Senior Product Designer - Games

📍 Job Overview

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

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in driving innovation within Mattel's Games division, focusing on the creation of new, engaging physical tabletop game experiences.
• The Senior Product Designer will leverage expertise in collectible card game systems and player psychology to develop unique play patterns and foster collectability.
• Responsibilities include end-to-end product lifecycle management, from ideation and concept development through to production oversight, ensuring alignment with brand objectives and market trends.
• Success in this role requires a deep understanding of physical game mechanics, manufacturing processes, and effective cross-functional collaboration with global teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided experience level is 2-5 years, the "Senior" title and the nature of managing complex projects and leading design phases suggest a more experienced candidate, likely 3-7 years of direct game design and development experience, with a strong portfolio. The hybrid nature implies a need for strong self-management and communication skills to bridge in-office and remote collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the ideation and conceptualization of new physical tabletop games, with a particular focus on collectible card game systems and unique play patterns.
• Translate player psychology insights related to collectability and mastery into tangible game mechanics and product features.
• Design and develop detailed game systems, including card matrices, rule sets, and overall player progression, ensuring engaging and repeatable gameplay.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Development Design, Engineering, Packaging, and Cost Engineering, to ensure product integrity, manufacturability, and alignment with marketing objectives.
• Prepare and deliver compelling presentations of design concepts and project progress to management, marketing, and creative departments.
• Manage and coordinate all phases of the product design and development process, ensuring seamless integration with other disciplines.
• Maintain daily communication with international partners, particularly in Asia, to facilitate smooth production and development cycles.
• Actively generate and explore new product opportunities that enhance brand value and expand market reach within the games portfolio.
• Execute on both physical product designs and any associated digital design elements that complement the core game experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative design, strategic product development, and project management. The emphasis on "daily communication with Asia partners" highlights the need for strong cross-cultural communication skills and potentially an understanding of overseas manufacturing and quality assurance processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Product Design, Game Design, Industrial Design, or a related field is preferred.
• Equivalent practical experience demonstrating a strong understanding of design principles and game development methodologies will also be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of dedicated experience in game design and development, with a pronounced emphasis on collectible card games (CCGs).
• Proven track record of designing, developing, and launching successful physical tabletop games.
• Experience playing and analyzing collectible game systems is highly advantageous, with direct experience designing them being a significant plus.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-faceted projects from concept to completion.

Required Skills:

• Game Design: Expertise in conceptualizing, prototyping, and iterating on game mechanics, rulesets, and player experiences, particularly within collectible systems.
• Collectible Card Game Expertise: Deep understanding of CCG design principles, including resource management, strategic depth, and balancing for collectability and replayability.
• Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Microsoft Excel for concept art, component design, data analysis, and financial modeling.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, with a strong capacity for presenting complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Material & Manufacturing Knowledge: Understanding of common toy and game manufacturing processes, materials, and their impact on design and cost.
• Project Management: Ability to autonomously manage multiple project timelines, deliverables, and cross-functional dependencies effectively.
• Team Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively within a team environment, building consensus and fostering positive working relationships.

Preferred Skills:

