Mattel

Sr Quality Engineer

Mattel$90K — $120K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Materials, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  • 4+ years of experience in quality engineering, product development, or manufacturing (preferably in the toy or consumer products industry)
  • Deep knowledge of global toy safety standards and regulations (ASTM F963, CPSIA, EN71, etc.)
  • Experience with Quality Management Systems (QMS) and quality documentation
  • Strong leadership and collaboration skills to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development and maintenance of Product Requirement Documents (PRDs) and Primary Concerns Documents (PCDs) within eQMS systems
  • Drive development of validation strategies for product concepts and consumer use conditions
  • Influence design reviews, focusing on safety and consumer experience
  • Apply knowledge of global safety regulations to ensure compliance across programs
  • Lead risk management activities and execute risk-based strategies
  • Perform investigations into product failures and safety issues using root cause analysis
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality requirements are met early

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Competitive total pay programs
  • Resources to support employee development and potential
  • Inclusive workplace culture encouraging diverse applicants
  • Opportunity to be part of a purpose-driven company
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Opportunity:
Mattel is currently seeking a Quality Engineer II in El Segundo, CA. This role is a key member of the corporate Quality Engineering leadership team, reporting to the Sr. Manager of Quality Engineering . This role supports global brand teams and works cross-functionally with Product Development, Design, Packaging, Regulations, Play Labs, Quality Data Analytics, and Manufacturing partners.

The Senior Quality Engineer plays a key role throughout the product development lifecycle-from concept and design reviews through product launch and post-market support-by translating design intent into robust, risk-based quality and testing strategies. The role contributes through technical expertise, independent judgment, cross-functional influence, and mentoring.

What Your Impact Will Be:
  • Lead development, implementation, and maintenance of Product Requirement Documents (PRDs) and Primary Concerns Documents (PCDs) within eQMS systems, ensuring alignment with product safety, performance, and brand expectations
  • Drive translation of product concepts, play patterns, and consumer use conditions into robust validation strategies, including mechanical, physical, chemical, and abuse testing
  • Lead and influence concept and design reviews, providing expert input on safety, durability, regulatory compliance, and consumer experience
  • Apply advanced working knowledge of global toy safety regulations and standards (ASTM F963, CPSIA, EN71, ISO, etc.), driving compliance across programs and ensuring clear interpretation and communication to cross-functional teams
  • Lead risk management activities (e.g., FMEA), developing and executing risk-based strategies across product categories, features, and manufacturing processes
  • Utilize and integrate multiple data sources (test results, consumer complaints, returns, field data, play testing) to proactively identify risks and drive product and process improvements
  • Independently lead complex investigations into product failures, safety issues, and manufacturing defects using structured root cause analysis tools (5 Whys, Fishbone, etc.), ensuring thorough resolution and documentation
  • Partner with internal labs and third-party testing facilities to define testing strategies, review complex test results, and ensure compliance with regulatory and brand requirements
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Design, Development, Packaging, Regulatory, Manufacturing) to ensure quality requirements are embedded early and effectively executed
  • Identify downstream impacts, risks, and opportunities across functions and proactively drive alignment and resolution
  • Lead supplier and manufacturing quality efforts, including issue resolution, corrective actions, and performance monitoring
  • Mentor and support junior engineers in technical problem solving, regulatory understanding, and cross-functional engagement
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives across product development, testing strategies, and manufacturing processes, ensuring compliance is maintained while improving efficiency and quality outcomes
  • Support and lead investigation of consumer complaints and field issues, ensuring timely, data-driven, and effective resolution
  • Periodic travel to global manufacturing sites and development partners as needed


Qualifications

What We're Looking For:

Experience, Education, & Skills:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Materials, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  • 4+ years of experience in quality engineering, product development, or manufacturing (toy or consumer products industry preferred)
  • Deep knowledge of global toy safety standards and regulations (ASTM F963, CPSIA, EN71, etc.)
  • Experience working with internal labs and third-party testing laboratories
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (plastics, textiles, electronics, packaging)
  • Experience with Quality Management Systems (QMS) and quality documentation
  • Advanced knowledge of statistical analysis and data interpretation
  • Experience leading risk management activities (FMEA) and root cause analysis
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with statistical tools (e.g., Minitab) preferred
  • Strong leadership and collaboration skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority
  • Advanced ability to interpret and apply global toy safety and consumer product regulations
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to independently drive complex decisions
  • Ability to determine, analyze, and synthesize multiple data sources into clear, actionable insights and recommendations
  • Proven ability to lead investigations, risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to balance technical depth and business impact
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead projects in a fast-paced environment
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop less experienced engineers
  • Proactive, results-oriented mindset with strong ownership and accountability


*The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay will be determined based on a candidate's work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential.

Additional Information

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. Join Mattel's Talent Community and start receiving exciting updates about our company, our employees, and our culture. Also, interested in signing up for job alerts? Do so here!

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.

About Mattel

Mattel, Inc. is a global toy company that designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of toys and games. The company's brands include Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, and more. Mattel's products are sold in over 150 countries and the company has manufacturing facilities in 10 countries. Mattel is committed to sustainability and has set a goal to achieve 100% recycled, recyclable, or bio-based plastic materials in all products and packaging by 2030. The company is also committed to diversity and inclusion and has been recognized for its efforts in this area.
Learn more about Mattel
Size
36,300 employees
Market Cap
$5.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$126.6 million
Founded
1945
5 Year Trend
-4.3%
Revenue
$4.5 billion
NASDAQ

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