Mechanical Designer

ABOUT THE ROLE

Minizfigs is looking for a Mechanical Designer to join our product development team and help turn digital designs into physical products ready for manufacturing and retail.

We design and manufacture interlocking building toy sets. You'll work throughout the development process — creating and refining digital models, developing building instructions, assembling and testing products, identifying design issues, reviewing factory samples, and preparing products for production.

This is a physical product design position — not a software, computer, electrical, or IT role.

Previous toy-industry experience is not required. We're looking for strong mechanical aptitude, spatial reasoning, CAD or 3D modeling ability, attention to detail, and an interest in figuring out how physical products should be designed and assembled.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Product Design & CAD

• Work alongside our product designers to develop building toy sets from concept through production.
• Create, review, and revise digital product models using CAD and 3D design software.
• Evaluate assemblies and make design changes to improve fit, stability, appearance, and the overall building experience.
• Research real-world vehicles, buildings, equipment, and other subjects being developed into products.

Building Instructions & Product Testing

• Develop clear, logical step-by-step digital building instructions.
• Determine assembly sequences that make products intuitive and enjoyable to build.
• Physically build and test products to identify stability, fit, connection, complexity, or assembly issues.
• Determine why problems occur, recommend or make design changes, and re-test revised products.

Factory Samples & Production

• Inspect factory samples against approved digital models, artwork, and product specifications.
• Identify discrepancies and document changes needed before production.
• Test stickers, printed components, and other product details for fit, placement, accuracy, and appearance.
• Assemble and test boxes, inserts, trays, and retail displays to verify everything fits and functions correctly.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

You may be a strong fit if you:

• Have strong mechanical and spatial reasoning.
• Enjoy CAD, 3D modeling, designing, building, prototyping, or making things.
• Can visualize how components come together in three dimensions.
• Naturally notice when something is slightly off and want to figure out why.
• Enjoy both computer-based design and hands-on physical work.
• Can independently work through technical problems and propose solutions.
• Have strong attention to detail and are comfortable testing and revising your own work.

EXPERIENCE THAT COULD TRANSLATE WELL

Previous professional toy-design experience is not required.

Relevant backgrounds may include:

• Mechanical design or engineering technology
• CAD design or drafting
• Product or industrial design
• Mechanical or manufacturing engineering
• 3D modeling or 3D printing
• Prototype development
• Model making
• Manufacturing or product development
• Hands-on engineering or maker projects

Experience with SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Inventor, Onshape, AutoCAD, or similar CAD/3D modeling software can translate well to this position. Experience with our specific software is not required.

SHOW US WHAT YOU'VE BUILT

We're interested in aptitude and hands-on ability, not just job titles.

If you've designed, modeled, built, modified, fabricated, 3D printed, or prototyped something you're proud of, we'd like to see it. College projects, personal projects, CAD models, prototypes, and hobby work absolutely count.

When applying, briefly tell us about something you've created and what you enjoyed about the process. Portfolios, CAD examples, project photos, drawings, and other examples of your work are encouraged.

GROW WITH THE POSITION

Initially, you'll spend significant time developing building instructions, testing products, reviewing designs, and working through revisions. As your skills develop, you'll take on increasingly complex product-design work.

The goal is for the right person to eventually be capable of taking a Minizfigs product from concept through digital design, physical testing, revisions, and final production.

ABOUT MINIZFIGS

Minizfigs designs and manufactures interlocking building toy sets for retailers, businesses, and consumers.

Our products move through the complete product-development process — concept, digital design, prototyping, instructions, testing, packaging, factory sampling, manufacturing, and ultimately retail shelves.

This is an opportunity to work directly with our product designers, develop hands-on product-development experience, and see products you helped create become real manufactured products.

This is a full-time, in-person position at our La Crosse, Wisconsin location.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Employee discount

Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• How many years of experience do you have using CAD or 3D modeling software?
• Briefly describe something you have personally designed, modeled, built, prototyped, modified, or 3D printed. What did you personally do on the project?

Location:

• La Crosse, WI 54603 (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• La Crosse, WI 54603 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25 - $35