Lead Game Designer

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

The Opportunity: 

We are seeking an experienced and versatile Lead Game Designer to join our digital game publishing team. You are a fan of iconic Mattel brands such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, and UNO. You have a desire to make mobile digital game products based on these brands.

As a Lead Game Designer at the publishing level, you will play a critical role in shaping the creative and strategic vision for our portfolio of mobile free-to-play (F2P) mobile games. You’ll collaborate closely with external development studios, internal stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to deliver world-class gaming experiences. Leveraging your expertise in game design, monetization strategies, and player engagement, you’ll ensure the success of mobile games from concept to live operations.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

Strategic Leadership:

•  Define and communicate the design vision for mobile F2P games in collaboration with external studios and internal teams.
•  Evaluate game concepts and provide actionable recommendations to align projects with market trends and business goals.

· Studio Collaboration:

• Partner with external development teams to guide the creation of compelling game mechanics, progression systems, and monetization features.
• Provide design mentorship and support to ensure games meet both creative and commercial expectations.
• Act as a central point of contact for design-related discussions, ensuring alignment across all stakeholders.

 Monetization & Player Retention:

• Analyze player behavior, market trends, and performance metrics to refine game systems and drive player retention.
• Ensure a balance between monetization and player satisfaction, creating sustainable and engaging experiences.

Game Evaluation & Feedback:

• Review and critique game prototypes, design documentation, and live builds, providing detailed and constructive feedback.
• Identify risks and opportunities in design decisions and propose solutions to optimize game performance.

What We’re Looking For:

Experience:

• 5+ years of game design experience, with at least 2 years in a lead role and a strong focus on mobile F2P games.
• Proven track record of contributing to or leading the design of successful mobile F2P titles.
• Experience with Match / Puzzle mobile game genres.

Design Expertise:

• Deep understanding of F2P mobile game design principles, including core gameplay, progression systems, and monetization mechanics.
• Familiarity with live service design and the iterative development process.
• Ability to balance creative innovation with commercial viability.

Analytical Skills:

• Proficiency in analyzing player data and KPIs to inform design decisions.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to propose actionable solutions based on data and insights.

Soft Skills:

• Exceptional communication, presentation, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate effectively across teams and cultures.
• A passion for mentoring and developing talent.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in games supporting Brand/IP.
• Experience working with external development teams.
• Experience in designing and shipping mobile F2P games.
• Demonstrated a growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves.

The annual base salary range for this position is between $96,800 - $137,000.
**This range is indicative of projected hiring range, however annual base salary will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

How We Work:

We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Who We Are:

Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
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