Expert Designer, Running Innovation Footwear Product Design

Nike • Beaverton, OR

2d

About The Position

Nike is seeking a visionary Footwear Designer to shape the future of Running and ACG. The designer will use athlete insights, creative exploration, and Nike’s resources to develop impactful footwear solutions, working independently and collaboratively. The role partners with athletes, biomechanists, the Nike Sports Research Lab, engineers, innovators, designers, and other cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, develop ideas, and address real-world needs. The designer presents work in formal and informal reviews, incorporates feedback, and explores solutions through sketching, 3D design, and cobbling in a fast-paced environment.

The position calls for a curious, passionate designer with strong footwear design and development experience, creative problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate concepts through technical drawings, sketches, illustrations, and renderings. The designer should bring entrepreneurial initiative, adaptability, positive energy, openness to feedback, and the ability to lead partnerships beyond Design, including Marketing, Engineering, and Development. Running or outdoor knowledge is a plus.

Nike offers accommodations during the interview process, including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible or single-location in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications. Candidates who need disability-related assistance or accommodation during the application process may complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial design or a related field, or a suitable combination of education, experience, and training.
• 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.
• Comfort working in new digital spaces, with 3D and AI design skills and interest in emerging technologies.
• Solid knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials.
• Ability to generate diverse concepts and solutions and simplify complex problems.
• Positive energy and adaptability in a strong creative environment.
• Entrepreneurial initiative and courage to advocate for personal and team ideas.
• Openness to candid feedback and diverse perspectives.
• Ability to collaborate across teams and lead cross-functional partnerships.

Nice To Haves

• Cobbling, prototyping, and building skills.
• Running or outdoor knowledge.
• 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, using entrepreneurial drive, self-motivation, and Nike’s resources effectively.
• Present work in formal and informal reviews and incorporate feedback to improve it.
• Explore innovative solutions through sketching, 3D design, 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