Sr. Product Designer - Tracks and Playsets

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Product Designer - Tracks and Playsets Company: Mattel Location: El Segundo, California, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: Product Design / GTM Operations Date Posted: September 11, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (4+ years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive innovation and concept generation for the Hot Wheels Licensed Entertainment Tracks and Playsets product lines, focusing on vehicles, track systems, and associated accessories.
• Translate consumer insights, market trends, and popular culture into compelling and commercially viable toy designs that resonate with both kids and parents.
• Execute product designs and potentially graphic designs, ensuring alignment with brand aesthetics, play patterns, and manufacturing feasibility.
• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including Development Design, Engineering, Packaging, and Cost Engineering, to ensure product integrity and meet marketing objectives.
• Act as a key liaison with international design and development partners, particularly in Asia, to manage project timelines and ensure seamless execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is primarily in Product Design, its success hinges on strong Go-To-Market (GTM) operational principles. The designer must understand market trends, consumer needs, and the product lifecycle, acting as a crucial early-stage operational link in bringing successful products to market. The emphasis on collaboration with various departments and international partners highlights the operational coordination required.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Actively generate and ideate new toy concepts and design solutions for the Hot Wheels Licensed Entertainment Tracks and Playsets portfolio.
• Execute detailed product designs, potentially including graphic design elements, for vehicles, track systems, playsets, and accessories.
• Develop and refine product designs through sketches, illustrations, 2D digital models, and 3D CAD models, ensuring clarity and completeness of design intent.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships and partnerships with cross-functional teams throughout the entire design and development process.
• Partner closely with Development Design, Engineering, Packaging, and Cost Engineering teams to ensure product integrity, manufacturability, and alignment with marketing and business objectives.
• Manage early-stage design and development phases, coordinating efforts with other internal disciplines and external partners.
• Effectively present and communicate design concepts, rationale, and progress to internal stakeholders, including Design, Marketing, Management, and other creative departments.
• Provide daily communication and collaboration with Mattel's design and development partners in Asia to facilitate smooth project progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility of "managing the early phases of design and development with other disciplines" indicates a need for strong project management and process understanding, crucial for effective GTM operations. The daily communication with international partners underscores the importance of clear communication protocols and timeline management in a global GTM strategy.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Graphic Design, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years of dedicated toy design experience, with a strong portfolio showcasing successful product development from concept to completion.
• Proven experience in designing for toy systems, understanding how components interact to create larger play experiences (e.g., Hot Wheels Track System).

Required Skills:

• Toy Design: Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, design, and develop innovative toys.
• Sketching & Illustration: Excellent freehand sketching and illustration skills to effectively communicate design ideas.
• 2D Computer Programs: Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator for concept development, rendering, and graphic design.
• Adobe Creative Suite: Comprehensive proficiency across the Adobe Creative Suite.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills for clear articulation of ideas and collaboration.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Ability to work effectively both autonomously and as part of a collaborative team, taking and applying direction strategically.
• Problem Solving: Superior problem-solving abilities demonstrated through a strong design portfolio.
• Creativity & Innovation: A highly creative, self-motivated, and proactive approach to ideation and design.
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, and deliverables efficiently.

Preferred Skills:

• 3D CAD Software: Knowledge of 3D CAD software such as Alias or Rhino 3D is a significant plus.
• Material & Manufacturing Knowledge: Understanding of materials and manufacturing processes for soft goods and plastics.
• Mechanism Knowledge: Familiarity with toy mechanisms and their integration into product designs.
• Trend Awareness: Keen interest and knowledge of current trends in the toy industry, popular culture, and children's entertainment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of "project manage" and "autonomously and in a team environment" directly speaks to operational execution capabilities. The preference for 3D CAD and manufacturing knowledge further emphasizes the practical, operational aspects of bringing a design to life.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio that clearly demonstrates strong design excellence across a range of toy products, with a specific focus on vehicles, tracks, and playsets.
• Showcase of the candidate's ability to ideate new and innovative concepts for toys.
• Evidence of the process used to develop ideas, including sketches, illustrations, 2D digital models, and ideally, 3D models.
• Examples of successful collaboration with cross-functional teams, illustrating how design intent was maintained through development.
• Projects that highlight an understanding of toy systems and how components integrate for enhanced play experiences.
• Demonstration of problem-solving skills applied to design challenges within toy development.

Process Documentation:

• The portfolio should implicitly or explicitly show the candidate's design process, including stages of ideation, concept refinement, prototyping (physical or digital), and final design execution.
• Evidence of how the designer translates feedback and direction from Marketing, Management, and other stakeholders into refined design solutions.
• Examples of how design concepts were clearly communicated to development, engineering, and manufacturing teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role is essentially a visual representation of the candidate's GTM process for product design. It needs to demonstrate not just creative output but also the operational rigor in developing and communicating those designs through the product lifecycle.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The provided text mentions a "projected hiring range," but no specific figures are given. Based on industry standards for a Sr. Product Designer with 4+ years of experience in the competitive Southern California market, a typical annual salary range would be $100,000 - $140,000. This range accounts for the required skills, the seniority of the role, and the cost of living in El Segundo, California.

Benefits:

• Competitive total pay programs.
• Comprehensive benefits package, typically including:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k) with potential company match.
  • Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
  • Life and disability insurance.
  • Employee assistance programs (EAP).
  • Potential for employee discounts on Mattel products.
  • Opportunities for professional development and training.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time engagement, likely around 40 hours per week.
• The company embraces a flexible work model, suggesting potential for hybrid arrangements and a focus on performance and connection.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from publicly available data for similar Sr. Product Designer roles in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, considering the company's industry and the specified experience level. Benefits are typical for large, established companies like Mattel. The hybrid work model implies a need for structured in-office collaboration days, which will be communicated by the company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Toy and Family Entertainment. Mattel is a global leader with iconic brands like Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, and UNO. The company's focus is on creating innovative products and experiences that inspire and develop children through play. Company Size: Large (The exact number of employees isn't stated, but Mattel is a major multinational corporation with thousands of employees globally.) This size implies a structured environment with established processes, opportunities for specialization, and potential for diverse career paths. Founded: 1945. This long history signifies a stable company with deep roots in innovation and a strong brand legacy.

Team Structure:

• The Sr. Product Designer will join the Hot Wheels Licensed Entertainment Tracks and Playsets product design team.
• This team likely comprises other designers, product developers, graphic designers, and potentially project managers focused on this specific product segment.
• The role requires significant cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Marketing, Packaging, Cost Engineering, and potentially legal/licensing teams.
• Close daily interaction with international design and development partners, primarily in Asia, is a key aspect of the team's operational workflow.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creativity is paramount, designs are influenced by market trends, consumer research, and competitive analysis, reflecting a data-informed approach to product development.
• Process Optimization: The emphasis on collaboration and working with various disciplines suggests a focus on optimizing the product development pipeline to ensure efficiency and quality.
• Agile/Iterative Development: While not explicitly stated, the nature of toy design and the need to work with international partners often involves iterative design processes and feedback loops.
• Global Collaboration: A core operational methodology involves seamless communication and workflow management with global teams.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and industry leadership suggest a blend of established best practices and a continuous drive for innovation. The operational structure likely supports global product development pipelines, requiring strong coordination and process adherence from all team members.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Senior level within the Product Design function, specifically targeting experienced designers who can lead concepts and manage aspects of the development process. It requires not only creative talent but also the ability to navigate and influence cross-functional operational workflows. Reporting Structure: The Sr. Product Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Director overseeing the Hot Wheels Licensed Entertainment product lines. They will work closely with Product Development, Engineering, Marketing, and other operational departments. Operations Impact: The designer's work directly impacts the commercial success of Hot Wheels products. Effective product design, informed by market trends and operational feasibility, drives sales, brand perception, and consumer engagement. The ability to manage the design process efficiently contributes to timely product launches and cost-effective production, key operational metrics.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Design: Opportunity to lead design initiatives for major product lines and influence the strategic direction of Hot Wheels toy development.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in vehicle design, track systems, and licensed entertainment properties.
• Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop a broader understanding of the entire product lifecycle, from concept to manufacturing and market launch, enhancing operational acumen.
• Global Exposure: Gain experience working with international teams and understanding diverse market needs and operational approaches.
• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers and contribute to the growth of the design team.
• Career Advancement: Progression into senior design leadership roles, design management, or related product development/GTM strategy positions within Mattel.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth by combining creative excellence with operational project management and cross-functional leadership, preparing individuals for more strategic roles in product development and GTM execution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. Mattel embraces a flexible work model, combining purposeful in-person collaboration with flexibility. This means the role will involve working both remotely and from the El Segundo office. Office Location(s): The primary office location is 333 Continental Blvd, El Segundo, CALIFORNIA 90245. This location is in a major business hub, offering a professional and collaborative workspace.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely includes collaborative workstations, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated design studios to facilitate brainstorming and teamwork.
• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, potentially 3D printers or rapid prototyping tools, and robust IT infrastructure to support design and communication.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with design colleagues, product managers, engineers, and marketing teams, fostering a dynamic and interactive work environment.
• Inspiration: The environment may be geared towards inspiring creativity, with displays of Mattel products and a culture that celebrates innovation.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is likely Monday to Friday, approximately 40 hours per week.
• The "flexible work model" suggests some autonomy in managing work hours, provided project deadlines and collaboration needs are met. Days in the office will be structured for key collaboration moments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role requires strong self-management and proactive communication skills to ensure seamless collaboration between in-office and remote work. Understanding how to leverage in-office time for critical team interactions is key to operational success in this environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of the resume and portfolio by a recruiter or hiring manager to assess qualifications and fit.
• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their portfolio, discussing key projects, design process, and problem-solving approaches. Expect deep dives into specific projects, focusing on rationale, challenges, and outcomes.
• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: Potentially a practical exercise or case study designed to evaluate design thinking, problem-solving skills, and proficiency with relevant tools. This might involve conceptualizing a new toy based on a brief.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Engineering, Marketing, and/or Development to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and understanding of their respective functions.
• Behavioral Interviews: Questions designed to assess cultural fit, leadership potential, and how the candidate handles specific work situations (e.g., conflict resolution, managing feedback).
• Final Interview: Often with senior leadership to make a final decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Focus on 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects, ideally showcasing toy design, vehicles, and track systems.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your design process, key decisions, challenges faced, and the final outcome or impact.
• Highlight Process: Emphasize your ideation methods, sketching techniques, software proficiency, and how you collaborated with others. Showcase your understanding of manufacturability and market relevance.
• Showcase Variety: Include examples that demonstrate different skills (sketching, digital rendering, 3D modeling if applicable) and problem-solving abilities.
• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or results that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., sales performance, positive consumer feedback).
• Tailor to Mattel: Research Mattel's brands and product lines to tailor your presentation and highlight how your skills align with their needs, especially for Hot Wheels.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, thoroughly read and understand the prompt, identifying key constraints and objectives.
• Think Aloud: Practice articulating your thought process and design rationale as you work through the challenge.
• Focus on Process: Demonstrate your design methodology, even if you don't reach a fully polished final product within the allotted time.
• Consider Stakeholders: Think about how your design would appeal to the target consumer (kids) and meet the needs of other departments (marketing, engineering).
• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, potential iterations, and how you would proceed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a holistic evaluation of creative talent, operational process understanding, and collaborative capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio is critical, acting as evidence of both design skill and GTM process execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for sketching, illustration, concept development, and graphic design (Photoshop, Illustrator).
• 2D Computer Programs: Specific mention of Photoshop and Illustrator as required.
• 3D CAD Software (Preferred): Alias, Rhino 3D for 3D modeling and visualization. This is crucial for communicating complex forms and for engineering handoff.
• Prototyping Tools: While not explicitly listed, familiarity with rapid prototyping methods (e.g., 3D printing) or digital prototyping tools would be beneficial for iterating designs.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly used by designers, understanding how market data, consumer feedback, and sales reports are used to inform design decisions is beneficial. This includes familiarity with how design output feeds into product performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how product information and designs are managed within broader company systems (like PLM - Product Lifecycle Management) can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is a baseline requirement. The preference for 3D CAD highlights the growing importance of digital tools in modern product design and their role in streamlining the GTM operational pipeline by improving communication between design and manufacturing.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A core value, encouraging new ideas and challenging conventional thinking to create groundbreaking products.
• Collaboration: Emphasized as a core behavior ("Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower"). This means working closely with others for better results.
• Execution & Accountability: A performance-driven culture focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes, with accountability and ownership expected.
• Purpose-Driven: Aiming to empower generations through play, fostering a sense of mission and impact in the work.
• Inclusivity & Belonging: Mattel is dedicated to an inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, included, and heard, encouraging diverse perspectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Strong emphasis on working seamlessly with diverse teams (Engineering, Marketing, Packaging, Cost Engineering), requiring clear communication and understanding of different functional needs.
• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders to refine designs and ensure project success.
• Global Teamwork: A collaborative approach that extends to international partners, requiring cultural sensitivity and effective remote communication strategies.
• Proactive Engagement: Encouraging team members to be proactive in identifying opportunities and contributing to process improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values directly translate into operational expectations: collaboration drives efficient cross-functional workflows, execution ensures timely product delivery, and innovation requires a process that supports creative exploration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: The primary challenge will be generating innovative and exciting designs while adhering to brand guidelines, manufacturing limitations, cost targets, and licensing requirements.
• Global Collaboration Management: Effectively communicating and coordinating design efforts with international teams, managing time zone differences and cultural nuances, requires strong operational coordination.
• Rapid Trend Integration: Staying ahead of evolving consumer trends, licensing opportunities, and competitor activities to ensure product relevance and market appeal.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring buy-in and seamless integration of designs across diverse departments (Engineering, Marketing, Packaging) can present complex operational challenges.
• Managing Feedback Loops: Effectively processing and integrating feedback from multiple stakeholders without compromising design integrity or project timelines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in 3D modeling, advanced rendering techniques, and potentially exploring new design software.
• Product Lifecycle Management: Gaining deeper insights into the end-to-end product development process, from concept ideation through manufacturing, distribution, and marketing.
• Brand Strategy: Understanding how to align product designs with overarching brand strategies and marketing campaigns.
• Licensing & Intellectual Property: Developing an understanding of working with licensed entertainment properties and managing IP considerations.
• Cross-Functional Acumen: Broadening knowledge of engineering, manufacturing, marketing, and supply chain operations to become a more well-rounded product developer.

