Playful Product Developer

Who We Are:

Hey Feelings is building the world's first complete emotional learning ecosystem designed for kids (ages 3-9), their parents, and educators. We combine engaging physical products (like board games, toys, and books) with interactive digital tools (including our Hey Feelings Academy platform and upcoming app) and a universe of relatable characters. Our mission is to make understanding and navigating emotions a positive, accessible, and skills-building experience for young children and the adults who support them.

We are a passionate, creative, mission-driven team, grounded in expert knowledge of child development and social-emotional learning (SEL). We're backed by award-winning creators and industry veterans, and we're looking for dedicated individuals to join us in scaling our impact from our base in Poland, reaching families across North America, Europe, and Australia.

About the Role:

Do you love bringing physical products to life, especially ones that help children learn and grow? We are looking for a creative and practical Product Developer to focus on our line of physical goods (board games, toys, books, educational cards). This is a remote, part-time contractor or project-based role. You will contribute to the ideation, development, and sourcing/manufacturing process for new Hey Feelings products, ensuring they are engaging, high-quality, safe, and aligned with our brand's educational philosophy.

What You'll Do:

• Participate in brainstorming and concept development for new physical products (games, toys, books, etc.).
• Research materials, manufacturing processes, and potential suppliers/factories (primarily in Asia and/or Europe).
• Collaborate with illustrators, graphic designers, and writers to refine product designs and specifications.
• Help develop detailed product spec sheets for manufacturers.
• Assist in managing the prototyping, sampling, and product testing phases.
• Liaise with manufacturers regarding production timelines, quality control, and safety standards (e.g., ASTM, CE).
• Contribute to cost analysis and ensuring products meet target margins.
• Stay updated on trends in toys, games, and children's educational products.

Who You Are:

• You have 2+ years of experience in product development, sourcing, or production management, specifically for physical consumer goods. Experience in toys, games, children's products, or publishing is highly preferred.
• You have a good understanding of materials (paper, plastics, textiles) and manufacturing processes relevant to toys and games.
• You are familiar with product safety standards and testing requirements for children's products (e.g., CPSC, EU Toy Safety Directive).
• You possess strong project management, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• You are a creative problem-solver with a practical mindset.
• Experience working with overseas manufacturers (especially in Asia) is a significant advantage.
• You have good communication skills and can collaborate effectively with creative teams and suppliers remotely.
• Proficiency in spreadsheet software (Excel, Google Sheets) is essential. Familiarity with project management tools is a plus.

Compensation & Logistics:

• This is a Remote, Part-Time Contractor position, likely project-based or on an hourly retainer (estimated 10-20 hours per week during active development phases).
• Compensation: Estimated hourly rate $45 - $70 USD per hour, or project-based equivalent, based on experience.
• Flexible schedule, primarily project and deadline-driven.

Why Join Hey Feelings?

• Meaningful Impact: Contribute directly to improving the emotional well-being of children and families globally.
• Innovative Environment: Be part of building a unique, first-of-its-kind ecosystem blending physical and digital learning.
• Growth Opportunity: Join an early-stage, funded company with significant potential and opportunities to shape the marketing function.
• Collaborative Culture: Work remotely with a passionate, supportive, and internationally experienced team of founders and creators.

Equal Opportunity & Recruitment Practices:

Hey Feelings is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all contractors and employees. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our team and enhance our ability to serve families everywhere.

Please be aware of fraudulent recruitment communications. Hey Feelings will only contact you from an @heyfeelings.com email address. Interviews will be conducted via video call (e.g., Google Meet, Zoom) or phone, never solely through chat or text. We will never ask candidates for payment or require the purchase of equipment prior to formal employment.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their relevant product development experience, specific examples of products they've helped bring to market (especially toys/games), and their interest in Hey Feelings.