Lead Footwear Materials Designer

Title: Lead Footwear Materials Designer 

Location: Beaverton, OR

Duration: 5 months contract

NIKE, Inc. does more than outfit the world's best athletes. It is a place to explore potential, obliterate boundaries and push out the edges of what can be. The company looks for people who can grow, think, dream and create. Its culture thrives by embracing diversity and rewarding imagination. The brand seeks achievers, leaders and visionaries. At Nike, it’s about each person bringing skills and passion to a challenging and constantly evolving game.

LEAD DESIGNER, MENS & WOMENS ACG FOOTWEAR EXPRESSION MATERIALS DESIGN

The ACG Brand, “All Conditions Gear,” leads Nike in considered design for outdoor sport. With a focus on distinct innovation, location-based research, and a commitment to sustainability, ACG inspires athletes around the world to chase their dreams on the trail. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of ACG and be part of a leading brand in the outdoor industry.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

As a Lead Footwear Materials Designer, you will not only shape the future of outdoor footwear but also contribute to Nike’s commitment to sustainability, creativity, and cutting-edge performance. This position requires a passion for the outdoors, a deep understanding of material science, and a relentless drive to push the boundaries of what materials can achieve in extreme conditions.

The ideal teammate will be a highly creative problem solver. This is someone who doesn’t settle for anything less than the best design and materials solutions, to meet the needs of the consumer on and off the mountain. They’ll be focused on elevating the consumer experience by creating materials that are performance and trend-relevant for a range of products while driving an emotional connection through the use of narrative and storytelling and by pushing the edges of sustainable footwear material design.

As a person you are curious, eager to learn and have a desire to make a difference. 

WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON

As part of the ACG material team, you will be contributing to the material design process for ACG footwear, from ideation to commercialization, using the latest digital and technical advancements.

You’ll advocate for ACG’s design philosophy, ensuring materials align with the brand’s mission of creating functional, durable, and visually impactful outdoor gear. Your work will involve exploring new technologies for innovative models, while also enhancing materials for seasonal narratives and iconic products.

Collaboration with cross-functional teams is key as you help bring Nike ACG Footwear’s vision to life, driving product excellence and innovation. You’ll focus on sustainability, consumer insights, and cultural relevance to create standout designs. The role is dynamic, with wide-ranging and exciting responsibilities.

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

On a day to day basis you will be working hand in hand with a tight team ranging of different professionals (engineers, developers, researchers/innovators, scientists, marketing, testing, concept creators, costing, etc.) and collaborate within the design community (footwear/apparel designers, materials, color, graphics, computational, etc.). This role requires someone that has a highly collaborative approach, with excellent communication and visualization skills. The role reports directly to the Footwear Material Design manager. 

WHAT YOU BRING

Bachelor’s degree in design, art or related field; fashion design, product design, industrial design, accessory and footwear design, or textile design or related field or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 3-5 years’ of relevant design experience exemplifying the ability to push material design, and/or proven experience in textile design or footwear design.
• A deep passion for outdoor activities and exploration, with an understanding of the technical demands and environmental challenges athletes face.
• Ability to translate consumer knowledge and insights into narratives and product executions, while creating concepts and exploring new materials innovations, technologies, and ideas.
• Solid knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials, along with experience in technical material practices, including eco-friendly and weatherized sourcing and production processes, is highly desirable.
• Experience building 3D samples and crafting mockup samples by hand, along with knowledge of form, color, materials, and human factors related to elevating the consumer experience.
• Highly proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) and comfortable working within new digital spaces.
• Confidently communicates and presents design concepts to internal and external audiences
• Championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging with a positive, team-oriented mentality and a willingness to collaborate.