📝 Enhancement Note: Overcoming these challenges requires strong operational thinking – process adherence, effective communication, and proactive problem-solving – which in turn fuels significant growth opportunities for individuals in this role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Philosophy for Hot Wheels: "How do you approach designing for a brand as iconic as Hot Wheels, particularly for licensed entertainment tracks and playsets? What are the key considerations for capturing the essence of a license while innovating?" (Focus on understanding brand, consumer, and innovation balance).
• Process for Ideation: "Walk me through your process for generating new toy ideas. How do you stay inspired and translate trends into actionable concepts?" (Highlight your creative process and how you research/gather inspiration).
• Managing Cross-Functional Collaboration: "Describe a time you had to work closely with engineering or marketing to bring a design to life. What were the challenges, and how did you ensure alignment and successful execution?" (Showcase your collaboration and communication skills, emphasizing operational handoffs).
• Problem-Solving in Design: "Tell me about a challenging design problem you faced in a previous toy design role. How did you approach it, what solutions did you explore, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your analytical skills and ability to overcome obstacles).
• Understanding Toy Systems: "How do you approach designing components that need to integrate seamlessly with existing toy systems, like the Hot Wheels track system?" (Demonstrate your understanding of interconnected play patterns and design for compatibility).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Mattel Values: "How do you see your personal work style aligning with Mattel's values of Collaboration, Innovation, and Execution?" (Prepare examples that demonstrate these behaviors).
• Team Dynamics: "What kind of team environment do you thrive in? How do you contribute to a positive and productive team dynamic?" (Showcase your ability to work effectively in a hybrid, global team).
• Passion for Play: "What does 'play' mean to you, and what drives your passion for designing toys?" (Express genuine enthusiasm for the industry and the company's mission).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, starting with an overview of your background and then diving into selected projects. For each project:
  1. Project Title & Brief: What was the goal?
  2. Your Role: What specifically did you contribute?
  3. The Challenge: What problem were you solving?
  4. Your Process: Sketching, ideation, research, software used, prototyping.
  5. Key Decisions: Why did you make certain design choices?
  6. Collaboration: How did you work with others?
  7. Outcome/Impact: What was the result? Photos of final product, sales data if available.
• Visuals: Use high-quality images and clear graphics. Keep text minimal on slides; let your verbal explanation fill in the details.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it fits within the allocated slot, typically 15-20 minutes for presentation, followed by Q&A.
• Enthusiasm: Show genuine excitement for your work and for Mattel.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect questions that probe both your creative capabilities and your understanding of the operational aspects of product development, including collaboration, process adherence, and market awareness. Your portfolio is your primary tool to demonstrate these skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects most relevant to toy design, vehicles, tracks, and playsets. Emphasize projects that demonstrate your understanding of consumer trends and brand alignment.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 4+ years of toy design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and any experience with 3D CAD. Use keywords from the job description and quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approaches, and collaboration experiences. Prepare to present your portfolio confidently and answer questions about your creative philosophy and understanding of the toy industry.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Mattel's brand portfolio, particularly Hot Wheels, and understand their company culture and values. Research current Hot Wheels product lines and identify potential areas for innovation.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions based on the provided data and general knowledge of the toy industry and product design roles. All details, especially regarding salary, benefits, and specific interview processes, should be verified directly with Mattel during the application and interview stages.