• Psychology of Collectability: Insight into the behavioral drivers and psychological principles that foster player engagement and the desire for collecting.
• Trend Analysis: Keen awareness of current trends in tabletop gaming, collectible markets, and broader entertainment industries.
• Toy Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with toy product development cycles, safety standards, and market dynamics.
• Digital Design Tools: Familiarity with digital design tools or platforms that may interface with physical game products.
• Data Analysis: Ability to interpret sales data, playtest feedback, and market research to inform design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "collectible card game systems" and "psychology behind collectability" indicates a specialized niche within game design. Candidates with experience in systems design, balancing, and long-term player engagement strategies will be highly valued. Proficiency in Excel is specifically called out, likely for balancing spreadsheets, cost analysis, and potentially playtest data tracking.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct game design projects, with a strong preference for those involving collectible card games or complex systems.
• Clearly articulate your role and specific contributions within each project, emphasizing design ideation, mechanic development, and problem-solving.
• Include visual examples of game components, rulebooks, and any relevant user interface (UI) or user experience (UX) design for digital integrations.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the design process, from initial concept and user research to prototyping, playtesting, and final production considerations.
• Highlight projects that illustrate an understanding of manufacturing constraints and cost-effective design solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of structured design processes, including how you approach concept generation, iterative design, and user feedback integration.
• Detail your methods for balancing game systems, ensuring fair play, and creating compelling player progression or collectability loops.
• Include examples of how you document game rules, mechanics, and design specifications for clear communication with development and manufacturing teams.
• Showcase any experience with creating design specifications for external partners or manufacturers, demonstrating clarity and completeness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role. It needs to go beyond just aesthetics and demonstrate a deep understanding of game mechanics, systems design, and the practicalities of bringing a physical game to market. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their design decisions and the rationale behind them, particularly concerning collectability and player engagement.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The annual base salary range for this position is between $76,800.00 and $110,000.00 USD.
• This range is an estimate and will be finalized based on the candidate's specific work location (e.g., El Segundo, CA), experience level, and relevant skills.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: For El Segundo, California, this salary range is competitive for a Senior Product Designer role with specialized game design experience, aligning with industry benchmarks for the Los Angeles metropolitan area. However, given the "Senior" title and specialized nature of game design, particularly CCGs, some candidates with extensive experience might command salaries at the higher end or even exceed this range depending on their specific portfolio and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Mattel offers a comprehensive total pay program, indicating competitive compensation beyond base salary.
• Comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being and professional growth.
• Resources and programs aimed at empowering employees to reach their full potential.
• Potential for benefits may include health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement savings plans (e.g., 401k), paid time off, employee discounts on Mattel products, and professional development opportunities.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: While specific benefits are not detailed, Mattel, as a large, established corporation, typically provides a robust benefits package. Operations professionals often value benefits that support work-life balance and long-term financial security, such as comprehensive health coverage and retirement plans.

Working Hours:

• The standard work expectation is 40 hours per week.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: As a hybrid role, employees are expected to manage their time effectively to meet project deadlines and collaborate with both in-office and remote team members. Flexibility may exist, but core hours for team collaboration will likely be expected.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Toys and Family Entertainment. Mattel is a leading global entity with a strong presence in iconic brands like Barbie, Hot Wheels, and UNO, now expanding its footprint in the gaming sector. Company Size: Large (Mattel is a significant global corporation with thousands of employees). This size offers opportunities for career advancement, access to extensive resources, and exposure to diverse projects, but may also mean more structured hierarchies and processes. Founded: 1945. Mattel has a long-standing heritage in creating innovative play experiences, fostering a culture that values creativity, innovation, and a deep understanding of childhood development and entertainment.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Global Product Design Team, specifically focused on the Games division.
• This team works collaboratively with a global, cross-functional group encompassing Development Design, Engineering, Packaging, Marketing, and Cost Engineering.
• The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Director within the Games division, with direct interaction with various product managers and stakeholders.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: The "design-led toy company" positioning suggests that design is a core driver of Mattel's strategy, meaning this role has the potential for significant influence and visibility. Collaboration with international teams implies a need for strong communication protocols and cultural sensitivity.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Expect a blend of creative ideation and data analysis, using insights from playtesting, market research, and consumer psychology to inform product development.
• Iterative Development: The design process likely involves cycles of prototyping, testing, and refinement to optimize gameplay mechanics, collectability, and overall player experience.
• Process Optimization: A focus on efficiency in design and development, leveraging tools and best practices to streamline the path from concept to commercialization, particularly in communication with manufacturing partners.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Strong emphasis on collaborative workflows, ensuring all departments are aligned and contributing to the shared goal of successful product launches.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: As a Senior Designer, the expectation is not just to execute but to contribute to the refinement of design processes and methodologies within the team, potentially mentoring junior designers.

