Sr. Quality Engineer – Dolls

Mattel•El Segundo, CA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Mattel is seeking a Senior Quality Engineer in El Segundo, California, as a key member of its corporate Quality Engineering leadership team. The role reports to the Sr. Manager of Quality Engineering - Dolls and supports global brand teams, working across Product Development, Design, Packaging, Regulations, Play Labs, Quality Data Analytics, and Manufacturing partners. The Senior Quality Engineer contributes throughout the product development lifecycle, from concept and design reviews through product launch and post-market support. The role translates design intent, product concepts, play patterns, and consumer use conditions into risk-based quality and testing strategies. It requires technical expertise, independent judgment, cross-functional influence, and mentoring. The position also supports supplier and manufacturing quality, complex investigations, consumer complaint resolution, and continuous improvement. Periodic travel to global manufacturing sites and development partners may be needed. The role is in-office Monday through Thursday and work from home on Fridays. The stated annual pay range is $100,000 to $120,000; base pay depends on work location, skills, and experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Materials, or Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in quality engineering, product development, or manufacturing.
Deep knowledge of global toy safety standards and regulations, including ASTM F963, CPSIA, and EN71.
Experience working with internal labs and third-party testing laboratories.
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes involving plastics, textiles, electronics, and packaging.
Experience with Quality Management Systems (QMS) and quality documentation.
Advanced knowledge of statistical analysis and data interpretation.
Experience leading risk management activities, including FMEA, and root cause analysis.
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, including the ability to independently drive complex decisions.
Ability to 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 and ability to balance technical depth with business impact.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including presenting 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.
Growth mindset, curiosity, willingness to embrace challenges, and commitment to continuous learning.

Nice To Haves

Toy or consumer products industry experience preferred.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Experience with statistical tools such as Minitab preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead development, implementation, and maintenance of Product Requirement Documents (PRDs) and Primary Concerns Documents (PCDs) in eQMS systems, aligning them with product safety, performance, and brand expectations.
Translate product concepts, play patterns, and consumer use conditions into validation strategies, including mechanical, physical, chemical, and abuse testing.
Lead and influence concept and design reviews, advising on safety, durability, regulatory compliance, and consumer experience.
Apply and communicate global toy safety regulations and standards, including ASTM F963, CPSIA, EN71, and ISO standards, to drive compliance across programs.
Lead risk management activities, including FMEA, and develop and execute risk-based strategies across product categories, features, and manufacturing processes.
Integrate test results, consumer complaints, returns, field data, and play-testing information to identify risks and drive product and process improvements.
Lead complex investigations into product failures, safety issues, and manufacturing defects using structured root cause analysis tools such as 5 Whys and Fishbone, and ensure resolution and documentation.
Partner with internal labs and third-party testing facilities to define testing strategies, review complex results, and ensure regulatory and brand compliance.
Collaborate with Design, Development, Packaging, Regulatory, and Manufacturing teams to embed quality requirements early and execute them effectively.
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 while maintaining compliance and improving efficiency and quality outcomes.
Support and lead investigations of consumer complaints and field issues, ensuring timely, data-driven, effective resolution.
Travel periodically to global manufacturing sites and development partners as needed.