Manager Tech Program Mgmt

Mattel; El Segundo (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Mattel Game Studios in El Segundo seeks a hands-on Technical Program Manager to own cross-functional programs across engineering, product, design, security, analytics and external studios. This is a hands-on leadership role that turns ambiguous goals into clear execution plans, maintains a single source of truth for schedules and dependencies, and keeps work moving by removing blockers.

You will partner with engineering, product, design/UX, security & privacy, analytics, and external studios to

Qualifications

• 6+ years of technical product or program management experience delivering software services.
• Experience with product/project planning with engineering teams; hands-on development experience valued.
• Strong knowledge of Jira, Confluence, and program planning tools.
• Experience establishing development/release schedules and delivering complex software projects end-to-end.
• Able to verify scope/impacts and resolve ambiguity.

Responsibilities

• Build and deploy shared game services and platform capabilities for Mattel self-published games portfolio.
• Drive execution across the product development lifecycle: translate goals into epics/stories; facilitate sprint planning and risk management; unblock teams.
• Lead sprint ceremonies and execution cadence: keep backlog epics sprint-ready and track dates to closure.
• Own the program source of truth (Jira/Confluence): scope, milestones, sprint assignments, dependencies; publish weekly updates.
• Leverage internal Mattel technologies while partnering with in-house experts, third-party providers, and game studios to align scope and ownership.
• Improve efficiency and effectiveness across LiveOps tooling, BI/analytics for Games, community & commerce, and emerging tech.

Skills

Technical Program Mgmt

Product/Program Planning

Jira/Confluence

Software Delivery

Hands-on Development

Scrum Master Certification

Education

B.S. in Engineering or CS

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Job description

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 Team:

Mattel Game Studios builds and publishes digital games inspired by Mattel’s iconic brands—creating high-quality experiences that connect players with the characters and worlds they love. Led by seasoned games industry leaders, we partner across disciplines and with best-in-class external studios to bring experiences to life for a global audience.

The Opportunity:

This Technical Program Manager (TPM) role owns and drives cross-functional technical programs within the Mattel Game Studios’ publishing and product development functions. You will partner with engineering, product, design/UX, security & privacy, analytics, and external studios to plan and deliver the systems and services that power development, deployment, and live operations of Mattel gaming products. This is a hands‑on program leadership role: you will turn ambiguous goals into clear execution plans, maintain a trusted “single source of truth” for schedules and dependencies, and keep work moving by unblocking teams and driving decisions.

What Your Impact Will Be:

• Build and deploy shared game services and platform capabilities for the Mattel self-published games portfolio.
• Drive execution across the product development lifecycle: translate goals into epics/stories with clear acceptance criteria; facilitate sprint planning/reviews and dependency/risk management; unblock teams and escal) c early; drive cross-functional alignment and decisions in a matrixed org.
• Lead sprint ceremonies and execution cadence: keep backlog/epics sprint-ready, align priorities and commitments, and track owners/dates to closure.
• Own the program source of truth (e.g., Jira/Confluence and related artifacts): scope, milestones, sprint assignments, dependencies, and status; publish concise weekly updates.
• Leverage internal Mattel technologies while partnering with in-house experts, third-party providers, and game development studios to align scope, ownership, and dependencies.
• Improve efficiency and effectiveness across key areas (e.g., LiveOps tooling and execution, business intelligence/analytics for Games, community & commerce enablement, and emerging tech).

What We’re Looking For:

• B.S. in Engineering, Computer Science or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of technical product or program management experience delivering software services, with a proven track record of execution.
• Deep experience in product/project planning with engineering teams; prior hands‑on development experience strongly valued.
• Solid working knowledge of Jira, Confluence, and program planning tools, with the discipline to keep plans current and credible.
• Experience establishing development/release schedules and delivering complex software engineering projects end-to-end.
• Comfort operating at the right technical depth to verify scope/impacts and resolve ambiguity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Shipped game(s) and/or supported live game services/tech in production.
• Active Scrum Master certification (PSM, CSM) preferred.

*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.

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 without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
Corporate Philanthropy