Industrial Designer / Toy Designer (Physical Products)

About KiwiCo

KiwiCo is an eCommerce company focused on building creativity and curiosity in children and adults who are young at heart. The company creates enjoyable learning experiences through hands-on projects delivered through a subscription model, along with an online store and content platform designed to inspire making, learning, and exploration.

The team takes strong ownership of the products it creates and of the families and communities it serves. Its Mountain View office is near the Caltrain station, and this role uses a hybrid schedule with 3 to 4 in-office days each week, depending on the team, with the rest of the week worked remotely.

About the Role

This position sits on the Product Design team and is focused on creating engaging products and experiences for kids and families, from the unboxing moment through play. The work calls for an industrial design or toy design background and a strong ability to develop fresh product concepts that broaden the assortment through new play patterns, materials, and price points.

The ideal candidate is highly self-driven, brings solid mechanical intuition, and knows how to balance fun with functionality. The role also requires a strong interest in user testing and the ability to shape products using brand and visual design standards that appeal instantly to both children and adults.

Key Responsibilities

You will own projects from early idea generation through finished product development. That includes brainstorming, prototyping, presenting concepts, refining designs, running tests, preparing product specifications, and supporting sampling. While you will drive your own projects independently, you will also collaborate closely with the wider Product Design team.

Requirements

• At least 4 years of experience designing consumer products for manufacturing; toy-related experience is considered an advantage.
• Hands-on prototyping ability, with comfort using tools such as laser cutters, 3D printers, and manual model-building methods.
• Strong visual communication skills, including sketching, rendering, and concept presentation.
• Proficiency in 3D modeling tools such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Rhino, or similar software, along with rendering tools such as KeyShot or Blender.
• Experience using user testing and insight gathering to improve product direction; play-testing with children is a plus.
• Genuine enthusiasm for kids, creativity, and playful hands-on learning.
• Strong time management, prioritization, and multitasking skills across multiple projects.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills for working with Operations, Sourcing, Editorial, and Marketing teams.
• A growth mindset and eagerness to keep learning, experiment, and push creative boundaries.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, Product Design, or a closely related field.
• Proficiency in Adobe Suite.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected starting base salary for this role is $100,000 to $115,000 per year. Final compensation may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions, and business needs.

In addition to base pay, the total rewards package may include an annual bonus, stock options, and benefits supporting health, financial security, and overall well-being. Full benefit details are shared if an employment offer is made.

This position is offered on an at-will basis, and the company may change any part of the total rewards package at any time for any reason.

Equal Opportunity

KiwiCo maintains a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, military status, or any other protected characteristic.