Lead, Product Development Engineering

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

The Opportunity: 

As the Lead, Product Development Engineer, your role is to be technically hands-on and responsible for driving product innovation and translating creative concepts into manufacturable, high-quality solutions. This role serves as the focal point for technical decision-making, ensuring products meet cost, performance, schedule, safety, and quality expectations.

You will set technical direction across projects, lead value engineering and advanced product quality planning at the brand level, and support early proof-of-concept development—particularly for electro-mechanical, performance-based products. As a technical leader, you will mentor engineers, elevate team capability, and partner closely with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure seamless execution throughout the product development lifecycle.

You will report to the Manager of Development Program Management and will travel in-country 50–60% of the time between Belagavi and Hosur. 

What Your Impact Will Be: 

1. Drive Technical Direction and Decision-Making

• Serve as the primary technical authority, guiding engineering decisions across multiple projects
• Define and own technical strategies to ensure alignment with business, cost, and performance objectives
• Translate design intent into clear, manufacturable technical specifications for tooling, materials, and production

2. Lead Product Innovation and Electro-Mechanical Development

• Drive innovation in mechanisms and electro-mechanical systems to achieve functional toy goals
• Develop and evaluate breadboards, prototypes, and proof-of-concept models
• Apply advanced engineering principles to deliver creative, scalable, and manufacturable solutions

3. Ensure Manufacturability, Cost, and Performance Feasibility

• Lead cost and performance feasibility assessments in partnership with Design and Program Management
• Apply manufacturing expertise in plastics, molding, assembly processes, electronics integration, and decoration
• Ensure concepts can be efficiently manufactured while meeting cost and schedule targets

4. Champion Value Engineering and Product Quality

• Lead value engineering initiatives to optimize cost without compromising quality or performance
• Drive advanced product quality planning at the brand level
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, quality requirements, and consumer expectations

5. Mentor and Develop Engineering Talent

• Mentor and guide engineers, providing technical oversight and design reviews
• Set technical standards and best practices across mechanical and electro-mechanical domains
• Elevate overall team capability through knowledge sharing and coaching

6. Anticipate Risks and Resolve Complex Technical Challenges

• Identify technical risks early and develop mitigation strategies
• Solve complex engineering problems using strong analytical and strategic thinking
• Drive projects forward to meet business objectives and timelines

7. Partner Cross-Functionally to Enable Seamless Execution

• Collaborate closely with Design, Marketing, Program Management, Quality, Packaging, Manufacturing, and external partners
• Ensure efficient execution and smooth handoffs throughout the development lifecycle

What We’re Looking For: 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related discipline) preferred, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of experience in Product Engineering, Product Development, or a related role within toys or consumer products
• Expert understanding of engineering principles, product lifecycle, and quality assurance
• Extensive knowledge of plastics, tooling, molding, decoration, electronics, and assembly processes
• Deep expertise in electro-mechanical systems, automation, robotics, or electronics
• Advanced CAD proficiency (SolidWorks, Creo) with experience using simulation and FEA tools
• Ability to interpret and apply FEA results to design decisions
• Working knowledge of statistics and probability
• Proven experience managing complex projects and working across cross-functional teams
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Solid understanding of financial indicators that influence product selection and development
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Comfortable presenting to and influencing senior leadership
• Willingness to travel in-country (Hosur & Belagavi) 50–60% annually

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

How We Work:

We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Our Approach to Flexible Work:

We embrace a flexible work model designed to empower a culture of growth, optimism, and wellbeing, where every employee can reach their full potential. Combining purposeful in-person collaboration with flexibility, our focus is to optimize performance and drive connection for moments that matter.

Who We Are:

Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Videos to watch:

The Culture at Mattel

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