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 & Development (Gaming Focus)
Date Posted: August 19, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive innovation and conceptualization for new product opportunities within Mattel's Games division, with a specific emphasis on collectible card games and physical tabletop experiences.
• Lead the end-to-end design and development of physical games, focusing on creating engaging gameplay mechanics, mastery-based progression, and strong collectability features.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration with Development Design, Engineering, Packaging, and Cost Engineering teams to ensure product integrity, manufacturability, and alignment with marketing objectives.
• Manage daily communication and project coordination with Asia-based partners, ensuring smooth workflow and timely delivery of design assets and product iterations.
• Articulate and present design concepts effectively to senior management, marketing teams, and creative departments, building consensus and securing buy-in throughout the product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Product Designer - Games" title, combined with the emphasis on collectible card games, physical tabletop design, and cross-functional collaboration with engineering and manufacturing, strongly suggests a role focused on product development within the gaming sector. The mention of "system and play pattern based on collectability" and "psychology behind collectability" indicates a need for strategic thinking beyond just aesthetics, focusing on user engagement and long-term player retention. The hybrid work arrangement implies a need for strong remote collaboration skills alongside in-office presence for key team interactions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop innovative new product opportunities that enhance Mattel's Games portfolio, particularly in the collectible card game and tabletop space.
• Create detailed physical game designs, including mechanics, rules, card matrices, and player interaction systems, with a focus on fostering mastery and collectability.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Development Design, Engineering, Packaging, and Cost Engineering, to ensure product integrity, feasibility, and alignment with marketing and business objectives.
• Manage daily communication and project coordination with international partners, particularly in Asia, to oversee design progression and production milestones.
• Present design concepts, prototypes, and progress reports to design management, marketing, and creative leadership, effectively communicating vision and rationale.
• Oversee all phases of the design and development process, ensuring seamless integration with other disciplines and adherence to project timelines and quality standards.
• Conduct market research and stay abreast of current trends in collectible gaming, tabletop games, and player psychology to inform design decisions and identify new opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative ideation and practical project management. The emphasis on "physical games," "card game matrices," and "social and game play interactions" points to a deep dive into game mechanics and user experience design. The requirement for daily communication with Asia partners underscores the global nature of product development and the need for strong cross-cultural communication skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in Design, Game Design, Industrial Design, or a related field is highly preferred.
• Equivalent professional experience in game design and product development will also be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3+ years of dedicated experience in game design and development, with a strong preference for experience within the Collectible Card Game (CCG) genre.
• Proven track record of designing and bringing physical tabletop games or similar interactive products to market.
• Experience playing and analyzing collectible game systems and matrices is highly valued, with bonus consideration for prior experience in designing them.

Required Skills:

• Game Design: Expertise in conceptualizing, developing, and iterating on game mechanics, rules, and play patterns, with a specific focus on collectability and player engagement.
• Digital Design Tools: Proficiency in industry-standard design software, including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Microsoft Excel for design mockups, asset creation, and data management (e.g., card balancing, matrix design).
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities for presenting concepts, collaborating with teams, and managing international partnerships.
• Material & Manufacturing Knowledge: Understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and their impact on product design and cost for physical goods.
• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, navigate all phases of design and development, and work autonomously while also thriving in a team environment.
• Problem Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address design challenges and ensure product integrity and market objectives are met.
• Trend Awareness: Keen interest in and knowledge of current trends in the toy and gaming industries, including features and play patterns.

Preferred Skills:

• Psychology of Collectability: Interest and understanding of the psychological drivers behind collectability and consumer behavior in gaming.
• System Design: Prior experience designing collectible systems, matrices, and interconnected game elements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to build consensus and collaborate effectively with diverse teams, including marketing, engineering, and international partners.
• Innovation: A mindset geared towards generating new opportunities and enhancing existing brands through creative product design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of creative design talent, technical proficiency in design software, and strong project management capabilities. The specific mention of "Collectible Card Game" experience and "designing collectible systems and matrices" highlights a niche requirement within the broader product design field. The preference for understanding the "psychology behind collectability" suggests that candidates with a user-centric and behavioral economics perspective will be highly regarded.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of game design projects, with a strong emphasis on physical tabletop games and/or collectible card games.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of game mechanics, rules design, and the creation of engaging player experiences.
• Include examples of system design, particularly for collectible elements, progression systems, or balanced game matrices.
• Highlight projects that illustrate problem-solving skills applied to design challenges, showcasing how you overcame obstacles to achieve design goals.
• Present examples of collaboration with cross-functional teams or stakeholders, demonstrating your ability to work within a larger product development ecosystem.

