Senior Materials Designer, Flyknit

Nike•Beaverton, OR

About The Position

The Senior Materials Designer, Flyknit develops distinctive knit designs for Nike footwear products and advances materials through the flat-knit manufacturing process. The role works across a range of product lines and collaborates with design functions and cross-functional partners to translate consumer and athlete insights into compelling, performance-oriented knit concepts. The designer innovates within project briefs and budgets, oversees materials through the product lifecycle, and explores design expression with color and graphics teams. Success requires contributing to a creative, dynamic team; communicating design ideas clearly to varied audiences; and building strong cross-functional relationships. The designer prepares technical documentation and presentations, gathers insights through travel and product feedback, and iterates materials to improve comfort, fit, durability, quality, and craft while supporting internal processes and sustainability goals.

Requirements

Submit a creative design portfolio that includes technical flat-knitting skill.
Bachelor’s degree in design or a related field, or a suitable combination of education, experience, and training.
Creative design experience involving consumers, segments, or dimensions.
Digital design acumen, including knit-relevant programs and design software such as Creative Suite.
Positive and collaborative approach.
Ability to approach projects with passion and influence through teamwork.
Openness to candid feedback and diverse perspectives.
Curiosity and adaptability to change.
Ability to see potential in design challenges.
Ability to understand project briefs and budgets and innovate within their parameters.
Ability to meet 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 developing knit concepts beyond swatches and mocking them up on lasts or prototypes.
Experience with 3D design programs.
Experience with presentation programs such as Keynote or PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with industrial, color, graphics, athlete, manufacturing, Flyknit programming, engineering, operations, merchandising, sustainability, and technology partners.
Lead Flyknit design for footwear projects from early concept through final approval when needed.
Develop distinctive knit designs and material concepts for new products, innovating within creative direction, project briefs, and budgets.
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 align with creative direction and project briefs.
Travel regionally and internationally to gather consumer and athlete insights and visit factories.
Use athlete and consumer feedback, wear tests, and reviews to improve products throughout development, with attention to 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; adjust designs at each sample stage to optimize them.
Create clear documentation, presentations, and reports to support informed decision-making and follow internal processes and sustainability goals.
Communicate design ideas effectively and foster cross-functional relationships.