Toy & Game Designer

About the Role

We are looking for a Toy & Game Designer with a strong interest in STEM-based learning, hands-on play, and physical game design. This role is ideal for someone who has worked or interned with STEM toy brands (like Smartivity) or has experience designing board games, puzzles, and construction-based learning products.

You will be responsible for creating engaging, age-appropriate board games that combine fun gameplay with clear learning outcomes, taking ideas from concept to playable prototypes and production-ready designs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conceptualize and design board games and tabletop games focused on STEM learning
• Develop game mechanics, rules, win conditions, and balancing systems
• Translate STEM concepts (logic, math, engineering, problem-solving) into engaging gameplay
• Design physical components such as boards, cards, tiles, tokens, dice, manuals, and inserts
• Build low- and mid-fidelity physical prototypes using paper, cardboard, MDF, or similar materials
• Conduct playtesting sessions with children and families; iterate based on feedback
• Work closely with product designers, engineers, illustrators, and educators
• Ensure games are age-appropriate, intuitive, safe, and manufacturable
• Prepare rulebooks, gameplay instructions, and product documentation
• Support production with component specs, BOM inputs, and assembly logic

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Game Design, Product Design, Industrial Design, UX, or related field
• 1–4 years of experience in board games, tabletop games, STEM toys, or educational products

(Internship experience at STEM toy brands is highly valued)

• Strong understanding of game mechanics, player psychology, and learning-based design
• Experience with physical prototyping and iterative testing
• Ability to simplify complex ideas into playful, understandable systems
• Strong documentation and communication skills
• Passion for learning through play

Tools & Skills (Preferred):

• Prototyping: Paper prototyping, cardboard/MDF models
• Design tools: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Figma
• Familiarity with manufacturing constraints and materials
• Experience writing clear rulebooks and instructions

Good to Have:

• Prior experience with STEM toy companies (e.g., Smartivity-like products)
• Background in engineering toys, puzzles, construction kits, or logic games
• Understanding of child development and age-based learning outcomes
• Exposure to toy safety standards and durability testing