Senior Materials Developer, Global Apparel (multiple positions)

Nike•Beaverton, OR

About The Position

Multiple Senior Materials Developer positions are available within the Global Apparel Materials & Trims teams. These roles support the broader Apparel portfolio across multiple product dimensions and consumer opportunities, reporting to Apparel Materials Development Directors. The developers partner closely with Design, Product Management, Technical Development, Color, Sourcing, Manufacturing, Quality, and vendor partners to bring innovative material and trim solutions to market. As key members of the product creation team, they connect functions and balance design intent, technical feasibility, speed-to-market, and commercial viability. They influence material strategies, drive execution with vendor partners, and help advance the capabilities of the Apparel Materials ecosystem. The roles support material and trim development from concept through commercialization, production readiness, and production, with a focus on innovation, performance, quality, sustainability, and consumer relevance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Textile Science, Apparel, Materials Engineering, Product Development, or a related field; a suitable combination of education, experience, and training will also be accepted.
At least 3 years of directly relevant work experience.
Deep knowledge of fabrics, yarns, knitting, weaving, dyeing, printing, finishing, and garment manufacturing processes.
Proven experience leading material and trim development from concept through commercialization and production readiness.
Strong understanding of material performance requirements, testing methodologies, quality standards, and risk management practices.
Experience working directly with textile mills, trim suppliers, manufacturers, and development partners to create and commercialize products.
Ability to evaluate material construction, cost, performance, manufacturability, and sustainability considerations.
Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and stakeholders simultaneously.
Experience partnering across Design, Product Management, Technical Development, Sourcing, Manufacturing, and Quality.
Ability to influence without direct authority and drive alignment among diverse internal and external partners.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to articulate tradeoffs, risks, and recommendations.
Ability to travel as needed to support vendor engagement, material development, and commercialization activities.

Nice To Haves

Experience in trim development, including techniques, technologies, and application.
Experience working with domestic and overseas vendors, sample rooms, ateliers, and manufacturing partners.
Familiarity with digital product creation tools, material libraries, PLM systems, and 3D development tools.

Responsibilities

Support development and commercialization of apparel materials and trims across assigned opportunities within the Global Apparel portfolio.
Partner with Design, Product Management, Technical Development, Sourcing, Manufacturing, and Quality throughout the product creation process.
Evaluate emerging material technologies, supplier capabilities, and market trends to identify opportunities to improve performance and consumer relevance.
Drive material and trim development timelines from concept through production readiness, ensuring key milestones are achieved.
Lead material testing, validation, and risk assessment to ensure products meet performance, quality, and commercialization standards.
Collaborate with vendor partners to develop, refine, and commercialize innovative material and trim solutions.
Build and maintain supplier relationships that support speed, innovation, quality, and operational excellence.
Identify risks early and provide recommendations and mitigation plans to support informed decision-making.
Improve development processes to increase efficiency, simplify work, and reduce lead times across the materials development lifecycle.
Document and communicate material specifications, development status, risks, and opportunities.
Mentor and support teammates through technical expertise, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem-solving.
Contribute to the long-term materials strategy and innovation roadmap for Nike Apparel Development.