Expert Designer, Energy Athlete Atelier Footwear Product Design at Nike

About Nike

Nike stands as the global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment, driven by a mission to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike employs thousands of passionate creators who push the boundaries of design, performance, and storytelling. The Energy Athlete Atelier represents Nike's pinnacle of bespoke craftsmanship, where elite designers collaborate directly with top athletes and teams to craft custom footwear that transcends traditional aesthetics. This role places you at the heart of Nike's innovation ecosystem, blending high-craft experimentation with cutting-edge technology to elevate athlete expression.

Role Overview

As an Expert Designer in the Energy Athlete Atelier Footwear Product Design team, you'll deliver white-glove, bespoke footwear creations with unmatched speed and precision. This position demands a maker's mindset—curious, fast-moving, and fluent in both 2D and 3D design. Operating in an undefined creative space, you'll flex across worlds, turning athlete insights into tangible products that embody innovation and personal narrative. Based in Beaverton, Oregon, this full-time role reports to the Senior Design Director and requires submitting a footwear-focused portfolio to be considered.

Key Responsibilities

Your day-to-day will immerse you in the full design lifecycle, from ideation to realization:

• Create original footwear designs reflecting Nike's philosophy and standards, guided by senior leadership.
• Design and build bespoke footwear pushing innovation in form, materials, and construction.
• Rapidly prototype using 3D tools, cobbling techniques, and physical experimentation to explore storytelling elements.
• Implement comprehensive product details including construction, color, fit, performance, style, and trims.
• Partner with Design, Technical Development teams, and external suppliers for seamless execution.
• Present compelling design concepts to internal audiences, supported by the design triad.
• Develop presentation materials in Keynote, PowerPoint, and Acrobat to communicate visions effectively.

Qualifications & Requirements

Nike seeks proven experts ready to thrive in a high-stakes, athlete-centric environment. Key qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree in Design or related field (or equivalent education, experience, training).
• 8+ years in innovative footwear and product design/development.
• Expertise in sketching, ideation, color theory, texture, spacing, scale, and visual layouts.
• Deep knowledge of form, color, materials, human factors, and consumer experience elevation.
• Proven ability to translate insights into product solutions and narratives.
• Technical footwear design experience with accurate 2D tech packs.
• Advanced Photoshop, Illustrator proficiency; 3D design software fluency.
• Cobbling, prototyping, manufacturing processes, and materials expertise.
• Strong presentation skills and positive, collaborative energy.

Sustainable design knowledge is a plus. A footwear design-focused portfolio is mandatory.

Benefits & Perks

Joining Nike means accessing world-class benefits tailored for creators:

• Competitive salary estimated at $140,000-$200,000 USD annually, based on Retail/Tech sector benchmarks with buffer.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision coverage, and employee assistance programs.
• Generous paid time off, parental leave, and flexible work options.
• Employee discounts on Nike products and exclusive access to events/athlete collaborations.
• Professional development, tuition reimbursement, and innovation workshops.
• On-site fitness centers, wellness programs, and sustainable campus in Beaverton.
• Accommodations for disabilities, including screen readers and interpreters.

Career Growth

This role accelerates your trajectory within Nike's design leadership. Gain exposure to elite athletes, cross-functional teams, and global suppliers. Excel here to advance to Senior Designer, Design Director, or specialized innovation roles. Nike invests in your growth through mentorship, ateliers, and Nike University training, fostering connections across design groups for expansive opportunities.

Why Join Us

At Nike's Energy Athlete Atelier, you're not just designing shoes—you're crafting legacies for the world's top performers. Work without fixed aesthetics, experiment boldly, and see your creations on the field. Beaverton's state-of-the-art campus offers a collaborative culture valuing speed, precision, and positivity. Contribute to a team-driven environment where hard work elevates everyone. Nike's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures every voice shapes the future of sport.

Role FAQs

What experience level is required?

8+ years in footwear design, with technical and prototyping expertise.

Is a portfolio required?

Yes, a footwear-focused portfolio must be submitted.

What tools will I use?

Photoshop, Illustrator, 3D programs, Keynote, PowerPoint; cobbling tools.

Is relocation supported?

Nike offers competitive packages; inquire during application.

How does Nike support sustainability?

Preferred experience in sustainable design aligns with our Move to Zero goals.

Apply now to shape the future of athletic footwear at Nike. #NikeCareers #FootwearDesign