, prototypes, and manufacturable solutions.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking mindset
• Working knowledge of FEA. Able to read of understand results
• Understanding of Statistics and probabilities.
• Ability to positively interact and connect with a diverse group of individuals (e.g. Design, Marketing, Engineering, Model Makers, Manufacturing, Finance, Planning, etc.)
• Good understanding of financial indicators which influence product selection
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Effective listening, influencing and problem-solving capabilities.
• Superior organization and multi-tasking skills.
• Comfortable and confident presenting to executives.
• Overseas travel required.
• Demonstrated a growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves.

*The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential. 

Additional Information

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Join Mattel's Talent Community and start receiving exciting updates about our company, our employees, and our culture. Also, interested in signing up for job alerts? Do so here!

How We Work:
We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Who We Are:
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
Corporate Philanthropy

Client-provided location(s): El Segundo, CA

Job ID: a1fac845-5ed1-46eb-a555-d74517045c80

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2025-08-31T17:06:22