Job Description
The Opportunity:
Mattel is currently seeking a Sr. Quality Engineer in El Segundo, CA. This role is a key member of the corporate Quality Engineering leadership team, reporting to the Sr. Manager of Quality Engineering - Dolls. This role supports global brand teams and works cross-functionally with Product Development, Design, Packaging, Regulations, Play Labs, Quality Data Analytics, and Manufacturing partners.
The Senior Quality Engineer plays a key role throughout the product development lifecycle—from concept and design reviews through product launch and post-market support—by translating design intent into robust, risk-based quality and testing strategies. The role contributes through technical expertise, independent judgment, cross-functional influence, and mentoring.
What Your Impact Will Be:
- Lead development, implementation, and maintenance of Product Requirement Documents (PRDs) and Primary Concerns Documents (PCDs) within eQMS systems, ensuring alignment with product safety, performance, and brand expectations.
- Drive translation of product concepts, play patterns, and consumer use conditions into robust validation strategies, including mechanical, physical, chemical, and abuse testing.
- Lead and influence concept and design reviews, providing expert input on safety, durability, regulatory compliance, and consumer experience.
- Apply advanced working knowledge of global toy safety regulations and standards (ASTM F963, CPSIA, EN71, ISO, etc.), driving compliance across programs and ensuring clear interpretation and communication to cross-functional teams.
- Lead risk management activities (e.g., FMEA), developing and executing risk-based strategies across product categories, features, and manufacturing processes.
- Utilize and integrate multiple data sources (test results, consumer complaints, returns, field data, play testing) to proactively identify risks and drive product and process improvements.
- Independently lead complex investigations into product failures, safety issues, and manufacturing defects using structured root cause analysis tools (5 Whys, Fishbone, etc.), ensuring thorough resolution and documentation.
- Partner with internal labs and third-party testing facilities to define testing strategies, review complex test results, and ensure compliance with regulatory and brand requirements.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Design, Development, Packaging, Regulatory, Manufacturing) to ensure quality requirements are embedded early and effectively executed.
- Identify downstream impacts, risks, and opportunities across functions and proactively drive alignment and resolution.
- Lead supplier and manufacturing quality efforts, including issue resolution, corrective actions, and performance monitoring.
- Mentor and support junior engineers in technical problem solving, regulatory understanding, and cross-functional engagement.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives across product development, testing strategies, and manufacturing processes, ensuring compliance is maintained while improving efficiency and quality outcomes.
- Support and lead investigation of consumer complaints and field issues, ensuring timely, data-driven, and effective resolution.
- Periodic travel to global manufacturing sites and development partners as needed
Qualifications
What We’re Looking For:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Materials, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in quality engineering, product development, or manufacturing (toy or consumer products industry preferred)..
- Deep knowledge of global toy safety standards and regulations (ASTM F963, CPSIA, EN71, etc.).
- Experience working with internal labs and third-party testing laboratories.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (plastics, textiles, electronics, packaging).
- Experience with Quality Management Systems (QMS) and quality documentation.
- Advanced knowledge of statistical analysis and data interpretation.
- Experience leading risk management activities (FMEA) and root cause analysis.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with statistical tools (e.g., Minitab) preferred.
- Strong leadership and collaboration skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
- Advanced ability to interpret and apply global toy safety and consumer product regulations.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to independently drive complex decisions.
- Ability to determine, analyze, and synthesize multiple data sources into clear, actionable insights and recommendations.
- Proven ability to lead investigations, risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to balance technical depth and business impact.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop less experienced engineers.
- Proactive, results-oriented mindset with strong ownership and accountability.
- Demonstrated a growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves.
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.
Our Approach to Flexible Work:
This role is an in-office role Monday-Thursday, and work from home on Fridays. We embrace a flexible work model designed to empower a culture of growth, optimism, and wellbeing, where every employee can reach their full potential. Combining purposeful in-person collaboration with flexibility, our focus is to optimize performance and drive connection for moments that matter.
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.
Beware of recruiting scams: Mattel will only contact you through official @mattel.com or @smartrecruiters.com email addresses and will never ask for payment or sensitive personal information during the hiring process.
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.
The pay range for this position is between $100,000 and $120,000 annual. 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.
Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
Corporate Philanthropy
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.
