Product Designer - Games

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer - Games Company: Mattel Location: El Segundo, California, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: Product Design / Game Design Date Posted: August 14, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the end-to-end design and development of new games, leveraging iconic Mattel brands like UNO, Pictionary, and Scrabble.
• The Product Designer will be instrumental in ideating, conceptualizing, and bringing new game experiences to life, from initial concept to final product.
• It requires a blend of creative vision, technical design skills, and strong cross-functional collaboration to ensure product integrity and market success.
• The position involves daily interaction with international partners, particularly in Asia, demanding effective communication and project management across different time zones and cultures.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the emphasis on established brands and the need to translate consumer understanding into successful products, this role likely sits within a GTM (Go-To-Market) or product development operations framework, requiring close alignment with marketing, sales, and manufacturing teams. The "Product Designer - Games" title, coupled with responsibilities like "brand enhancement" and "managing the project through design and development", suggests a role that bridges creative ideation with operational execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Actively generate and ideate new game concepts and opportunities to enhance Mattel's existing portfolio of game brands.
• Design and develop new games from initial concept through to final product, working on established brands and creating entirely new game IPs.
• Build consensus and foster collaboration among internal team members and cross-functional stakeholders throughout the entire design process.
• Partner closely with Development Design, Engineering, Packaging, and Cost Engineering teams to ensure product integrity, manufacturability, and alignment with marketing objectives.
• Maintain daily communication with Asia-based partners to facilitate production, provide design direction, and ensure project timelines are met.
• Successfully present and articulate game concepts, design rationale, and progress updates to design and marketing management, as well as other creative departments.
• Manage projects from inception through the design and development phases, coordinating with various internal disciplines to ensure a seamless product launch.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong project management and cross-functional coordination, which are core components of operations roles. The emphasis on "ensuring product integrity and marketing objectives" and "managing the project through design and development" points to an operational focus on process execution and stakeholder alignment within the product lifecycle.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Design, Game Design, Industrial Design, or a related field is typically expected for this level of role, though equivalent practical experience will be considered. Experience: 2-5 years of proven experience in game design or product design, with a demonstrable track record of bringing games or consumer products to market. Experience working with established brands and managing projects from concept to completion is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of game play fundamentals, game mechanics, and effective game design principles.
• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator for 2D asset creation and visual communication.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, essential for concept presentation and cross-functional collaboration.
• Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite for design and prototyping.
• Knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes relevant to toy and game production.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage priorities effectively, and thrive in a fast-paced team environment.
• Proven project management capabilities, ensuring deadlines and objectives are met.
• Aptitude for identifying and understanding current industry trends and consumer preferences.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of 3D CAD software, with Alias or Rhino 3D experience being a significant plus for concept modeling.
• Familiarity with features and play patterns specific to the broader game industry, beyond card and board games.
• Experience in presenting design concepts and project updates to senior management and diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to incorporate feedback and iterate on designs effectively throughout the development cycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for proficiency in design software (Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe Creative Suite) and CAD tools, coupled with knowledge of materials and manufacturing, indicates a need for operational understanding of the product development pipeline. Project management skills are crucial for executing design initiatives within defined timelines and budgets, aligning with operational efficiency goals.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong foundation in game design principles and creative problem-solving.
• Demonstrations of successful game concepts, including playable prototypes or detailed design documentation.
• Examples of design excellence in visual presentation, user experience (UX) flow, and game mechanics.
• Evidence of ability to manage and execute design projects from ideation through to completion, highlighting process and outcomes.
• Case studies that illustrate how you translated consumer insights or brand objectives into successful game designs.

Process Documentation:

• Portfolios should ideally include examples of process documentation, such as design briefs, user flow diagrams, or GDD (Game Design Document) excerpts, demonstrating structured thinking.
• Visualizations of how initial concepts evolved through iterative design stages, showcasing a systematic approach to refinement.
• Examples of how you’ve documented feedback and incorporated it into design revisions to improve product quality and market fit.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer role, especially in games, a portfolio is critical for demonstrating practical application of design skills and understanding of the product development lifecycle. The expectation for "process documentation" and "case studies" suggests an emphasis on the designer's ability to articulate their workflow, decision-making, and the impact of their designs, aligning with operational best practices for project execution and outcome measurement.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The indicative annual base salary range for this position is between $52,400.00 - $92,000.00 USD. The final salary will be determined based on the candidate's work location, specific skills, and overall experience. This range reflects mid-level market compensation for a Product Designer in the El Segundo, California area, considering the specified experience level.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with company matching.
• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.
• Employee discounts on Mattel products.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.
• Access to wellness programs and resources.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this full-time position are approximately 40 hours per week, with the flexibility to adjust based on project needs and team collaboration requirements, reflecting a hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a key indicator of the role's seniority and market value. The inclusion of typical benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and PTO is standard for full-time roles and contributes to the total compensation package. The mention of "flexible work model" and "purposeful in-person collaboration" suggests a structured hybrid arrangement, which is an important aspect of the work environment for operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Toy and Family Entertainment. Mattel operates within a dynamic consumer goods sector, known for its iconic brands and global reach in inspiring children through play. The company is a leader in innovation and brand storytelling. Company Size: Large. Mattel is a significant global corporation with a substantial employee base, indicating a structured organizational environment with established processes and opportunities for career progression. Founded: 1945. With a rich history spanning over 75 years, Mattel has evolved from a small workshop into a leading global entertainment company, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of consumer markets.

