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Toy Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Product Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $96K/yr

Known for our trailblazing toy design, development and manufacturing, and strong commitment to the ... Engineering Director Direct Reports: None Role Objectives: The Product Engineer will manage ...

Product Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $96K/yr

Known for our trailblazing toy design, development and manufacturing, and strong commitment to the ... Engineering Director Direct Reports: None Role Objectives: The Product Engineer will manage ...

Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Interaction with internal departments including Executive Leadership, Costing Engineers, Creative ... Industrial design, toy design * Strong Sketching, Illustration, and Rendering Skills (proficiency ...

Partner with Development Design, Engineering, Packaging and Cost Engineering to ensure product ... Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic ...

Partner with Development Design, Engineering, Packaging and Cost Engineering to ensure product ... Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic ...

Partner with Development Design, Engineering, Packaging and Cost Engineering to ensure product ... Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic ...

Showing results 41-60

Toy Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$40K

$87K

$156.4K

How much do toy design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for toy design engineer in California is $86,995.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,100.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a toy design engineer do?

A Toy Design Engineer is responsible for creating and developing new toys, combining creativity with technical knowledge to ensure toys are fun, safe, and manufacturable. They work on concept development, prototyping, material selection, and testing to meet safety standards and market trends. Toy Design Engineers often collaborate with marketing, manufacturing, and child development experts to design products that appeal to children and meet regulatory requirements. Their work involves sketching ideas, using computer-aided design (CAD) software, and overseeing prototype construction and testing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a toy design engineer?

To thrive as a Toy Design Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering, industrial design, and materials science, often supported by a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), prototyping tools, and safety standards certifications is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for developing innovative and safe toys and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure the creation of engaging, safe, and manufacturable toys that meet both regulatory requirements and market demands.

What are the most common challenges faced by toy design engineers when bringing a new product to market?

Toy Design Engineers often face challenges balancing creativity with strict safety regulations and manufacturing constraints. Ensuring that a toy is both innovative and compliant with safety standards, such as ASTM and CPSIA, can be complex and time-consuming. Additionally, coordinating with cross-functional teams—including marketing, manufacturing, and quality assurance—requires strong communication skills and flexibility. Rapid prototyping and iterative testing are also essential to address design flaws and meet tight production deadlines.

What is the difference between Toy Design Engineer vs Product Designer?

AspectToy Design EngineerProduct Designer
CredentialsDegree in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, or related fieldsDegree in Industrial Design, Graphic Design, or related fields
Work EnvironmentToy manufacturing companies, design studiosVarious industries including consumer products, tech, and retail
Industry UsagePrimarily in toy and entertainment industriesBroader across multiple consumer product sectors

While both roles involve designing products, Toy Design Engineers focus specifically on creating safe, engaging toys, often working closely with manufacturing. Product Designers have a broader scope, working on a variety of consumer products across industries. The key difference lies in the specialization within the toy industry versus general product design.

How do you become a toy design engineer?

To become a toy design engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in industrial design, engineering, or a related field is required. Relevant skills include proficiency in CAD software, understanding of manufacturing processes, and creativity. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in toy or product design can also be beneficial.

What cities in California are hiring for Toy Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Toy Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Toy Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $86,995 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Product Engineer

Moose Toys LLC

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$90K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

About Us

Moose Toys exists to make kids superhappy. For this revolutionary brand, happiness lies at the heart of everything we do. Known for our trailblazing toy design, development and manufacturing, and strong commitment to the future of our planet, our toys are consistently recognised with global awards and accolades.

Our Culture

At Moose we are playful with a purpose. Fun is at the heart of everything we do, but we're also very serious about the important stuff: our people, our values, and the planet:

  • We're officially a Great Place to Work!
  • We're a family.
  • We dream big.
  • We love diversity.
  • We're always learning.
  • We prioritise well-being.
  • We give back in a big way.
  • We're serious about sustainability.
  • We bring the fun!

Visit our website or our LinkedIn Life page for more information on our amazing brands and people.

Position Title:

Product Engineer

Classification:

Exempt

Position Status:

Full Time

Reports To:

Engineering Director

Direct Reports:

None

Role Objectives:

The Product Engineer will manage projects from concept start to production while collaborating in a team environment.  This will include providing technical guidance to Design and Marketing during the preliminary design phase, handing over new concepts to the Moose development teams in Asia, and partnering with the Asia engineering team and manufacturers to ensure toys produced meet functional, cost, and quality requirements.

Qualifications:

         Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent degree. 

         Minimum 3 years' experience in similar product development roles.

         Toy industry experience is valuable but not essential.

 

Responsibilities: 

         In collaboration with the Design team, assist in the further development of products from initial concept through to production.  Review concept sketches and provide technical support and cost guidance.

         Partner with Asia engineering team to analyse product designs to effect maximum utilization of materials as well as manufacturing, assembly methods and production processes in order to meet cost objectives, quality and toy safety specifications

         Provide engineering direction and technical support to the Design and Marketing teams, including guidance regarding concept feasibility, cost considerations, and general product manufacturing, assembly and automation recommendations. 

         Provide alternative solutions in a timely manner when design concepts are not feasible.

         Apply knowledge of injection molding and assembly process, DFMA.

         Review project schedules to ensure timelines are accurate and achievable.

         Prepare turnover packages to successfully transfer projects to Moose Engineering teams in Hong Kong, China and Vietnam.

         Ensure that projects being turned over are close to cost and feasible for manufacturing.

         Perform internal cost estimation and cost validation from concept through production.

         Confirm product costs meet target costs at each milestone.  Highlight cost issues and initiate cost reduction efforts to meet brand profit goals.

         Review factory quote sheets and recommend ways to lower cost while maintaining product function and integrity.

         Estimate, validate, and optimize tooling cost to meet brand tooling budget.

         Interface with Asia engineering team and manufacturers to resolve technical issues that may arise in manufacturing and to improve cost and quality of designs.

         Recommend creative ideas or methods to reduce development lead time and troubleshoot off-track projects.

This position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the role. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Work Hours:

8:30am - 5:30pm, Monday to Thursday

8:30am - 3:00pm, Friday

30-minute unpaid lunch break each day.

Plus, reasonable additional hours due to multiple time-zones.  Evening meetings with China and Vietnam teams are considered typical duties and compliance to this schedule will be as needed and is required.

Salary Band

USD $90,000-96,000 USD

Physical Demands

         While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone and other office productivity machinery, may need to reach, stoop, kneel to access items

         Must be able to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period of time

         Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work

         Light to moderate lifting is required

         Frequently communicates with other employees and third-parties, must be able to speak clearly and exchange accurate information.

         Regular, predictable attendance is required

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

Work Environment

         Moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, phones, printers and light traffic)

         Indoor business office environment with windows; light foot traffic within work areas

         Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period of time

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a teammate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

All Welcome

Just like the wide range and variety of brands, Moose embraces diversity and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin or on the basis of disability. If you require any assistance to be included in our process, please contact recruitment@moosetoys.com, quoting the job title and reference number.

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