Senior Product Designer

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.

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…