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
- 14 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