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

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Product Designer role, indicating a level of expertise and responsibility beyond entry-level or mid-level positions. It suggests a capacity for independent work, leadership on specific projects, and potentially mentoring junior designers. The focus on collectible systems and strategic game design points to a specialized career path within product development. Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Director within the Games division. They will collaborate closely with Product Managers, Development teams, Engineering, and potentially Marketing and Sales stakeholders to bring games to market. Operations Impact: The designer's work directly impacts the success of Mattel's Games portfolio, influencing revenue generation, brand perception, and consumer engagement through innovative and compelling game products. Success in this role contributes to Mattel's strategic goal of expanding its entertainment offerings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership: Potential to lead design initiatives for new game franchises, manage specific product lines, or mentor junior designers.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in collectible game systems, player psychology, and innovative toy/game manufacturing processes.
• Cross-Brand Exposure: Opportunities to contribute to other Mattel brands beyond games, leveraging design skills across a diverse portfolio.
• Industry Recognition: Potential to contribute to award-winning products and gain recognition within the toy and game industry.
• Management Track: For those interested in leadership, a path towards Design Management or Director roles within the Games division could be available.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: Mattel's size and diverse brand portfolio offer significant potential for career growth. The focus on innovation in the Games division suggests this is a strategic area for them, potentially offering more rapid development opportunities for high-performing individuals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This indicates a blend of in-office work for collaborative activities and remote work for focused individual tasks. Office Location(s): El Segundo, California. This location is a hub for many entertainment and tech companies, offering a vibrant professional environment.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be dynamic, fostering collaboration among designers, developers, and marketing professionals.
• Access to design tools, prototyping materials, and potentially a library of games for research and inspiration.
• Opportunities to engage with a global team, requiring proficiency in virtual collaboration tools and communication platforms.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature requires a proactive approach to communication and collaboration to ensure seamless integration between in-office and remote team members, maximizing the benefits of both environments.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and team agreements.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: While a standard schedule is outlined, the fast-paced nature of product development, especially in creative industries, may require occasional extended hours to meet critical deadlines, such as playtest phases or manufacturing milestones.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Screening: Initial review of resumes and portfolios against the stated qualifications.
• Recruiter/HR Screen: A preliminary conversation to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role.
• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion about experience, design philosophy, game design expertise (especially CCGs), and problem-solving abilities.
• Portfolio Presentation: A key stage where candidates present their work, explaining design choices, process, and impact. Expect detailed questions about specific projects.
• Cross-Functional/Team Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues from design, development, engineering, or marketing to assess collaboration style and technical understanding.
• Potential Design Challenge: A practical exercise or case study simulating a design problem relevant to Mattel's games, testing design thinking, problem-solving skills, and presentation abilities.
• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your skills in collectible game design, systems thinking, and physical product development. Prioritize quality over quantity.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, key decisions, challenges faced, and the ultimate outcome or impact. Use visuals effectively.
• Highlight CCG Expertise: Explicitly detail your experience with collectible card game mechanics, balancing, and knowledge of the underlying player psychology.
• Showcase Process: Include examples of your design process, such as concept sketches, wireframes, rulebook drafts, or playtesting feedback and how you iterated based on it.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics or qualitative feedback to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., sales performance, positive player reviews, successful feature implementation).
• Prepare for Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss the intricacies of your designs, the rationale behind specific mechanics, and how you would approach future challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Mattel's Brands: Familiarize yourself with Mattel's existing game portfolio (UNO, etc.) and their approach to play.
• Game Design Fundamentals: Brush up on core game design principles, balancing techniques, and common player motivations.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Practice articulating your thought process for solving design problems, focusing on clarity, logic, and creativity.
• Presentation Skills: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and any simulated design challenges concisely and engagingly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is likely the most critical component of the interview process. Candidates should treat it as a professional presentation, ensuring clarity, conciseness, and a strong narrative that highlights their unique value proposition as a Senior Product Designer specializing in games.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • Photoshop: Essential for concept art, asset creation, mockups, and visual design of game components.
  • Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, icon design, layout, and creating clean, scalable game art and typography.
• Microsoft Excel: Required for game balancing spreadsheets, cost analysis, data tracking, and project management tasks.
• Game Design Software (Potential): While not explicitly listed, experience with specialized game design tools or prototyping software (e.g., Tabletop Simulator, specialized CCG design tools) could be advantageous.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced use of Excel for data analysis and reporting on playtest results, cost projections, and market trends.
• Data Visualization Tools (Potential): Familiarity with tools like Tableau or Power BI might be beneficial for analyzing market trends or sales data, though not explicitly required.

