Director, Prototyping Lab at Nike in Beaverton, Oregon

About Nike

Nike is the global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment, driven by a relentless focus on innovation and the athlete. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike's Innovation team pioneers groundbreaking products like Flyprint, leveraging computational design, engineering, and finite element analysis (FEA) to disrupt the industry. The Advanced Digital Creation Studio (ADCS) pushes boundaries, exploring emerging technologies to create unimaginable product possibilities. Join Nike to shape the future of sport.

Role Overview

As Director, Prototyping Lab, you'll lead a dynamic team within Nike's Advanced Digital Creation ecosystem in Beaverton, Oregon. Reporting to the Senior Director, Digital Process Studio – Innovation, you'll build digital proofs of concept and next-generation workflows that unlock new product possibilities. Partnering across Innovation, product design, engineering, and manufacturing, you'll turn emerging opportunities into actionable prototypes, accelerating data-driven product innovation. This hands-on leadership role demands a visionary who thrives in ambiguity, blending strategic thinking with technical execution.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Identify and prioritize high-impact opportunities where new workflows transform product innovation. Champion an Innovation point-of-view (POV) that defines core capabilities for a multi-year roadmap, ensuring alignment with Nike's long-term vision. Influence cross-functional partners to integrate prototypes into broader ecosystems.

Innovation & Prototyping

Lead rapid digital proofs of concept to validate workflows, drive learnings, and shape future solutions. Collaborate with athlete-focused teams, designers, engineers, and technologists to explore computational design, AI/ML, additive manufacturing, robotics, and digital pipelines. Develop next-gen processes that speed up Nike's product creation.

Team & Stakeholder Management

Build and inspire a diverse team of process thinkers, computational experts, and rapid prototypers. Present complex ideas to senior leadership while diving deep with engineers. Foster collaboration with internal tech groups, external vendors, and innovation leaders to evolve Nike's workflows.

Qualifications & Requirements

Nike seeks a visionary leader with 10+ years in computational design, rapid concept engineering, architecture, design technology, or advanced product-creation solutions. A Bachelor’s degree in architecture, industrial design, computer science, or a related field is required (or equivalent experience/training). Key traits include:

• Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary innovation teams.
• Technical fluency in computational design, advanced visualization, AI/ML, additive workflows, robotics, and digital product pipelines.
• Proven ability to transform ambiguous problems into prototypes, workflows, and technologies.
• Exceptional communication, influencing, and storytelling skills to simplify technical topics.
• Strong strategic and systems thinking to align diverse teams.

You must be open to working in Beaverton, OR, equally comfortable in technical weeds or executive boardrooms.

Benefits & Perks

Nike offers a premium compensation package for this Director-level role, including competitive base salary estimated at $220,000-$320,000 USD annually (based on Retail/Tech sector rates with buffer), performance bonuses, and equity. Enjoy comprehensive health coverage, 401(k) matching, generous PTO, employee product discounts, and wellness programs. Access world-class facilities at Nike's Beaverton campus, including gyms, cafes, and innovation labs.

Career Growth

At Nike, career progression is athlete-driven. This role positions you for advancement into senior Innovation leadership, with opportunities to influence global product strategies. Nike invests in your growth through leadership training, conferences, and mentorship from top innovators. Build a legacy shaping products worn by millions.

Why Join Us

Be part of Nike's mission to bring innovation to every athlete*. Work on ground-breaking projects in a collaborative, boundary-pushing environment. In Beaverton, Oregon, enjoy a vibrant campus, proximity to outdoor adventures, and a culture that values diversity, inclusion, and bold ideas. Nike's Prototyping Lab is where vague ideas become industry-defining realities—your leadership will redefine sport.

Role FAQs

What is the work location?

This full-time role is based in Beaverton, Oregon, United States, at Nike's world headquarters.

What experience is required?

10+ years in computational design or related fields, plus team leadership and technical expertise.

Is relocation support available?

Nike provides relocation assistance for qualifying candidates.

What technologies will I work with?

Computational design, AI/ML, robotics, additive manufacturing, and digital workflows.

How does this role impact Nike?

You'll accelerate product innovation, creating workflows that define Nike's next era.

*If you have a body, you are an athlete.