Process Documentation:

• For each project, provide context on the design process followed, from initial concept generation to final product development.
• Document the iterative design process, including playtesting, feedback integration, and refinement of game mechanics and systems.
• Illustrate how you utilized design software (Photoshop, Illustrator, Excel) to create assets, manage data, and communicate design specifications.
• Where applicable, include insights into material selection, manufacturing considerations, and cost-effectiveness in your design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, focusing on demonstrable game design skills and a deep understanding of the collectible gaming landscape. The emphasis on "system design" and "psychology behind collectability" means portfolios should ideally showcase how the candidate has applied these principles in their past work, perhaps through case studies that detail the thought process and outcomes of their design choices.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The annual base salary range for this position is between $76,800.00 and $110,000.00 USD.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: This range is indicative and will be finalized based on the candidate's specific work location (e.g., El Segundo, California), demonstrated skills, and overall experience level. For El Segundo, California, which is a high cost of living area, this range aligns with typical mid-to-senior level product design roles, particularly those with specialized gaming experience. Industry benchmarks for similar roles in the Los Angeles metropolitan area often fall within or slightly above this range, especially for candidates with proven expertise in collectible game systems.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to support employee well-being.
• Retirement Savings Plan: Opportunities for 401(k) or similar retirement savings plans, potentially with company matching.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure work-life balance.
• Employee Discounts: Access to discounts on Mattel products and potentially other partner offerings.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, training, and career advancement within the organization.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid work model allowing for a balance of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: While standard hours are expected, the hybrid work model suggests a degree of flexibility in structuring the workday, provided that core collaboration needs and project deadlines are met. Effective time management and communication with international partners will be key.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Toy and Family Entertainment. Mattel is a leading global company with iconic brands like Barbie, Hot Wheels, UNO, and Fisher-Price, known for innovation in play and entertainment experiences. Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees globally). This indicates a robust organizational structure with established processes, ample resources, and diverse career opportunities. Founded: 1945. Mattel has a long-standing heritage in the industry, building a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and connecting with generations through play.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Global Product Design Team, specifically focused on the Games division.
• This team likely comprises a mix of product designers, game designers, concept artists, and potentially user experience specialists who collaborate on bringing new games to life.
• The Senior Product Designer will report to a Design Manager or Director and will work closely with cross-functional departments such as Brand Management, Marketing, Development Engineering, and Asia-based production partners.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Innovation: Mattel emphasizes innovation and data to create compelling products, suggesting a design process that may involve market analysis, consumer insights, and rigorous testing.
• Collaborative Development: The company culture promotes collaboration ("We collaborate"), indicating a team-oriented approach where diverse perspectives are valued to achieve shared goals.
• Process Execution: A focus on execution and accountability ("We execute") means designers are expected to deliver results efficiently and take ownership of their projects.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Mattel's culture is built around creativity, collaboration, and execution. For a Senior Product Designer in Games, this means being part of a dynamic team that values innovative ideas while demanding rigorous execution and a strong understanding of the market and consumer. The emphasis on "purpose driven" and "play" suggests an environment where passion for creating engaging experiences is highly valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as "Senior Product Designer," indicating a mid-to-senior level within the design hierarchy. It implies a need for independent work, significant project ownership, and the ability to mentor or guide less experienced designers. Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Director within the Games division. They will also work closely with project managers and leads from other departments. Operations Impact: The designer's work directly impacts the success of Mattel's Games portfolio, influencing revenue, brand perception, and consumer engagement through the creation of innovative and appealing products. Their designs contribute to the company's overall strategic goals in the gaming market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in collectible card game design, system design, or broader tabletop game development.
• Leadership: Transition into a Lead Product Designer or Design Manager role, overseeing teams and strategic design initiatives.
• Brand Expansion: Contribute to the design of games across Mattel's diverse range of iconic brands.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potentially move into related roles within Brand Management, Product Development, or even Marketing, leveraging design expertise.
• Skill Development: Continuous learning opportunities through internal training, industry conferences, and exposure to cutting-edge design trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title suggests a clear path for advancement within Mattel's design structure. Growth opportunities likely involve taking on more complex projects, leading design initiatives, and potentially managing junior designers. The company's size and brand portfolio offer a wide array of avenues for career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Mattel operates with a hybrid work model, blending purposeful in-person collaboration with remote flexibility. This suggests a dynamic office environment designed to foster teamwork and brainstorming, while also acknowledging the benefits of remote work for focused tasks. Office Location(s): The primary office location mentioned is El Segundo, California, a hub for many entertainment and creative industries.

