About Nike

Nike is the world's leading sports brand, empowering athletes* worldwide through innovation, design, and technology. With a mission to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world, Nike leverages data and AI to create personalized experiences and drive decision-making across its global ecosystem. The Data & AI (DAI) team is at the heart of this transformation, building scalable platforms that power Nike's future. Joining Nike means contributing to a legacy of excellence while working with cutting-edge technologies in a collaborative, athlete-focused culture.

Role Overview

As a Lead Software Engineer, ITC in Karnataka, India, you will spearhead the design and development of robust data platforms and AI-driven solutions. This full-time role within Nike's Data & AI team offers the chance to own end-to-end data systems, integrate agentic workflows, and lead AI/LLM-powered enterprise applications. With 7+ years of experience required, you'll thrive in a fast-paced environment, delivering scalable, secure platforms that serve millions of athletes globally. This position is ideal for seasoned engineers passionate about big data, cloud-native architectures, and innovative tech at a premium brand like Nike.

Key Responsibilities

In this leadership role, you'll drive technical excellence across Nike's data landscape. Key responsibilities include designing, building, deploying, and owning complete, scalable data platforms and solutions. You'll lead the technical design of new data pipelines, services, and systems while building reusable frameworks, libraries, and data management tools to boost team productivity. Optimizing performance and cost-efficiency of data workflows and compute layers will be central, alongside collaborating with data scientists, business analysts, and product managers to translate business needs into robust technical solutions. Additionally, you'll spearhead the development of agentic and AI/LLM-powered enterprise applications, provide mentorship to junior engineers, and ensure the uptime, reliability, and monitoring of all systems you own.

Technical Leadership Focus

Expect to architect fault-tolerant distributed systems, leveraging expertise in Apache Spark, Kafka, and cloud services. Your work will directly impact Nike's ability to deliver personalized athlete experiences through intelligent data platforms.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed, candidates need 7+ years of software development experience, with a strong foundation in distributed systems, cloud-native architectures, and data platforms. Expertise in big data technologies like Apache Spark and real-time streaming with Apache Kafka is essential, as is advanced knowledge of major cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and their data services. Proficiency with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform or AWS CloudFormation, coupled with strong understanding of advanced data modeling and modern data warehouses, is required. You must demonstrate the ability to design scalable, fault-tolerant systems and have hands-on familiarity with agentic workflows and AI/LLM-powered enterprise applications. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills round out the profile for this senior role.

Benefits & Perks

Nike offers a premium compensation package tailored for top talent. Enjoy a competitive salary estimated at INR 65L-95L annually, performance-based bonuses, and equity opportunities. Comprehensive health insurance, wellness programs, and family benefits support your well-being. Professional development includes access to world-class training, certifications, and conferences. Flexible work options, generous paid time off, and employee discounts on Nike products enhance work-life balance. As a global leader, Nike provides relocation assistance and hybrid work models in Karnataka, India.

Career Growth

At Nike, career progression is athlete-driven. As Lead Software Engineer, you'll mentor teams and influence strategic initiatives, paving the way for roles like Principal Engineer or Data Platform Architect. Nike's commitment to internal mobility means opportunities across regions and functions, from Direct-to-Consumer tech to global AI innovation. Regular performance reviews, leadership programs, and exposure to executive stakeholders accelerate your growth in a company that values innovation and impact.

Why Join Us

Joining Nike's DAI team in India means working on mission-critical projects that redefine sports technology. Collaborate with elite engineers on platforms serving billions in revenue, integrate AI/LLM for personalized athlete* experiences, and contribute to Nike's sustainability goals through efficient data systems. In Karnataka's thriving tech hub, you'll enjoy a dynamic culture emphasizing diversity, inclusion, and innovation. Nike's brand prestige, combined with cutting-edge tools and global reach, positions you for unparalleled professional fulfillment.

Role FAQs

What experience level is required?

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

Which technologies are key?

Apache Spark, Kafka, cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP), Terraform, and AI/LLM frameworks.

Is relocation support available?

Yes, Nike provides relocation assistance for eligible candidates.

What is the work arrangement?

Full-time with flexible hybrid options in Karnataka, India.

How does this role impact Nike?

You'll build platforms powering data-driven decisions and personalized athlete experiences worldwide.

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