About Nike

Nike, Inc. stands as the world's leading sports brand, empowering athletes* globally through innovative products, cutting-edge technology, and data-driven insights. With a mission to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete, Nike leverages advanced data and AI platforms to personalize experiences and drive decisions across its vast ecosystem. The Data & AI (DAI) team is central to this vision, pioneering scalable, secure solutions that redefine retail technology and athlete engagement. Headquartered in the US with a robust presence in India, Nike offers unparalleled opportunities for tech professionals to shape the future of sports innovation.

Role Overview

As a Lead Software Engineer, ITC (Information Technology & Cloud) in Nike's DAI team based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, you will spearhead the design and delivery of robust data platforms and AI-powered applications. This full-time role demands 7+ years of experience in software engineering, focusing on distributed systems, big data technologies, and cloud-native architectures. You will own end-to-end solutions that power Nike's global operations, blending technical leadership with collaborative innovation in a fast-paced environment. Ideal for seasoned engineers passionate about scalable data engineering and emerging AI workflows.

Key Responsibilities

In this pivotal role, you will drive technical excellence across Nike's data landscape. Key responsibilities include:

• Designing, building, deploying, and owning complete, scalable software platforms and data solutions.
• Leading the technical design of new data pipelines, services, and distributed systems.
• Developing reusable frameworks, libraries, and tools to boost team productivity.
• Optimizing performance and cost-efficiency in data workflows and compute layers.
• Collaborating with data scientists, analysts, product managers, and UI/UX designers to translate business needs into robust technical implementations.
• Spearheading agentic workflows and AI/LLM-powered enterprise applications.
• Implementing security best practices and compliance measures.
• Mentoring junior engineers and ensuring system uptime, reliability, and monitoring.

Technical Leadership Focus

You will provide hands-on leadership, from architecture decisions to production deployments, ensuring solutions are fault-tolerant and future-proof.

Qualifications & Requirements

Nike seeks top-tier talent with a proven track record. Essential qualifications include:

• 7+ years in software development, emphasizing object-oriented programming, distributed systems, cloud-native architectures, and data platforms.
• Expertise in big data tools like Apache Spark and real-time streaming with Apache Kafka.
• Advanced proficiency in a major cloud platform (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and its data services ecosystem.
• Hands-on experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Terraform or AWS CloudFormation.
• Strong knowledge of advanced data modeling, modern data warehouses, and scalable system design.
• Familiarity with agentic workflows and development of AI/LLM-powered enterprise applications.
• UI/UX design principles and tools like Figma or Adobe XD.
• Security best practices implementation and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management are crucial for success in this leadership position.

Benefits & Perks

Joining Nike means accessing world-class benefits tailored for high-performing tech professionals:

• Competitive salary estimated at ₹65-95 lakhs per annum, with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance, wellness programs, and family benefits.
• Generous employee discounts on Nike products worldwide.
• Flexible hybrid work models and modern office spaces in Bengaluru.
• Paid time off, parental leave, and mental health support.
• Stock options and retirement savings plans.

Career Growth

At Nike, career progression is data-driven and athlete-focused. As a Lead Software Engineer, you'll mentor teams, influence global platforms, and advance to senior architecture or director roles. Nike invests in certifications (AWS, Azure), conferences, and internal mobility across Data & AI, Retail Tech, and beyond. With India's tech hub in Bengaluru, you'll collaborate with international teams, gaining exposure to Nike's trillion-dollar ecosystem.

Why Join Us

Be part of Nike's transformation through data and AI. Work on platforms serving millions of athletes, innovate with cutting-edge tech like Spark, Kafka, and LLMs, and contribute to a brand that defines athletic excellence. In Bengaluru's vibrant tech scene, enjoy a collaborative culture valuing diversity, innovation, and impact. Nike's commitment to sustainability and inclusion ensures your work aligns with purpose-driven goals.

Role FAQs

What experience level is required?

7+ years in software development, with deep expertise in data platforms and cloud technologies.

Is relocation support provided?

Nike offers competitive relocation assistance for eligible candidates.

What tech stack will I use?

Core stack includes Spark, Kafka, AWS/GCP/Azure, Terraform, and AI/LLM frameworks.

Is this a remote role?

Hybrid model in Bengaluru, balancing office collaboration and flexibility.

How does Nike support professional development?

Through mentorship, training budgets, and clear paths to leadership roles.