Play Lab Mechanical Engineer (Contract)

As a Play Lab Mechanical Engineer at IDEO, your main responsibilities include creating and testing mechanical prototypes, collaborating with a diverse team to innovate new toy concepts, and working hands-on to develop high-quality products for children aged 0-8. You will also be involved in exploring kid trends, solving mechanical design challenges, and fine-tuning prototypes to ensure they are engaging and functional.

To be considered for the Play Lab Mechanical Engineer role at IDEO, you should have a solid background in mechanical design and prototyping, particularly within the toy and game industry. Skills in CAD, rapid prototyping, and an ability to sketch and communicate design ideas are essential. A strong understanding of how children play and the ability to translate those insights into innovative toy solutions is also highly valued.

Yes! The Play Lab Mechanical Engineer position at IDEO is remote eligible, allowing you to work from anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. This flexibility enables you to collaborate with team members across various locations, including Cambridge, New York, and San Francisco, while still contributing to the exciting field of toy design.

The compensation for the Play Lab Mechanical Engineer role at IDEO ranges from $70,000 to $125,000 annually, which can vary based on factors like contract duration and your experience. IDEO focuses on equitable pay regardless of gender identity or cultural background, ensuring you are rewarded fairly for your contributions.

IDEO is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion not only within the organization but also in the communities we serve. Throughout the hiring process for the Play Lab Mechanical Engineer role, IDEO actively seeks candidates from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, as we believe this enriches our design process and enhances the impact of our work.

When answering this question, highlight specific projects where you developed mechanical prototypes. Discuss the tools and techniques you used, such as CAD or 3D printing, and how those prototypes informed the final product design or user experience. Emphasize your problem-solving skills and how you overcame challenges during the prototyping process.

In your response, demonstrate your knowledge of child development and play patterns. Speak about methods you've used to research and observe how children interact with toys. Mention the importance of engaging with kids through playtesting and how that feedback influences your design decisions to create more appealing and functional toys.

Discuss your favorite prototyping tools, emphasizing their strengths concerning the toy design process. Mention specific software or hardware, such as CAD programs, laser cutters, or 3D printers, and explain how they have helped you create innovative prototypes efficiently. This shows both your technical expertise and your passion for hands-on design work.

Provide a detailed example of a project where you encountered a mechanical challenge. Describe the nature of the problem, the steps you took to analyze it, and the innovative solutions you implemented. Highlighting your analytical thinking and creativity will convey your suitability for the Play Lab Mechanical Engineer role.

When addressing this question, emphasize the iterative nature of design and the value of user feedback. Share specific instances where you sought input from colleagues or potential users during various stages of development, and how that feedback led to improvements in the design or function of a toy.

Illustrate your collaborative skills by referencing your experiences working with cross-functional teams. Explain how you fostered communication among team members and integrated diverse perspectives into toy design projects. This showcases your ability to work within IDEO's interdisciplinary teams effectively.

In your answer, describe any relevant experiences you’ve had creating videos for toy prototypes. Talk about how these videos are crafted to effectively communicate the product's features and the rationale behind design choices. Highlight your technical skills and how they contribute to engagement and understanding for client presentations.

Showcase your knowledge of the industry by discussing specific trends that fascinate you, such as sustainability in materials, tech integration, or educational benefits. Analyze how these trends influence your design philosophy and how they could be translated into toy concepts at IDEO Play Lab.

Articulate your passion for the intersection of engineering and play. Reflect on IDEO’s mission and values and connect them to your experiences and aspirations. Sharing your enthusiasm for contributing to innovative toy designs that positively impact children will leave a strong impression.

Use this question to demonstrate your creativity and critical thinking skills. Pick a classic toy and explain what improvements you would make, focusing on functionality, engagement, or learning outcomes. This allows you to showcase your understanding of design principles and your ability to think outside the box.