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Toy Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ideal candidates bring a strong portfolio in toy/doll design and proven leadership experience. What You Will Do * Partner with internal departments to ensure seamless development of each toy project.

Senior Toy Designer - Dolls

Culver City, CA · On-site

$111K - $119K/yr

As the Senior Toy Designer in our Dolls division, you will successfully lead the design and ... You will champion the entire design process from initial sketching and ideation to technical ...

Senior Toy Designer - Dolls

Culver City, CA · On-site

$111K - $119K/yr

As the Senior Toy Designer in our Dolls division, you will successfully lead the design and ... You will champion the entire design process from initial sketching and ideation to technical ...

Senior Toy Designer - Trends

Culver City, CA · On-site

$111K - $119K/yr

As the Senior Toy Designer, Trends, you will successfully lead the design and development of ... You will champion the entire design process from initial sketching and ideation to technical ...

Manager, Product Design - Dolls

Culver City, CA · On-site

$206K/yr

Ideal candidates bring a strong portfolio in toy/doll design and proven leadership experience. What You Will Do * Partner with internal departments to ensure seamless development of each toy project.

Toy Designer - Trends

Culver City, CA · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

Deliver end to end product design including research, concepts, prototypes, and user testing ... Bachelor's Degree in Toy Design, Industrial Design, Mechanical/Industrial Engineering, or a related ...

Senior Toy Designer - Trends

Culver City, CA · On-site

$111K - $119K/yr

As the Senior Toy Designer, Trends, you will successfully lead the design and development of ... You will champion the entire design process from initial sketching and ideation to technical ...

Toy Designer - Trends

Culver City, CA · On-site +1

$70K - $91K/yr

Working closely with the Design Manager and Packaging Designer, you will turn emerging trends into engaging play experiences that align with brand strategies and licensor requirements. What You Will ...

Deliver end to end product design including research, concepts, prototypes, and user testing ... Bachelor's Degree in Toy Design, Industrial Design, Mechanical/Industrial Engineering, or a related ...

Deliver end to end product design including research, concepts, prototypes, and user testing ... Bachelor's Degree in Toy Design, Industrial Design, Mechanical/Industrial Engineering, or a related ...

Manager, Product Design - Trends

Culver City, CA · On-site

$206K/yr

Partner with internal departments to ensure seamless development of each toy project. * Review and comment on your team's product and design quality, actively transitioning into a leadership path.

Manager, Product Design - Trends

Culver City, CA · On-site

$206K/yr

Partner with internal departments to ensure seamless development of each toy project. * Review and comment on your team's product and design quality, actively transitioning into a leadership path.

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Showing results 1-20

Toy Design information

See California salary details

$13

$27

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How much do toy design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for toy design in California is $27.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.59 and $31.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a toy design?

A Toy Design job involves creating and developing toys that are fun, safe, and engaging for children or collectors. Designers sketch concepts, create prototypes, and collaborate with engineers, marketers, and manufacturers to bring their ideas to life. They consider factors like materials, safety regulations, and play value to ensure the toy’s success. Toy designers often work for toy companies, entertainment brands, or as independent creators.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the toy design position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Toy Designer, you need a solid background in industrial design, product development, and an understanding of child psychology or early childhood development. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D modeling programs, rapid prototyping tools, and relevant safety standards is often required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration skills help you stand out in this team-oriented, innovation-driven field. These competencies are crucial for creating engaging, safe, and commercially viable toys that appeal to both children and parents.

What qualifications do you need to be a toy designer?

Toy designers typically need a bachelor's degree in industrial design, toy design, or a related field, along with strong skills in sketching, 3D modeling, and prototyping. Experience with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite or CAD tools and a good understanding of safety standards and target age groups are also important.

What degree to get to be a toy designer?

Toy designers typically hold a bachelor's degree in industrial design, toy design, product design, or a related field. Relevant skills include creativity, knowledge of manufacturing processes, and proficiency with design software such as CAD programs. A strong portfolio is also important for entry into the field.

What does a toy designer do?

A toy designer creates concepts and prototypes for new toys, focusing on safety, appeal, and functionality. They use skills in sketching, 3D modeling, and understanding child development, often working with CAD software and collaborating with manufacturers to bring designs to production.

What does a typical day look like for a toy designer, and how do they collaborate with other teams?

A typical day for a Toy Designer involves sketching new concepts, creating digital models, and preparing prototypes for testing and presentation. Designers regularly collaborate with engineers, marketers, and child development experts to refine products for safety, usability, and market appeal. Participation in brainstorming sessions, user testing, and feedback reviews is common. This collaborative and iterative process ensures that the final toy design is both innovative and aligned with business goals.

How much do toy designers get paid?

Toy designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and company size. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced designers or those working for major toy companies can earn higher salaries. Skills in CAD software and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.
What are the most commonly searched types of Toy Design jobs in California? The most popular types of Toy Design jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Toy Design jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Toy Design jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Toy Design jobs? Cities in California with the most Toy Design job openings:
Infographic showing various Toy Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,457 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Toy Design Manager- Plastics #2407

Pivotal Talent Search

El Segundo, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

We are one of the fastest growing toy and collectibles company, and we are looking to bring on a Toy Design Manager who will be. responsible for managing the creative and production design needs of the Plastics division. The Design Manager oversees product and packaging design from concept through factory handoff, ensuring that toy lines are visually strong, brand-consistent, manufacturable, and market-ready. This person works cross-functionally with design, development, sales, marketing, and overseas factories while guiding designers and maintaining the overall creative direction of the division. To be successful in this position, you must be disciplined and self-motivated, provide excellent creative ideas in line with current trends, show significant attention to detail, and work well with a dynamic team.

This role is based in El Segundo and is a hybrid position with three days onsite in the office.

NOTE: Candidates that do not provide a portfolio, will not be considered.

Responsibilities:

  • 7+ years of experience with a focus with design direction of toy products, packaging, branding, and product presentation.

  • Manage the overall look, feel, and consistency of toy lines across packaging, product design, labels, marketing materials, and retailer presentations.

  • Oversee the development of concepts, product aesthetics, color stories, graphics, packaging systems, and brand extensions.

  • Guide designers through concept development, production artwork, rendering, packaging execution, and final factory handoff.

  • Work closely with product development, engineering, sales, marketing, and factory teams to ensure designs are creative, manufacturable, cost-conscious, and aligned with business goals.

  • Review and approve product renderings, packaging layouts, label systems, sample mockups, and production files before submission

  • Partner with factories, including overseas manufacturing teams, to resolve design, packaging, material, color, deco, and production challenges.

  • Manage design timelines, prioritize projects, and ensure key deadlines are met for presentations, line reviews, production milestones, and retailer needs

  • Support the development of packaging samples, prototypes, showroom presentations, and sales tools for toy lines.

  • Maintain awareness of toy trends, materials, play patterns, competitive products, retail environments, and consumer expectations.

  • Mentor and support designers by providing creative feedback, production guidance, and brand direction.

  • Ensure all toy packaging and product design work meets brand standards, safety considerations, age-grade expectations, and production requirements.