Expert Designer, Running Innovation Footwear Product Design

Nike • Beaverton, OR

4d

About The Position

Nike is seeking a visionary footwear designer to shape the future of Running and ACG. The role advances footwear through athlete insights, creative exploration, and both independent and collaborative work, using Nike’s resources to deliver impactful solutions. The designer will work closely with the Running & ACG Innovation Senior Design Director and a team of innovators, scientists, biomechanists, engineers, program managers, and athletes.

The position calls for a curious, passionate designer who learns from athletes’ needs, pushes design boundaries, and brings energy, adaptability, and collaboration to bold ideas. The designer translates consumer insights into product solutions and narratives, develops innovative concepts, communicates ideas through technical drawings and visual presentations, and partners across functions to bring ideas forward. The posting also describes accommodations available during the interview process, including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible interview locations, and closed captioning.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial design or a related field, or a suitable combination of education, experience, and training.
• At least 8 years designing and developing innovative footwear and other products; footwear design experience is required.
• Ability to create accurate 2D technical drawings (tech packs) and communicate ideas through sketches, illustrations, and renderings.
• Ability to translate consumer insights into product solutions and narratives.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and comfort working in new digital spaces.
• 3D and AI design skills, with interest in emerging technologies.
• Solid knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials.
• Ability to generate diverse concepts and solutions and simplify complex problems.
• Positive energy in a strong creative environment.
• Entrepreneurial initiative and courage in advocating for personal and team ideas.
• Willingness to listen openly and welcome candid feedback and diverse perspectives.
• Ability to lead partnerships beyond Design, including Marketing, Engineering, and Development.

Nice To Haves

• Cobbling, prototyping, and building skills are encouraged.
• Running and outdoor knowledge is a plus.
• Eagerness to experiment with advanced materials and new methods.

Responsibilities

• Partner with athletes, biomechanists, and the Nike Sports Research Lab to uncover opportunities and address real-world needs.
• Build cross-functional relationships with engineers, innovators, and designers to develop ideas and build on others’ solutions.
• Balance teamwork with independent exploration, entrepreneurial drive, self-motivation, and effective use of Nike’s resources.
• Present work in formal and informal reviews and incorporate feedback to improve it.
• Explore innovative solutions through sketching, 3D, and cobbling.
• Adapt and solve problems creatively in a fast-paced environment.
• Create accurate 2D technical drawings (tech packs) and communicate ideas through sketches, illustrations, and renderings.
• Translate consumer insights into product solutions and narratives.
• Lead partnerships beyond Design, including Marketing, Engineering, and Development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior