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 Director 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 projectsDefine and own technical strategies to ensure alignment with business, cost, and performance objectivesTranslate design intent into clear, manufacturable technical specifications for tooling, materials, and production2. Lead Product Innovation and Electro-Mechanical Development
Drive innovation in mechanisms and electro-mechanical systems to achieve functional toy goalsDevelop and evaluate breadboards, prototypes, and proof-of-concept modelsApply advanced engineering principles to deliver creative, scalable, and manufacturable solutions3. Ensure Manufacturability, Cost, and Performance Feasibility
Lead cost and performance feasibility assessments in partnership with Design and Program ManagementApply manufacturing expertise in plastics, molding, assembly processes, electronics integration, and decorationEnsure concepts can be efficiently manufactured while meeting cost and schedule targets4. Champion Value Engineering and Product Quality
Lead value engineering initiatives to optimize cost without compromising quality or performanceDrive advanced product quality planning at the brand levelEnsure compliance with safety standards, quality requirements, and consumer expectations5. Mentor and Develop Engineering Talent
Mentor and guide engineers, providing technical oversight and design reviewsSet technical standards and best practices across mechanical and electro-mechanical domainsElevate overall team capability through knowledge sharing and coaching6. Anticipate Risks and Resolve Complex Technical Challenges
Identify technical risks early and develop mitigation strategiesSolve complex engineering problems using strong analytical and strategic thinkingDrive projects forward to meet business objectives and timelines7. Partner Cross-Functionally to Enable Seamless Execution
Collaborate closely with Design, Marketing, Program Management, Quality, Packaging, Manufacturing, and external partnersEnsure efficient execution and smooth handoffs throughout the development lifecycleWhat We’re Looking For:
Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related discipline) preferred, or equivalent experience5+ years of experience in Product Engineering, Product Development, or a related role within toys or consumer productsExpert understanding of engineering principles, product lifecycle, and quality assuranceExtensive knowledge of plastics, tooling, molding, decoration, electronics, and assembly processesDeep expertise in electro-mechanical systems, automation, robotics, or electronicsAdvanced CAD proficiency (SolidWorks, Creo) with experience using simulation and FEA toolsAbility to interpret and apply FEA results to design decisionsWorking knowledge of statistics and probabilityProven experience managing complex projects and working across cross-functional teamsStrong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skillsSolid understanding of financial indicators that influence product selection and developmentExcellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skillsHighly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectivelyComfortable presenting to and influencing senior leadershipWillingness to travel in-country (Hosur & Belagavi) 50–60% annuallyDon’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.