Senior Lead Model Maker

What will you work on?

Reporting to the Manager of Prototype Engineering, this person will primarily be responsible for translating designs into functional works-like and looks-like models and prototypes. The candidate will work closely with Industrial Designers, Mechanical and Prototype Engineers, Product Development Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers and fellow Model Shop team members to help transform exciting conceptual ideation and requirements of play pattern into functional, manufacturable assemblies and components, adhering to DFMA principles when needed, and while collaborating with integrated product teams to ensure all product, cost, quality, and safety requirements are met.

How will you create impact?

• Develop compelling consumer products working effectively within a small team of Mechanical, Electrical and Prototype Engineers and Model Makers, and in collaboration with a larger global team of highly creative designers and producers, as well as other cross-functional teams.
• Participate in product brainstorming to help ideate and define opportunities to explore, providing expertise on new high complexity developments.
• Make new parts for existing models using sketches, blueprints and CAD models and perform model repair and maintenance for high complexity items.
• Independently build and fine tune medium to high complexity works-like or looks-like models or proof-of-concept models.
• Demonstrate validity of designs by creating and modifying 3D CAD of final looks-like model.
• Provide photo-realistic product renders of 3D model designs.
• Ensure a balance of cost, performance, and schedule – managing to deliver all 3 priorities and proactively identify predictable risks across all performance measurements.
• Lead micro and macro strategic initiatives to continuously improve model shop performance and value to the company.
• Innovate new model building technology, tools, material types for quality/ schedule/ cost and process improvements
• Maintain a thorough understanding of all the machines in the model shop and ensure maintenance schedules are kept up to date.
• Manage model shop inventory and material to ensure smooth operation and monitor shop equipment lifespan and advises when updates are required with adequate notice.
• Continuous improvement mindset enabling steady improvements to model shop processes.
• Clearly communicate timelines and expected deliverables and set boundaries around scope and capabilities. Provide prompt communication to manage expectations upon shifts.
• Leverage rapid prototyping skillset to quickly convert ideas/sketches into proof-of-concept models; working closely with both in-house and external model shops to develop prototypes.
• Provide mechanism and component CAD designs that are ready for prototype building and iteration testing.
• Working with the Electrical Engineering team, utilize mechatronics skillset to add simple electronics to builds as needed to help “bring to life” the design (power, motor, switches, LEDs, etc).
• Drive productivity and schedule gains by implementing early design successes for less revisions.
• Foster teams that are collaborative, inclusive, and respectful of each other, leading by example.
• Driving open communications and continuous alignment between cross-functional partners.
• Bring a "hands-on" team approach to solving problems.

What are your skills and experience?

• 6+ years of model making experience.
• Toy experience is an asset but not necessary.
• Ability to start from design illustrations, specifications, briefs and 2D isometric views to create 3D proof-of-concept assemblies and final models.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing methods and techniques, including injection molding, CNC machining, fastening methods, bonding, assembly, foam, deco operations, etc.
• Highly skilled in CAD including 3D sculpting, texturing, photo-realistic product rendering (SolidWorks, Rhino, Z Brush, Blender or equivalent).
• Solid understanding of rapid prototyping methods and 3D printing
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects in different phases of their respective development cycle.
• Ability working with small intricate plastic components and linkages.
• Ability to work with creative professionals (industrial designers and artists) both within and outside the company.
• Ability to ideate, create, design and test mechanical assemblies, apparatus and mechanisms used to optimize performance across a wide range of categories (Robotics, Interactive Activity Toys, Remote Control, etc) all whilst having fun and playing at the same time.
• Good understanding of mechatronics and electronics, ability to create basic circuits (including power, motors, etc) used for developing proof-of-concept prototypes.
• Strong interpersonal skills, communication and presentation skills. Ability to clearly communicate technical information to non-technical teams.
• Good project management skills, able to thrive in a fast-paced environment working on multiple complex models simultaneously.
• Ability to travel internationally and within North America.

The anticipated pay range for candidates who will work in California is $75,000 to $90,000 Per Annum. The offered pay to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include
but are not limited to years of experience within the job, years of experience within the required industry, education, etc. Spin Master Inc. is a multi-state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions
that work only in other states.

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