Lead Software Engineer, ITC at Nike in Karnataka, India

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 platforms that transform raw data into actionable intelligence. Joining Nike means contributing to a legacy of excellence while working alongside top talent in a dynamic, athlete-focused environment.

Role Overview

As Lead Software Engineer, ITC in Karnataka, India, you will spearhead the design, development, and ownership of robust data platforms and AI-powered enterprise applications. This full-time role within Nike's DAI team demands a blend of deep technical expertise in distributed systems, big data technologies, and cloud-native architectures. You will collaborate with data scientists, product managers, and UI/UX designers to deliver scalable solutions that enhance Nike's global operations. Ideal for seasoned engineers passionate about agentic workflows and LLM integrations, this position offers leadership opportunities in a fast-paced, innovative setting.

Key Responsibilities

In this pivotal role, you will:

• Design, build, deploy, and own complete, scalable software platforms and data solutions that power Nike's ecosystem.
• Lead the technical architecture for new data pipelines, services, and AI/LLM-driven enterprise applications.
• Develop reusable frameworks, libraries, and tools to boost team productivity and efficiency.
• Optimize data workflows for peak performance and cost-efficiency across cloud environments.
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to translate business needs into high-impact technical implementations.
• Collaborate with UI/UX teams using tools like Figma to craft intuitive, performant user experiences.
• Embed security best practices and compliance measures throughout the development lifecycle.
• Maintain automated testing suites and monitor system uptime for unwavering reliability.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers, fostering a culture of excellence.

Qualifications & Requirements

Essential Skills

To excel, candidates need 7+ years of software development experience, with mastery in object-oriented programming, distributed systems, and cloud-native designs. Key technical proficiencies include:

• Big data tools like Apache Spark and streaming with Apache Kafka.
• Advanced expertise in AWS, Azure, or GCP data services.
• IaC with Terraform or CloudFormation.
• Modern data modeling and warehouse architectures.
• Agentic workflows and AI/LLM enterprise applications.
• UI/UX principles and tools such as Figma or Adobe.
• Security implementation and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Strong communication and stakeholder management are non-negotiable for leading in Nike's collaborative culture.

Benefits & Perks

Nike offers an unmatched compensation package tailored for top talent:

• Competitive base salary estimated at INR 65L - 95L annually, plus performance incentives.
• World-class health insurance, wellness programs, and family benefits.
• Generous paid time off, parental leave, and flexible hybrid work options.
• Employee product discounts and exclusive access to Nike events.
• Learning stipends, certifications, and leadership training programs.

Career Growth

At Nike, career progression is athlete-grade. As Lead Software Engineer, you'll access global mobility programs, mentorship from DAI leaders, and opportunities to lead high-visibility projects. Nike's commitment to continuous learning includes tech conferences, internal hackathons, and personalized development plans. Many engineers advance to Principal or Director roles, shaping Nike's technological future.

Why Join Us

Work on platforms that reach millions of athletes worldwide, blending retail innovation with enterprise-scale tech. Nike's Karnataka hub offers a vibrant tech ecosystem, state-of-the-art facilities, and proximity to India's talent pool. Be part of a team that's redefining data and AI in sports, with the resources of a Fortune 500 giant backing your innovations. If you thrive in collaborative, high-stakes environments, Nike is your platform to lead and inspire.

Role FAQs

What experience level is required?

7+ years in software engineering, focusing on data platforms and distributed systems.

Is relocation support available?

Nike provides comprehensive relocation assistance for eligible candidates.

What tech stack will I use?

Spark, Kafka, major clouds (AWS/Azure/GCP), Terraform, AI/LLM frameworks, and UI tools like Figma.

How does Nike support work-life balance?

Flexible hours, hybrid models, wellness initiatives, and generous PTO ensure sustainability.

What's the interview process?

Multi-stage: coding challenges, system design, behavioral interviews, and a leadership discussion.

*For Nike, an athlete is anyone who has a body.