• Workspace Context: The El Segundo office likely offers a collaborative workspace with areas for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and individual focused work. Access to design studios, prototyping facilities, or relevant software and hardware would be expected.
• Team Interaction: Expect regular interaction with a close-knit design team, as well as frequent collaboration with marketing, engineering, and international teams, necessitating strong digital communication tools and protocols.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the hybrid model offering flexibility in how those hours are structured between in-office and remote work.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: The expectation for "daily communication with Asia partners" suggests that some flexibility in working hours might be beneficial to accommodate different time zones, though core business hours will likely remain standard.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter-led screening to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into experience, design philosophy, and suitability for the team.
• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A critical stage where candidates present their design portfolio, showcasing relevant projects, design process, and problem-solving skills. This may include a specific design challenge or case study.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Development Design, Engineering, Marketing, or other relevant departments to assess collaboration capabilities and cross-functional understanding.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader in the design organization for a final assessment of strategic thinking and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Relevant Projects: Focus on projects that best demonstrate your skills in physical game design, collectible systems, and the specific software mentioned (Photoshop, Illustrator, Excel).
• Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: Clearly articulate your design process, from ideation and research to iteration, playtesting, and final execution. Explain the 'why' behind your design decisions.
• Highlight Collectability & Psychology: If possible, include projects that specifically address the psychology of collectability, system design, or user engagement strategies. Explain your approach to these elements.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or specific outcomes to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., positive player feedback, sales data if available for past projects).
• Prepare a Narrative: Be ready to walk through your portfolio, telling a compelling story about each project, your role, and the challenges you overcame.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Thinking: Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve conceptualizing a new game mechanic, designing a collectible element, or solving a specific game design problem.
• Technical Proficiency: Ensure you are comfortable using Photoshop, Illustrator, and Excel under time constraints if the challenge requires it.
• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively, anticipating questions from the interview panel.
• Mattel Brand Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with Mattel's current game offerings and the broader toy industry landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount for this role. Candidates should prepare to not only show their visual design skills but also their strategic thinking regarding game mechanics, user engagement, and the specific nuances of collectible systems. Demonstrating an understanding of the "psychology behind collectability" and how to translate that into tangible game features will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • Photoshop: Essential for creating visual assets, mockups, card art, and user interface elements for games.
  • Illustrator: Crucial for vector-based graphics, logo design, iconography, and layout for game components.
• Microsoft Office Suite:
  • Excel: Heavily utilized for managing game data, balancing card statistics, creating matrices, tracking project progress, and potentially financial modeling for product costing.
• 3D Modeling Software (Potentially): While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with 3D modeling tools (e.g., Blender, Maya, SolidWorks) could be beneficial for visualizing game components or prototypes.
• Project Management Tools: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or Monday.com is likely expected for managing project workflows and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in analyzing data from playtesting sessions, market research, and sales performance to inform design decisions.
• Presentation Software: Tools like PowerPoint or Google Slides for creating impactful presentations of design concepts and project updates.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Software (e.g., Salesforce): While not directly a design tool, understanding how game products integrate with broader customer relationship management strategies can be beneficial.
• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with communication and collaboration tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, and video conferencing software (Zoom, Google Meet) is essential for remote and international teamwork.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required software proficiency is specific and critical. Excel's role extends beyond basic spreadsheet use to complex data management for game mechanics and balancing, which is a key differentiator for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Mattel's core value is creativity ("Creativity is our superpower"), encouraging designers to explore new ideas and push boundaries in product development.
• Collaboration: The company emphasizes teamwork and partnership ("We collaborate"), expecting designers to work effectively with diverse teams and build consensus.
• Execution & Accountability: A strong focus on performance and results ("We execute") means designers are expected to deliver high-quality work on time and take ownership of their projects.
• Inclusivity & Belonging: Mattel strives for an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued and everyone can contribute authentically.
