Sr. Development Program Management Associate

Mattel, Inc.; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Mattel, Inc. in El Segundo, CA, is seeking a Sr Development Program Management Associate to guide projects from ideation through production with a global cross‑functional team.

You will manage multiple projects, maintain cost and schedule targets, and collaborate with Design, Development, Marketing, Manufacturing and offshore partners to ensure on‑time, within‑budget launches. The role requires strong problem solving, clear communication, and the ability to lead cross‑functional teams in a

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of relevant project management experience.
• Understanding of electromechanical systems is a plus.
• Proven ability to juggle multiple projects, make quick decisions, and possess excellent problem‑solving skills.
• Self‑starter with a solution‑oriented mindset.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple projects of varying product types and complexities while maintaining cost and schedule targets.
• Work closely with overseas development, tooling, and manufacturing to ensure successful project completion.
• Troubleshooting pre‑production models and pilot production samples and making suggestions to improve performance, fix defects and improve mechanisms to guarantee end‑consumer satisfaction.
• Act as liaison between US and overseas teams throughout the product life cycle.
• Review concept sketches and providing support for products in the preliminary design phase.
• Working in a team environment with Design, Packaging, Quality, Marketing, Planning, Engineering, Sculpting, manufacturing plants, and offshore development sources.
• Analyzing product design for maximum utilization of materials, methods and processes to meet marketing strategies, cost objectives and quality specifications while working within selling price and margins.
• Examining product components to develop cost estimates and value by utilizing knowledge of product design and budgetary considerations.
• Managing and maintaining product data integrity within Mattel systems.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Self-starter

Education

BA/BS in Engineering or related field

Tools

MS Excel

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.

The Opportunity

The Hot Wheels team is seeking a Sr Development Program Management Associate to join our product development team at our campus in El Segundo, CA. You will help manage projects from ideation through production in collaboration with a worldwide cross‑functional team consisting of representatives from Design, Development, Marketing, Manufacturing and others throughout the product design and development process.

What Your Impact Will Be

• Managing multiple projects of varying product types and complexities while maintaining cost and schedule targets.
• Working closely with overseas development, tooling, and manufacturing to ensure successful project completion.
• Troubleshooting pre‑production models and pilot production samples and making suggestions to improve performance, fix defects and improve mechanisms to guarantee end‑consumer satisfaction.
• Acting as liaison between US and overseas teams throughout the product life cycle.
• Reviewing concept sketches and providing support for products in the preliminary design phase.
• Working in a team environment with Design, Packaging, Quality, Marketing, Planning, Engineering, Sculpting, manufacturing plants, and offshore development sources.
• Analyzing product design for maximum utilization of materials, methods and processes in order to meet marketing strategies, cost objectives and quality specifications while working within the constraints of selling price and business margins.
• Examining product components to develop cost estimates and value by utilizing knowledge of product design and budgetary considerations.
• Managing and maintaining product data integrity within Mattel systems.

What We’re Looking For

• BA/ BS Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial) or related discipline or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of relevant project management experience.
• Understanding of electromechanical systems is a plus.
• Proven ability to juggle multiple projects, make quick decisions, and possess excellent problem‑solving skills.
• Self‑starter with a solution‑oriented mindset.
• Successful in a fast‑paced environment.
• Possess excellent communication skills.
• Comfortable leading cross‑functional teams.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Must be comfortable with systems and data entry.
• Relationship building and customer‑facing skills.
• Demonstrated a growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves.
• 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.

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.