Lead Product Developement Engineer

Mattel • El Segundo, CA

99d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Industry: Miscellaneous Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree