Senior Materials Designer, Flyknit

Nike•Beaverton, OR

About The Position

The Senior Materials Designer, Flyknit develops distinctive knit designs for Nike footwear products and helps advance Nike Footwear Materials in the specialized, technical flat-knit space. The role works across product lines and the product lifecycle, translating consumer insights and creative direction into compelling material concepts while innovating within project briefs and budgets. The designer may lead Flyknit design on footwear projects from early concept through final approval. The position collaborates with design functions and cross-functional partners, including athletes, manufacturing, Flyknit programming, engineering, operations, merchandising, sustainability, technology, the Upper Systems team, and yarn vendors. It calls for strong material expertise, technical flat-knitting skills, effective communication, and the ability to influence and collaborate within a large, dynamic team. The role reports directly to the Design Director and may involve regional and international travel for consumer and athlete insights and factory visits.

Requirements

Submit a creative design portfolio that includes technical flat-knitting skill; provide website links or attach PDF files when applying.
Bachelor’s degree in design or a related field; suitable combinations of education, experience, and training will also be accepted.
Creative experience in consumer, segment, or dimensions work.
Digital design acumen, including knit-relevant programs and design software such as Creative Suite.
Positive, collaborative approach and ability to influence through teamwork.
Openness to candid feedback and diverse perspectives; curiosity and adaptability to change.
Ability to understand project briefs and budgets and innovate within their parameters.
Ability to deliver on timelines and deadlines with attention to detail and clear communication.

Nice To Haves

Ideally, 5+ years of relevant design experience.
Cobbling and prototyping skills, including knit concepts mocked up on lasts or prototypes rather than only swatches.
Experience with 3D design programs.
Experience with presentation programs such as Keynote or PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

Develop distinctive knit designs and material concepts for new footwear products, innovating within project briefs, budgets, and creative direction.
Oversee material development throughout the product lifecycle and make adjustments at each sample stage to optimize the product.
Collaborate with the Upper Systems team, manufacturing partners, and yarn vendors to ensure new structures meet Nike standards and seasonal aesthetic and performance needs.
Deliver clear, compelling material solutions for seasonal projects that meet the project brief.
Partner with color and graphic design teams to explore material expression.
Consider athlete and consumer feedback, wear tests, and reviews at each stage, with a focus on comfort, fit, and durability.
Uphold quality and craft standards and make adjustments as needed.
Prepare tech packs, material briefs, and CADs that clearly communicate structures, yarn palettes, and product builds.
Create clear documentation, presentations, and reports to support informed decision-making, follow internal processes, and support sustainability goals.
Communicate design ideas effectively to diverse audiences and foster strong cross-functional relationships.
Travel regionally and internationally for consumer and athlete insights and factory visits.
Potentially lead Flyknit design for footwear projects from early concept through final approval.