INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY – Associate Quality Engineer (Hybrid)

Company Description

At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, over 50 stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth.

Job Description

We are seeking an Associate Quality Engineer to support product safety, performance and regulatory compliance for Lakeshore product categories. In this role, you will contribute to test planning and execution and partner with the Engineering, Product Integrity, Compliance and Product Development teams to help ensure that our products consistently meet defined safety, reliability and durability standards. You’ll play a key role in supporting regulatory and testing activities, maintaining standardized test protocols and delivering clear, data-based insights that help promote consistent, high-quality products. This is a hands-on, collaborative position that offers meaningful exposure across the product quality life cycle, from early design review through product launches.

Please note that this position is open to internal candidates only. External candidates who apply will not be considered for this role.

A day on the job looks like this:

• Contribute to the development of product test plans for toys and/or furniture by applying established safety, reliability and durability requirements under guidance
• Apply defined testing methods to evaluate product performance and summarize results against documented expectations
• Support product quality and compliance needs for new and diversified products by assisting with regulatory and testing activities
• Provide data-based product performance insights and preliminary recommendations in partnership with Engineering and cross-functional stakeholders
• Assist in maintaining standardized test methods and protocols to promote consistent and repeatable in-house and third-party testing
• Collaborate with Product Integrity, In-House Lab and Compliance teams to support quality initiatives and testing alignment
• Maintain accurate documentation and records while following established quality processes and procedures

Qualifications

Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for:

Required:

• 1+ years of experience in product engineering, product development or product testing
• Foundational understanding of product safety, reliability and durability testing concepts
• Working knowledge of basic test methods, data collection and result documentation
• Familiarity with ASTM, ANSI/BIFMA and other applicable testing standards
• Understanding of quality documentation practices and controlled procedures
• Experience working with third-party testing labs
• Ability to execute defined test plans and procedures under guidance
• Ability to summarize test results and identify clear deviations from expectations
• Strong attention to detail with accurate documentation and recordkeeping
• Developing data analysis and problem-solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication within an immediate team environment

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science or Quality Management (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Exposure to regulatory compliance or product integrity programs

What Sets You Apart

• Thoughtful decision-maker who applies sound judgment to routine quality and testing challenges with increasing independence
• Clear communicator who explains testing requirements and results clearly to both technical and nontechnical partners
• Collaborative team player who works seamlessly across Engineering, Product Integrity, Compliance and In-House Lab teams
• Accountable contributor who takes ownership of assigned work and consistently follows through to achieve results
• Curious learner with a continuous improvement mindset who seeks opportunities to strengthen skills and enhance processes

Additional Information

And here’s our end of the bargain!

At Lakeshore, we pay local market wages for employees that reside within Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

For this position, new employees joining Lakeshore who live within Los Angeles and Orange Counties are typically brought into the organization at a salary between $70,500-$80,000 depending on relevant experience & skillset.

This range is indicative of projected hiring range. The annual base compensatio