CRM & Automation:

• Not typically central to a Product Designer role, but familiarity with project management software (e.g., Asana, Jira, Trello) used for tracking design tasks and cross-functional collaboration is expected.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: The core tool requirements are focused on graphic design and data management. Proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator is non-negotiable, and strong Excel skills are specifically highlighted as critical for the analytical aspects of game design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A core value at Mattel, encouraging the generation of novel ideas and pushing boundaries in product development.
• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork, partnership, and collective problem-solving across global, cross-functional teams.
• Execution & Accountability: A performance-driven culture focused on delivering high-quality results and taking ownership of projects.
• Purpose-Driven: A commitment to empowering generations through play and fostering a positive impact.
• Inclusivity & Belonging: Mattel strives for a workplace where all employees feel respected, included, and can express their authentic selves.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: For a designer, these values translate to being encouraged to bring bold ideas, working effectively with diverse teams (including international partners), meeting deadlines, and contributing to products that bring joy and development to children and families.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Actively engaging with marketing, engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure design feasibility and market relevance.
• Feedback Integration: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders throughout the design process.
• Global Communication: Utilizing virtual platforms and clear communication strategies to collaborate effectively with international teams.
• Process Improvement: A willingness to refine workflows and share best practices to enhance team efficiency and product quality.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: The "design-led toy company" ethos suggests that designers are integral to the entire product lifecycle, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills to influence and guide development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Collectibility and Accessibility: Designing systems that are compelling for dedicated collectors while remaining accessible and fun for a broader audience.
• Global Collaboration: Navigating time zone differences, cultural nuances, and communication barriers with international teams.
• Manufacturing Constraints: Adapting designs to meet manufacturing capabilities, cost targets, and material limitations without compromising core gameplay.
• Market Trends: Staying ahead of rapidly evolving trends in the gaming and toy industries to ensure product relevance and innovation.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Gaining and maintaining consensus among various departments with potentially different priorities.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: The challenge of understanding and designing for the "psychology of collectability" is a unique aspect of this role, requiring a blend of analytical and creative thinking.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Opportunities to attend toy and game industry events to stay abreast of trends and network.
• Internal Training: Access to Mattel's internal resources for professional development in design, project management, and leadership.
• Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced designers and leaders within the Global Product Design Team.
• Cross-Brand Exposure: Opportunities to apply design skills across different product categories within Mattel's vast brand portfolio.
• Specialized Skill Development: Deepening expertise in specific areas like CCG mechanics, player psychology, or advanced manufacturing processes.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: Mattel's commitment to employee growth means that individuals can actively seek out opportunities to expand their skill sets and take on new responsibilities, fostering a long-term career path.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a new collectible card game system. How do you approach balancing mechanics, ensuring player progression, and fostering long-term engagement?"
• "Walk me through a project where you had to collaborate with international manufacturing partners. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?"
• "How do you incorporate insights into the psychology of collectability into your game designs? Provide an example."
• "Tell me about a time you had to present a complex design concept to management or a non-design audience. How did you tailor your communication?"
• "How do you balance creative vision with practical constraints like manufacturing costs and timelines?"
• "Describe a situation where you received significant feedback on your design that required a major pivot. How did you handle it?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Mattel and our Games division specifically?"
• "How do you align with Mattel's core values of collaboration, innovation, and execution?"
• "Describe a time you contributed to a positive team environment or helped resolve a team conflict."
• "What are your thoughts on the current state of the collectible card game market?"
• "What role do you see digital elements playing in the future of physical tabletop games?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating a progression of skills. Start with a strong overview of your capabilities.
• Narrative: For each project, tell a compelling story. Clearly define the problem, your creative solution, the process you followed, and the impact of your design.
• Visuals: Use high-quality images, mockups, and prototypes. Ensure any rulebooks or component designs are clear and legible.
• Process Emphasis: Clearly articulate your design methodology, including how you conducted research, iterated on ideas, and incorporated feedback.
• Collectability Focus: For CCG projects, specifically highlight how you designed for collectability, replayability, and player engagement.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it's impactful and within the allotted timeframe. Be prepared for follow-up questions.
• Engagement: Make it interactive. Ask clarifying questions, and be ready to discuss your design choices in detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your understanding of game design principles, your ability to articulate and defend your design choices, and your experience with the specific demands of collectible game systems. Be prepared to demonstrate not just creativity but also strategic thinking and a deep understanding of the player experience.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer - Games position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the SmartRecruiters platform.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in game design, specifically collectible card games, and proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and Excel. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed game mechanics that increased player retention by X%").
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a strong portfolio showcasing relevant game design projects, with a clear emphasis on collectible systems. Ensure it clearly articulates your process, contributions, and the impact of your work. Be ready to present it during the interview process.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Mattel's brand portfolio, especially their current games and entertainment offerings. Understand their company values and culture.
• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your design philosophy, problem-solving approach, and experience with specific game design challenges. Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and effectively.

⚠️ 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.