Manager, 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 PDE Manager, you role requires strong business and technical acumen, with full end-to-end ownership of product development deliverables while serving both internal and external customers. This is a high-growth, high-visibility role with frequent interaction with senior leadership.

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

What Your Impact Will Be: 

1. Manage and Develop the PDE Team

• Lead and manage a team of 4–5 engineers, providing day-to-day direction, performance feedback, and coaching
• Support employee development through onboarding, training, and regular development conversations
• Act as the team’s Digital Mentor, driving adoption of digital tools, workflows, and best practices

2. Construct Toy Prototypes and Support Design Validation

• Model physical prototypes using SolidWorks or CREO
• Build rapid prototypes to validate design intent and functionality
• Perform hands-on modifications, including kit-bashing and manual adjustments

3. Optimize Toy Performance During Development

• Hand-model performance improvements to validate impact prior to tooling changes
• Modify existing multi-year items to enhance consumer experience, improve star ratings, and/or reduce cost

4. Optimize Product Cost

• Collaborate cross-functionally to build and review product costs
• Partner closely with Asia counterparts through live virtual meetings to explore multiple cost scenarios and reduction opportunities
• Participate in Kaizen and value engineering activities to drive cost efficiency

5. Ensure Program Milestones and Deadlines Are Met

• Attend on-site reviews and development activities in Asia as needed (e.g., CRs, debug sessions, value engineering)
• Participate in frequent evening meetings with Asia-based teams to ensure alignment and progress

6. Ensure Adherence to Quality and Safety Standards

• Partner with Quality teams on Product Requirements Documents
• Use gauges and testing tools to evaluate product performance and compliance

7. Create and Review Functional Specifications

• Develop and review functional specifications
• Facilitate cross-functional alignment and verification of documentation

What We’re Looking For: 

• Minimum 10 years of experience in Product Engineering, Product Development, or a related consumer products field
• 3–5 years of people management experience
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional partners (Design, Marketing, Engineering, Model Makers, Manufacturing, Finance, Planning, etc.)
• Proficiency in Product Scheduling and Product Lifecycle Management tools, as well as Excel and PowerPoint
• Solid understanding of financial indicators that influence product selection and development decisions
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Comfortable presenting to and engaging with senior executives
• Ability to provide clear, honest, and constructive feedback
• Strong listening, influencing, and communication skills
• 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
Corporate Philanthropy