OPT Product Development Engineer Jobs
Product Development Engineer jobs are among the more OPT-friendly roles in engineering, with strong demand from manufacturers, consumer electronics firms, and medical device companies. Most positions require a degree in mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering. STEM OPT extension eligibility gives you up to three years of authorized work.
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Get Access To All JobsCREATIVITY 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:
This position is a focused, technical engineering role responsible for supporting and helping to drive technical product innovation and the development of creative new product concepts into manufacturable solutions. This position also provides project support to more senior engineers acting as mentors to help gain experience. This position serves as focal point for driving technical engineering solutions on new product concepts to ensure financial targets, schedule, and adherence to specified safety and quality standards. The position also drives Brand level value engineering and advanced product quality planning. The job role also serves as a technical engineering liaison with Operations and collaborates with the cross functional New Product Development Team to support efficient flow of new product concepts through the new product development lifecycles. This job also supports team level corrective action programs administered by CPI.
What Your Impact Will Be:
- Provides feedback to design & PMs during initial concept stages to determine feasibility of planned toy.
- Assists with the development of new mechanisms to achieve toy functionality goals. Assists with the creation of breadboard models as and when needed.
- Assists in the creation of engineering BOM.
- Assists in translating design vision for toy into technical specs that can be passed on to development houses, tooling, and plants.
- Assists in the definition of product function through Functional Spec.
- Performs standardized engineering tasks guided by instructions and guidelines.
- Emphasis on learning to incorporate Mattel's processes, procedures and practices with knowledge acquired through formal education or professional experience.
- Primarily works on products in established pathway.
- Communicate and cooperate with cross-functional partners.
What We’re Looking For:
- BA/BS degree in an Engineering discipline preferred or equivalent work experience.
- 0-2 years of experience in the toys or consumer goods industry preferred.
- Fundamental understanding of common Engineering principles and practices.
- General knowledge of plastic production processes and assembly techniques for plastic products.
- Somewhat diversified procedures and specialized standards guide their thinking.
- Knowledge of various Raw materials; textiles, plastics, etc., in addition to the Manufacturing Process.
- Knowledge and experience in CAD Software (like SolidWorks or Creo).
- Understanding of Statistics and probabilities.
- Demonstrated a growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves.
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. Join Mattel's Talent Community and start receiving exciting updates about our company, our employees, and our culture. Also, interested in signing up for job alerts? Do so here!
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.
Our Approach to Flexible Work:
This role is an in-office role Monday-Thursday, and work from home on Fridays. We embrace a flexible work model designed to empower a culture of growth, optimism, and wellbeing, where every employee can reach their full potential. Combining purposeful in-person collaboration with flexibility, our focus is to optimize performance and drive connection for moments that matter.
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.
Beware of recruiting scams: Mattel will only contact you through official @mattel.com or @smartrecruiters.com email addresses and will never ask for payment or sensitive personal information during the hiring process.
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.
The pay range for this position is between $71,000 and $82,000 annual. The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay 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.
Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
Corporate Philanthropy
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:
This position is a focused, technical engineering role responsible for supporting and helping to drive technical product innovation and the development of creative new product concepts into manufacturable solutions. This position also provides project support to more senior engineers acting as mentors to help gain experience. This position serves as focal point for driving technical engineering solutions on new product concepts to ensure financial targets, schedule, and adherence to specified safety and quality standards. The position also drives Brand level value engineering and advanced product quality planning. The job role also serves as a technical engineering liaison with Operations and collaborates with the cross functional New Product Development Team to support efficient flow of new product concepts through the new product development lifecycles. This job also supports team level corrective action programs administered by CPI.
What Your Impact Will Be:
- Provides feedback to design & PMs during initial concept stages to determine feasibility of planned toy.
- Assists with the development of new mechanisms to achieve toy functionality goals. Assists with the creation of breadboard models as and when needed.
- Assists in the creation of engineering BOM.
- Assists in translating design vision for toy into technical specs that can be passed on to development houses, tooling, and plants.
- Assists in the definition of product function through Functional Spec.
- Performs standardized engineering tasks guided by instructions and guidelines.
- Emphasis on learning to incorporate Mattel's processes, procedures and practices with knowledge acquired through formal education or professional experience.
- Primarily works on products in established pathway.
- Communicate and cooperate with cross-functional partners.
