SENIOR MATERIAL DESIGNER, CORE FOOTWEAR, NIKE INC.

Nike•Beaverton, OR

12d

About The Position

As a Senior Designer in Core, this individual partners with other design functions—including industrial, color, material, and graphics—as well as cross-functional teams such as athletes, manufacturing, material development, operations, merchandising, sustainability, and technology. They lead material design for footwear projects from concept through final approval. The Senior Designer also engages with the broader design community and reports directly to the Core Material Design Director. Nike seeks a highly collaborative Senior Footwear Materials Designer with proven experience, strong problem-solving skills, and creativity to advance Nike Footwear Materials. The ideal candidate excels at translating consumer insights into material palettes, demonstrates both broad and specialized material expertise, and maintains attention to detail while managing multiple projects. This role is part of the Nike Core Footwear team, which spans performance categories—including Running, Basketball, and Training—as well as Sportswear, such as Air Max, at entry-level products. The team also oversees the Nike Solar collection of sandals and slides.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in design or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education and experience, and training.
Ideally 5+ years of relevant design experience
Creative experience (consumer/segment/dimensions)
Digital design acumen (design-based software a must: Creative Suite)
Positive, collaborative approach
Ability to approach projects with passion and influence through teamwork
Open-minded, receptive to candid feedback and diverse perspectives
Curious and adaptable to change
Ability to see potential in every design challenge
Understand project briefs and budgets, and innovate within parameters
Deliver on timelines and deadlines with attention to detail and clear communication

Nice To Haves

Cobbling and prototyping skills are a plus
3D design program experience is a plus
Experience with presentation programs: Keynote, PowerPoint are a plus

Responsibilities

Lead material design for footwear projects from concept through final approval.
Develop distinctive material palettes for new products.
Innovate within the brief and budget.
Oversee the material journey throughout the product lifecycle.
Lead seasonal and premium updates in partnership with color and graphic design teams.
Collaborate with material development and vendors to ensure all materials meet Nike standards and align with seasonal aesthetics and product performance.
Deliver clear and compelling material solutions for seasonal projects, consistent with creative direction and meeting the project brief.
Travel regionally and internationally for consumer and athlete insights, as well as factory visits.
Keep the athlete and consumer voice at the center of the work by considering feedback, wear tests, and reviews to improve the product at each stage—focusing on comfort, fit, and durability.
Uphold high standards for quality and craft, and make necessary adjustments to maintain these standards.
Prepare tech packs, material briefs, and CADs that clearly convey the material palette and product build, while making cost-effective adjustments at each sample stage.
Champion clarity in documentation, presentations, and reporting to support informed decision-making, while following internal processes and sustainability goals.