Senior Product Designer

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 Team:
The Little People team is a multi-functional team that develops figures, playsets and vehicles for the world of Little People figures. The Little People line is divided into multiple segments: the core which focuses on products inspired by the world around us; a licensed based line that combines relevant properties (e.g. Batman, Disney Princess, Barbie, etc.) with toddler playset play patterns, and Little People Collector which targets the adult collector.  We work in a collaborative, cross functional team environment with a wide range of disciplines, including design, marketing, play lab, graphics, communications, packaging, model services and a variety of engineering functions. Expect a design led, consumer centric and iterative development process for all products within the line.

The Opportunity: 

Figure and product designer

Mattel is currently seeking an industrial / Toy designer to join the Fisher-Price Little People team. This designer will be creating the Little People playsets, vehicles, and figures for Little People core and licensed segments. That translates a vast range of licensed and non-licensed figure-based properties, into the Little People style and proportions.

Little People designs will be based on trends and consumer feedback to meet the expectations of parents as they journey into the role of parents of toddlers.

This position is located in East Aurora, NY and is an in-person position (NOT REMOTE).  This position reports to the Design Manager of LP Design team.

The ideal candidate exemplifies creativity, imagination, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, creative environment.  Successful applicants manage multiple projects while showcasing an understanding of the consumer, trends and innovation that are then translated into high-quality products.

What Your Impact Will Be: ​​​​​​​

• Ability to design creatively within parameters of an established line and manufacturability
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with a focus on Photoshop and Illustrator, and 2D creative programs
• Can demonstrate a proficient level of 3D digital modeling capabilities as well as digital rendering skills (example Z-brush, Rhino, Solidworks etc.)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Strong Character and figure design skill
• Ability to translate 2D Character design into a 3D vision / sculpt drawings
• Proficiency in communicating in 2D while interpreting and analyzing 3D files
• Portfolio demonstrating strong design excellence, forward visual thinking and superior problem solving
• An innovative, creative and prolific mindset to envision the possibilities and “what-ifs”, with a fresh new perspective.
• Skilled in brainstorming and ideation
• Strong sketching and rendering ability.
• Passion/knowledge of current cultural, design and entertainment as well as trends in fashion and toys.
• You are respectful of, yet unburdened by, legacy and existing norms.
• Act decisively and with a strong sense of urgency. Continuously improving processes and removing barriers for workflows.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills with ability to work effectively with people at all levels and across a global organization
• Strong organizational, time management and prioritizing skills with the ability to juggle multiple projects and meet deadlines while maintaining a level of quality and attention to detail.
• Self-starter with a proactive approach to work and the ability to work independently.

What We’re Looking For: 

• BS/BA degree in Industrial Design, Toy Design or equivalent degree
• 3-5 years of toy design experience (newborn/baby/ preschool toy design experience highly preferred).
• Experience with Children’s Consumer Products is preferred.
• Knowledge of material and manufacturing processes, specifically plastics

**Portfolio/work samples must be included in order to be considered.**

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.

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:

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.

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
Mattel Investor Highlights