Director Prototype Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for an experienced, extraordinary Director of Product Design who is passionate about spearheading the development of compelling and innovative STEAM products for kids.  You are a strategic thinker who rolls up your sleeves to get things done. You have built and nurtured loved consumer products, cultivated high performing teams, and managed a high bar for quality standards. You're a tireless champion for the customer and the KiwiCo brand. You are inherently curious and creative. You look for better ways of approaching problem solving, get energized by tough problems, and like collaborating with others to get things done. This position reports directly to the Chief Product and Merchandising Officer and will be in the office 4 days a week.

In this role, you will bring a deep technical understanding of how products are designed, engineered, and manufactured at scale. You are fluent in 3D design, materials, and manufacturing processes, and can seamlessly bridge concept, form, and function.

• Own the strategy and execution of translating the KiwiCo brand to our physical subscription lines.
• Create innovative product lines that exceed customer expectations, while pushing the boundaries of what can fit into a 3"x7"x10" crate.
• Build and lead an exceptional product design team.  Mentor and grow the team, while ensuring consistency and alignment.  Manage a team of junior and mid-level product designers.  
• Establish product vision and direction, while efficiently and effectively driving project timelines.  
• Maintain a high bar for quality around all products designed by the team.  Ensure manufacturability, durability, safety, and cost targets are met, and that KiwiCo suppliers maintain the same standards in manufacturing.
• Develop processes and systems that scale.  Actively seek areas of continuous improvement across design, prototyping, and production workflows. 
• Work in a highly iterative and collaborative way, directly alongside sourcing, editorial, graphic design, and marketing.
• Partner closely with suppliers and manufacturers (primarily overseas) to troubleshoot design challenges, optimize tooling, and ensure production quality.
• Drive prototyping excellence, from early proof-of-concept models through production-ready prototypes.

We seek team players with an infectious positive energy, great initiative, and a get-it-done attitude. Candidates must thrive in ambiguity and love a rapid pace. You must have a strong desire to learn and improve. Excellent organizational, communications, and multi-tasking skills are must. Required qualifications include:

• 10+ years of experience designing and shipping physical consumer products, with a strong emphasis on industrial design and mechanical product development.
• Deep expertise in 3D CAD modeling (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Creo, or similar) and ability to review and guide complex part and assembly design.
• Strong understanding of design for manufacturing (DFM), design for assembly (DFA), and design for cost (DFC).
• Hands-on experience with injection-molded plastics, mechanisms (gears, linkages, springs), and manufacturing processes (tooling, molding, fabrication). 
• Experience working directly with manufacturers to develop tooling, review samples, and iterate toward production readiness.
• Strong prototyping skills, including experience with 3D printing, laser cutting, and shop-based fabrication methods.
• Ability to evaluate tolerances, material choices, durability, and safety considerations for children's products
• Design leadership with experience building, mentoring, and leading high-performing product design teams.
• Proven ability to lead products through the entire product lifecycle and multiple product launches.
• Ability to prioritize projects, manage resources, and deliver against timelines and key milestones.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate product decisions and collaborate effectively with Marketing, Inventory Management, Editorial, Graphic Design, and eCommerce teams.
• Experience thriving in an entrepreneurial, fast-paced environment.
• Experience designing toys or products with moving parts, mechanisms, or interactive features.
• Familiarity with safety and compliance standards for children's products.
• Experience developing modular or platform-based product systems.

The starting pay range for this position is between $190,000 and $205,000 per year. However, the final base salary offered may differ based on several factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions, and business needs.

In addition to base pay, KiwiCo offers a comprehensive total rewards package, which may include opportunities for an annual bonus, stock options, and a variety of benefits related to health, financial security, and well-being. Specific details about these benefits will be shared if an offer of employment is extended.

If hired, the position is "at-will" and the Company reserves the right to modify any component, plan, or program of the total rewards package at any time, for any reason.