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Lego Model Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Lego Model Designer information

What does a Lego Model Designer do?

A Lego Model Designer is responsible for creating new and innovative models using Lego bricks, either for official Lego sets, displays, or special events. They design prototypes, test buildability, and collaborate with other designers to ensure the final product is fun, functional, and visually appealing. Their work involves using both physical bricks and digital design software to bring their ideas to life, often following specific themes or guidelines provided by the company.

How much do Lego Ideas designers get paid?

Lego Ideas designers are typically paid a flat fee or royalty-based compensation depending on the project agreement. Compensation varies based on the scope of the design, licensing terms, and the company's policies, but it generally includes royalties from product sales and may involve additional bonuses for successful projects.

What are some common challenges faced by Lego Model Designers during the design and building process?

Lego Model Designers often encounter challenges such as adhering to strict piece count limits, ensuring structural stability, and maintaining playability for all age groups. Balancing creative vision with practical constraints, like available Lego elements and production costs, can be demanding. Collaboration with engineers, graphic designers, and marketing teams is essential to ensure the final model meets quality standards and customer expectations.

How to become a LEGO model designer?

To become a LEGO model designer, candidates typically need a background in design, architecture, or engineering, along with strong skills in 3D modeling and creativity. Experience with CAD software and a portfolio of original designs can improve chances, and knowledge of LEGO building systems is beneficial. Entry often requires applying to LEGO or related toy companies and demonstrating relevant skills through a portfolio or interview process.

How much do LEGO model designers get paid?

LEGO model designers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level designers may start at lower salaries, while experienced designers or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages, often working in creative and collaborative environments.

How hard is it to get hired by LEGO?

Getting hired as a LEGO Model Designer can be competitive, as the company seeks candidates with strong artistic skills, experience in 3D modeling or design, and a passion for LEGO products. A relevant portfolio, creativity, and knowledge of design software like CAD are often important for the application process.

What is the difference between Lego Model Designer vs Lego Set Designer?

AspectLego Model DesignerLego Set Designer
CredentialsDesign experience, creativity skillsDesign experience, creativity skills
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, workshopsDesign studios, workshops
Industry UsageProduct development, custom modelsOfficial Lego sets, product lines
Search IntentDesigning custom or unique modelsCreating official Lego sets for sale

Both roles require design skills and creativity, often working in similar environments. The key difference is that Lego Model Designers focus on creating custom or unique models, while Lego Set Designers develop official sets for commercial release. Understanding this distinction helps clarify career paths and job expectations within the Lego industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lego Model Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lego Model Designer, you need strong creative design skills, spatial reasoning, and a background in fields like industrial design or architecture. Familiarity with design software such as LEGO Digital Designer (LDD), CAD programs, and prototype modeling tools is typically required. Collaboration, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities are essential for creating visually appealing, structurally sound models that engage audiences and meet brand standards.
What are popular job titles related to Lego Model Designer jobs in California? For Lego Model Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lego Model Designer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Lego Model Designer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Lego Model Designer jobs? Cities in California with the most Lego Model Designer job openings:
Lego Model Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lego Model Designer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Director of Optimization Engineering

Adapture Renewables

Oakland, CA • On-site, Remote

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Opportunity

Adapture Renewables, Inc. is on a mission to be a leader in this new era of sustainable energy. Drawing upon an extensive knowledge base, we develop, finance, engineer, build, own, and operate high quality utility-scale photovoltaic projects and battery energy storage projects. Our Engineering team is looking for a talented Director of Optimization Engineering to help support the efforts of our fast-growing company. Adapture Renewables is owned by KIRKBI - the private holding and investment company of the Kirk Kristiansen family founded to build a sustainable future for the LEGO brand through generations.

Overview

This position will work in our Engineering team and report to the Sr. Director of Engineering. The Director of Optimization Engineering owns the technical strategy for optimizing our hybrid and collocated utility-scale solar and battery energy storage (BESS) systems - driving energy production, capture, storage efficiency, and load-matching across Adapture Renewable's multi-GW development pipeline. This is a builder's seat: the role sets the optimization vision, defines success criteria, and grows a team of engineers to execute against it, partnering closely with Development, Interconnection & Transmission, Asset Management, and Power Marketing. The candidate will ideally be based in the San Francisco Bay Area (hybrid); remote considered for exceptional candidates.

Core Responsibilities

  • Own the engineering roadmap for hybrid solar-plus-storage optimization - from system sizing and configuration through dispatch strategy - and define the KPIs and initiatives that connect design choices to energy yield and financial return.
  • Govern PV performance modeling standards (PVSyst), including P50/P90 production estimates, degradation profiles, and loss/availability frameworks.
  • Model and optimize combined PV and BESS output to serve large-load customers such as data centers, through both front-of-meter and co-located behind-the-meter designs.
  • Set the engineering basis for battery dispatch and energy-arbitrage strategy using linear-programming methods, in coordination with Power Marketing.
  • Establish standards for solar/BESS sizing, EMS configuration, DC/AC ratios, ground coverage ratios, state-of-charge limits, and round-trip efficiency.
  • Ensure designs meet utility and interconnection requirements and SCADA/EMS protocols; partner with Interconnection & Transmission and IT on the underlying data path.
  • Direct root-cause analysis of operating-fleet underperformance (soiling, availability, equipment faults, clipping, degradation, capacity fade) and feed findings back into design and procurement.
  • Hire, develop, and lead the optimization engineering team, including the Manager of Optimization Engineering.
  • Deliver design and performance recommendations to Engineering leadership and, as needed, to ownership.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, energy, or systems engineering, or an equivalent quantitative discipline; advanced degree a plus.
  • 8+ years in renewable energy, with hands-on experience designing and optimizing utility-scale solar and demonstrated BESS experience (sizing, dispatch optimization, degradation, or performance modeling).
  • 3+ years leading and developing technical teams, with a track record of setting vision and delivering results.
  • Deep fluency in PV performance modeling (PVSyst or equivalent), including P50/P90 yield estimation and loss/availability analysis.
  • Strong PV and BESS electrical engineering foundation: inverters and DC/AC conversion, EMS configuration, state-of-charge limits, and round-trip efficiency.
  • Working command of dispatch/arbitrage optimization (linear programming or comparable methods) and the data analytics behind battery control strategies.
  • Proven ability to translate models and data into prioritized, economically grounded recommendations for engineers, executives, and owners.
  • Preferred: Python (SciPy or similar solvers), MATLAB, and SQL; SCADA/EMS and OT data architecture experience; familiarity with BESS warranty and capacity-guarantee structures; working knowledge of interconnection and market context (PPA structures, curtailment, ancillary services); PE license a plus.
  • Ability to travel occasionally to project sites and the Bay Area office.

Benefits Package

  • 401(k) plan with company matching contribution
  • Competitive health, vision, and dental benefits
  • Attractive personal time off and company holiday package
  • Work-from-home policy
  • Salary commensurate with experience

Note

Qualified candidates only. No search firms. Adapture Renewables, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity.

Apply