Sr. Manager, Model Shop

MGA Entertainment; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

MGA Entertainment in Los Angeles is seeking a Senior Manager for the Dirty Model Shop to lead a skilled team delivering flawless prototypes and production-quality models.

You will oversee every stage from digital file preparation to final paint finish, ensuring accuracy, durability, and aesthetics while maintaining safety and schedule. Collaboration with designers and engineers will optimize manufacturability and finishing.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in a model-making, prototyping, or fabrication environment, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Expert-level knowledge of 3D printing technologies (FDM, SLA, SLS), resin and silicone casting, blister vacuum forming, and spray painting/finishing techniques.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to oversee multiple builds simultaneously.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire a team of skilled technicians.
• Familiarity with Bamboo, CAD and slicing software for 3D printing.
• Commitment to safety, precision, and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations focused on 3D printing, resin casting, blister vacuum forming, and spray painting/finishing.
• Manage and mentor a team of fabrication specialists, ensuring skill development and consistent quality.
• Coordinate project schedules, resource allocation, and workflow to meet deadlines without compromising standards.
• Maintain and enforce safety protocols, equipment maintenance, and material handling best practices.
• Collaborate with designers and engineers to optimize designs for manufacturability and finishing.
• Oversee procurement and inventory of resins, silicones, paints, and consumables.
• Implement process improvements to enhance precision, efficiency, and finish quality.
• Manage the shop budget, including materials, labor, and equipment investments.

Skills

3D printing

Resin casting

Silicone casting

Blister forming

Project management

Team leadership

CAD

Slicing software

Safety & compliance

Communication

Tools

Bamboo

CAD

Slicing software

Job description

CAEMPLOYEE PRIVACY RIGHTS: https://www.mgae.com/ca-employee-privacy-rights

MGA Entertainment is on a mission to inspire imagination and creativity through innovative toys, entertainment, and experiences that transform play into limitless possibilities. As the largest privately held toy and entertainment company in the U.S., MGA is a global leader in designing and delivering world-class consumer products that spark wonder and drive play forward. Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices worldwide, MGA’s portfolio spans a dynamic range of original and licensed brands — from toys, dolls, games, and electronics to fashion, home décor, and entertainment content including hit movies and TV series. The company is recognized for its bold approach to storytelling, trendsetting design, and deep commitment to quality.The award-winning MGA family includes fan-favorite brands such as L.O.L. Surprise!™, Little Tikes®, Rainbow High™, Bratz®, MGA’s Miniverse™, Yummiland™, CarTuned™, Wonder Factory™, BABY born®, and Zapf Creation®. To learn more, visit www.mgae.com and follow MGA on LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.

Our Mission

We bring ideas to life in three dimensions. Our model shop is where imagination meets precision — a place where cutting-edge fabrication techniques transform concepts into tangible, high-quality prototypes and display models. We specialize in advanced processes like 3D printing, resin and silicone casting, blister vacuum forming, and professional spray finishing. Every project is a chance to push creative and technical boundaries.

The Impact You'll Make

As the Senior Manager of our Dirty Model Shop, you’ll lead a team of skilled makers and technicians in delivering flawless prototypes and production-quality models. You’ll oversee every stage of the build process — from digital file preparation to final paint finish — ensuring that each piece meets exacting standards for accuracy, durability, and aesthetics. Your leadership will keep the shop efficient, safe, and innovative.

What You'll Do

• Oversee daily operations focused on 3D printing, resin casting, blister vacuum forming, and spray painting/finishing.
• Manage and mentor a team of fabrication specialists, ensuring skill development and consistent quality.
• Coordinate project schedules, resource allocation, and workflow to meet deadlines without compromising standards.
• Maintain and enforce safety protocols, equipment maintenance, and material handling best practices.
• Collaborate with designers and engineers to optimize designs for manufacturability and finishing.
• Oversee procurement and inventory of resins, silicones, paints, and consumables.
• Implement process improvements to enhance precision, efficiency, and finish quality.
• Manage the shop budget, including materials, labor, and equipment investments.

What You'll Bring

• 8+ years of experience in a model-making, prototyping, or fabrication environment, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Expert-level knowledge of 3D printing technologies (FDM, SLA, SLS), resin and silicone casting, blister vacuum forming, and spray painting/finishing techniques.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to oversee multiple builds simultaneously.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire a team of skilled technicians.
• Familiarity with Bamboo, CAD and slicing software for 3D printing.
• Commitment to safety, precision, and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.