Sr Quality Engineer

Mattel•El Segundo, CA

5h•$100,000 - $126,000•Onsite

About The Position

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. The Quality Engineering team partners with Product Design, Development, and Manufacturing to ensure all toys and consumer products meet Mattel’s standards for safety, compliance, durability, and play performance. The team supports products from concept through production and post-market, working closely with global manufacturing partners and internal/external laboratories. We leverage data, consumer insights, and real-world use conditions to ensure products are safe, compliant, and built to withstand how kids actually play with them. Mattel is currently seeking a Quality Engineer II 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. 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Materials, Electrical Engineering, or related field
4+ years of experience in quality engineering, product development, or manufacturing
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
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

Nice To Haves

Experience with statistical tools (e.g., Minitab) preferred
Toy or consumer products industry experience preferred

Responsibilities

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