• Passion for Play: A genuine enthusiasm for toys, games, and the wonder of childhood is likely a strong underlying value within the design team.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where designers work closely with marketing, engineering, manufacturing, and international teams.
• Feedback-Driven Process: The design process likely involves regular feedback loops from various stakeholders, requiring designers to be open to critique and iterative development.
• Global Communication: Effective communication and relationship-building with international partners, particularly in Asia, are crucial for successful project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The cultural values highlight a dynamic and collaborative environment where creative output is paramount, but it must be balanced with rigorous execution and effective teamwork across diverse functions and geographies.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Collectibility with Accessibility: Designing game systems that are deeply engaging for collectors while remaining accessible and enjoyable for a broader audience.
• Global Product Development: Managing the complexities of working with international partners, including time zone differences, cultural nuances, and varied manufacturing capabilities.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring alignment on design vision and execution across multiple departments (Marketing, Engineering, Costing) with potentially differing priorities.
• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously innovating and adapting to the rapidly evolving landscape of the gaming and toy industries.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Game Design Training: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in specific game mechanics, system design, and the psychology of player engagement.
• Industry Events & Conferences: Exposure to leading-edge trends, technologies, and networking opportunities within the toy and game industries.
• Mentorship Programs: Potential to learn from experienced design leaders and contribute to the development of junior designers.
• Brand Immersion: Gaining deep insights into Mattel's iconic brands and how to infuse their essence into new game experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in a large, global consumer products company, requiring strong problem-solving skills and adaptability. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering clear paths for specialization and advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Philosophy: "Describe your approach to designing collectible game systems. How do you balance player engagement, strategic depth, and the inherent appeal of collectability?"
• Problem Solving: "Walk us through a complex game design challenge you faced in a previous role. How did you diagnose the problem, what solutions did you explore, and what was the outcome?"
• Collaboration: "How do you typically collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure a design is both innovative and feasible? Can you share an example of a successful cross-functional project?"
• Trend Analysis: "What current trends in the tabletop or collectible card game market do you find most interesting, and how might they influence future product design?"
• Mattel Brands: "How would you approach designing a new game experience for one of Mattel's iconic brands, such as Hot Wheels or Barbie, focusing on collectability?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Mattel's mission and its approach to play?"
• "How do you align with Mattel's core values of collaboration, innovation, and execution?"
• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive and productive culture."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Structure: Begin with an overview of your design philosophy and then present 2-3 key projects that best showcase your skills relevant to this role. For each project:
  • The Challenge: What problem were you trying to solve?
  • Your Role: What was your specific contribution?
  • Your Process: How did you approach the design, including research, ideation, iteration, and problem-solving?
  • The Solution: What was the final design, and what were its key features?
  • The Impact/Outcome: What were the results or learnings from the project?
• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how your work demonstrates proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, Excel, game mechanics design, and understanding of collectability.
• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you would apply your skills at Mattel. Be ready to discuss the psychology of collectability and how you've integrated it into designs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to brainstorm game mechanics, design a specific collectible component, or outline a game system based on a given prompt.
• Practice articulating your ideas clearly and concisely, demonstrating your design thinking process.
• If a technical challenge is involved, be prepared to use design software efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus heavily on demonstrating a deep understanding of game design principles, particularly for collectible systems, and showcasing how the candidate has applied these principles effectively in past projects. The ability to articulate the 'why' behind design decisions and demonstrate cross-functional collaboration skills will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer - Games position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the SmartRecruiters platform.
• Curate your portfolio: Select projects that best highlight your experience in physical game design, collectible card games, system design, and proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and Excel. Ensure your portfolio tells a clear story of your design process and problem-solving abilities.
• Tailor your resume: Optimize your resume to emphasize relevant experience in game design, product development, and specific skills mentioned in the job description. Quantify your achievements wherever possible.
• Prepare your presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, focusing on clear communication, design rationale, and how your skills align with Mattel's needs. Be ready to discuss the psychology of collectability and your approach to creating engaging game systems.
• Research Mattel: Familiarize yourself with Mattel's current game offerings, the company's history, its brands, and its stated values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.