What We’re Looking For:
- BA/BS degree in an Engineering discipline preferred or equivalent work experience.
- 0-2 years of experience in the toys or consumer goods industry preferred.
- Fundamental understanding of common Engineering principles and practices.
- General knowledge of plastic production processes and assembly techniques for plastic products.
- Somewhat diversified procedures and specialized standards guide their thinking.
- Knowledge of various Raw materials; textiles, plastics, etc., in addition to the Manufacturing Process.
- Knowledge and experience in CAD Software (like SolidWorks or Creo).
- Understanding of Statistics and probabilities.
- Demonstrated a growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves.
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. Join Mattel's Talent Community and start receiving exciting updates about our company, our employees, and our culture. Also, interested in signing up for job alerts? Do so here!
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.
Our Approach to Flexible Work:
This role is an in-office role Monday-Thursday, and work from home on Fridays. We embrace a flexible work model designed to empower a culture of growth, optimism, and wellbeing, where every employee can reach their full potential. Combining purposeful in-person collaboration with flexibility, our focus is to optimize performance and drive connection for moments that matter.
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.
Beware of recruiting scams: Mattel will only contact you through official @mattel.com or @smartrecruiters.com email addresses and will never ask for payment or sensitive personal information during the hiring process.
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.
The pay range for this position is between $71,000 and $82,000 annual. The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay 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.
Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
Corporate Philanthropy
See all 56+ OPT Product Development Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Product Development Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Product Development Engineer
Lead with your CAD and prototyping experience
Product development roles center on design tools like SolidWorks, CATIA, or Creo and hands-on prototyping. Employers scanning OPT candidates want proof you can contribute immediately. Highlight specific projects where you moved a concept from design to physical prototype.
Target companies with established OPT hiring patterns
Medical device companies, consumer electronics manufacturers, and automotive suppliers regularly sponsor OPT engineers. These industries hire in cohorts, have structured onboarding, and are familiar with STEM OPT paperwork. Focus your search on employers with a track record here.
Frame your OPT timeline around product cycles
Standard OPT gives you 12 months, with a 24-month STEM extension if your degree qualifies. Position this as enough runway to own a full product development cycle, which typically runs six to eighteen months from concept through launch.
Get your employer's E-Verify enrollment confirmed early
STEM OPT extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm this before accepting an offer, not after. Ask HR directly during the offer stage so there are no delays when you file your extension with your DSO.
Emphasize cross-functional collaboration in interviews
Product development engineers work closely with manufacturing, supply chain, and quality teams. Interviewers want to see communication skills alongside technical ones. Use examples where you coordinated across departments to move a design change or resolve a production issue.
File your STEM OPT extension at the 90-day mark
You can apply for the STEM OPT extension up to 90 days before your current OPT expires. Missing this window is one of the most common and costly mistakes. Work backward from your EAD expiration date and set a calendar reminder immediately.
Product Development Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Product Development Engineer on OPT?
Yes, as long as your job is directly related to your degree field. A mechanical or electrical engineering graduate working in product development clearly meets this requirement. If your degree is in a related but adjacent field, such as materials science or industrial design, you should confirm the connection with your DSO before starting.
Does a Product Development Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
In most cases, yes. Product development engineering roles at companies in manufacturing, electronics, medical devices, or automotive typically fall under STEM-designated degree programs. Your degree must be on the STEM Designated Degree Program list, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm both with your DSO before filing the I-983 training plan.
Where can I find Product Development Engineer jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for OPT and visa sponsorship eligibility, so you are not wasting applications on employers who will not hire international students. Browse Product Development Engineer roles on Migrate Mate to find companies already familiar with OPT work authorization requirements.
What should I include in my I-983 training plan for a Product Development Engineer role?
The I-983 requires a detailed description of how your job duties relate to your STEM degree. For product development, list specific learning objectives tied to your role: design validation methods, materials selection, tolerance analysis, or DFM principles. Your employer's supervisor signs the plan, so align it with your actual day-to-day responsibilities to avoid issues during DSO review.
How does changing employers affect my OPT if I switch Product Development Engineer jobs?
On standard OPT, you can change employers but must report the change to your DSO within 10 days. On STEM OPT extension, switching employers requires a new I-983 training plan with the new employer, and the new employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. Do not start work at the new employer until your DSO has processed the update in SEVIS.