Team Structure:

• The Global Product Design Team is described as motivated, challenge-seeking, and innovative, working across iconic brands.
• This team collaborates closely with a passionate, cross-functional group that spans globally, suggesting a matrixed or highly integrated structure.
• The Product Designer will likely report into a Design Manager or Director within the Product Design department, working alongside other designers, developers, and marketing specialists.

Methodology:

• Mattel emphasizes a "design-led" approach, prioritizing creativity and innovation in product development.
• The company culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and execution, encouraging new ideas and best-in-class outcomes.
• Work involves translating consumer understanding, market trends, and technology into successful products, requiring data-informed decision-making and agile development processes.

Company Website: https://jobs.mattel.com/ and https://corporate.mattel.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Mattel's established history, its "design-led" methodology, and its core values (collaboration, innovation, execution) provides crucial context for a Product Designer. It suggests an environment where creative input is valued, but execution and cross-functional alignment are paramount for success, mirroring operational priorities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Product Designer, typically requiring 2-5 years of experience. It signifies a contributor role with increasing responsibility for specific product lines or game concepts, moving beyond entry-level tasks. Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Director within the Global Product Design Team. They will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Engineering, and Manufacturing, requiring strong communication and stakeholder management skills. Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts revenue by creating engaging and commercially successful game products that extend Mattel's core brands. Their ability to understand consumer needs, market trends, and translate them into tangible products is crucial for driving sales and brand loyalty.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in game design, user experience (UX) for games, or specific design software/tools.
• Brand Ownership: Take on lead design responsibilities for specific game brands or new product initiatives, increasing ownership and strategic input.
• Leadership Development: Transition into senior design roles, mentorship positions, or management opportunities within the design department over time.
• Cross-Functional Experience: Gain exposure to different facets of the product lifecycle, such as marketing, consumer insights, or international business development, enhancing overall business acumen.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a Product Designer at a company like Mattel involves deepening design expertise, taking on more strategic product ownership, and potentially moving into leadership roles. This aligns with operational career paths that emphasize continuous learning and increasing responsibility within product development and go-to-market strategies.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. Mattel embraces a flexible work model that combines purposeful in-person collaboration with remote flexibility. This means employees are expected to work from the office for specific collaborative tasks and team meetings, while also having the option to work remotely for other periods. Office Location(s): The primary office location is 333 Continental Blvd, El Segundo, California, 90245. This location serves as a hub for many of Mattel's creative and corporate functions.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and a sense of belonging.
• Employees will have access to necessary design tools, software, and potentially prototyping facilities.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with design teams, marketing professionals, and other cross-functional partners are integral to the work environment.
• The El Segundo office likely provides a modern, creative professional setting conducive to product development.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid model implies a structured approach to work days, balancing in-office collaboration with remote flexibility, which requires strong self-management and communication skills to maintain operational continuity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment requires operational discipline from employees to manage their schedules effectively and ensure seamless collaboration with both in-office and remote team members. It fosters a balance of focused work and team synergy, critical for design and product development operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills, experience, and alignment with role requirements.
• Technical Interview/Creative Assessment: May involve a design challenge or a deep dive into portfolio projects, focusing on design thinking, problem-solving, and technical proficiency.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Discussions with members of the design, marketing, and potentially engineering teams to evaluate collaboration skills and understanding of the product development lifecycle.
• Manager/Director Interview: Focus on cultural fit, career aspirations, and strategic alignment with Mattel's goals and brand vision.
• Final Round: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss overall fit and impact.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that highlight game design expertise, brand enhancement capabilities, and problem-solving skills.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results or impact.
• Highlight Process: Include visual examples of your design process, such as sketches, wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and iterative design stages.
• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Show mastery of required software (Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe Creative Suite) through high-quality visual assets and clear explanations of tool usage.
• Brand Alignment: If possible, include projects that demonstrate an understanding of working with established brands or a passion for the types of games Mattel produces.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design philosophy and approach to creating engaging game experiences.
• Practice articulating your thought process for solving design problems, emphasizing efficiency and user-centricity.
• Familiarize yourself with current trends in the toy and game industry, and be ready to discuss how they might influence Mattel's brands.
• Prepare questions for the interviewers that demonstrate your engagement and interest in the role and the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes not just creative output but also the operational aspects of design: process, collaboration, and problem-solving. A well-structured portfolio that showcases a clear design process and quantifiable results is crucial for demonstrating operational effectiveness.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for 2D design, including Photoshop (image editing, asset creation), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, icons), and potentially InDesign or XD for layout and prototyping.
• 3D CAD Software: Alias or Rhino 3D are preferred for 3D modeling, concept visualization, and potentially preparing assets for manufacturing. Proficiency in at least one is a strong advantage.
• Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with tools for creating interactive prototypes or game simulations (e.g., Figma, Adobe XD, or specialized game engines like Unity/Unreal Engine for more advanced concepts) can be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a design tool, an understanding of how design choices impact consumer engagement metrics and sales data is valuable. Familiarity with analytics platforms may be helpful for understanding product performance post-launch.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core design function, but an awareness of how product information is managed within CRM systems for sales and marketing could be advantageous for understanding the broader business context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of specific software like Adobe Creative Suite and 3D CAD tools highlights the technical requirements of the role. Proficiency in these operational tools is non-negotiable for a Product Designer tasked with creating tangible product concepts and communicating them effectively.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: Mattel operates on a "one team" philosophy, emphasizing shared values and collective goals. The ability to partner effectively across departments is key.
• Innovation: The company actively seeks new and better ways to create products and experiences, encouraging new ideas and initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• Execution: Mattel is performance-driven, striving for excellence and best-in-class outcomes. Accountability and ownership are highly valued.
• Purpose-Driven: The company's mission to empower generations through play is a core driver, fostering a culture of creativity and positive impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with Development Design, Engineering, Packaging, and Cost Engineering, requiring strong communication and teamwork.
• Global Partnerships: Daily communication with Asia partners necessitates a proactive and clear collaboration style, respecting different working cultures and time zones.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Presenting concepts and managing projects through development requires an open, communicative, and feedback-driven approach to collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mattel's core values directly inform the operational expectations for team members. A collaborative, innovative, and execution-focused mindset is essential for success in a global product development environment. The emphasis on "accountability and ownership" aligns with operational principles of clear responsibility and commitment to outcomes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Legacy with Innovation: Creating new game experiences that honor established brands while introducing fresh, engaging gameplay can be a complex design challenge.
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Effectively managing daily communication and project timelines with international partners, particularly in Asia, requires strong intercultural communication skills and adaptability.
• Project Management Across Disciplines: Successfully guiding a product from concept to manufacturing involves coordinating with multiple departments, each with its own priorities and timelines, demanding robust project management.
• Staying Ahead of Trends: The fast-paced game industry requires continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies, play patterns, and consumer preferences to maintain competitive relevance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply new 2D/3D design software, prototyping tools, and game design methodologies.
• Industry Exposure: Engagement with industry trends, consumer insights, and competitive analysis to deepen market understanding.
• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Gaining insights into manufacturing, engineering, marketing, and sales processes to develop a holistic understanding of product development.
• Brand Stewardship: Developing expertise in managing and growing iconic Mattel brands through innovative product design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role—balancing creative innovation with brand integrity, managing global operations, and coordinating complex projects—offer significant opportunities for professional growth and the development of advanced operational and design skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Problem Solving: "Walk me through your process for designing a new game concept from scratch. How do you incorporate user feedback and iterate on designs?" (Prepare a specific case study from your portfolio.)
• Brand Extension: "How would you approach designing a new game that extends an established brand like UNO or Hot Wheels? What key considerations would you prioritize?" (Think about brand DNA and target audience.)
• Collaboration & Communication: "Describe a time you had to manage a project with international partners or a cross-functional team. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on communication strategies and conflict resolution.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Mattel's Brands: "Which Mattel brands do you connect with most strongly, and why? How do you see them evolving in the game space?" (Show genuine interest and research.)
• Innovation at Mattel: "Mattel values innovation. Can you give an example of an innovative game or product (from any company) that you admire, and explain why?" (Connect to the company's values.)
• Hybrid Work: "How do you ensure effective collaboration and productivity in a hybrid work environment?" (Highlight your organizational and communication strategies.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically with clear project titles, dates, and your specific contributions. For each project, use a "Problem-Solution-Result" framework.
• Visuals: Use high-quality images, mockups, and prototypes. If you have video demonstrations of gameplay, include them.
• Narrative: Confidently explain your design choices, the rationale behind them, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss challenges and how you overcame them.
• Tool Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss the specific software and tools you used and why you chose them for particular tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design skill but also operational competence: structured thinking, clear communication, problem-solving methodologies, and an understanding of cross-functional collaboration. Connecting your experience to Mattel's brands and values will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer - Games position:

• Submit your detailed resume and a comprehensive portfolio through the provided application link on SmartRecruiters.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight game design projects, demonstrating your understanding of game mechanics, user experience, and brand integration. Include case studies that showcase your process from ideation to execution.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience with relevant software (Adobe Creative Suite, CAD), project management skills, and any experience working with established brands or international teams. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Mattel's current game portfolio, recent product launches, and company culture. Understand their approach to innovation and brand extension.
• Prepare for Design Challenges: Anticipate potential design challenges or case studies that may be presented during the interview process, focusing on creative problem-solving and efficient workflow.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

---