Lead Software Engineer, ITC at Nike - Karnataka, India

About Nike

Nike is the world's leading sports brand, empowering athletes* globally through innovation, design, and technology. With a mission to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world, Nike leverages cutting-edge data and AI to create personalized experiences and drive business success. The Data & AI (DAI) team is central to this vision, building scalable platforms that transform raw data into actionable insights for Nike's ecosystem.

Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike operates in over 190 countries, employing hundreds of thousands of passionate professionals. In India, Nike's technology hubs are rapidly expanding, offering world-class opportunities in data engineering, AI, and cloud computing. Joining Nike means working with elite talent on projects that impact millions of athletes daily.

Role Overview

As a Lead Software Engineer, ITC (Information Technology & Computing) in Nike's Data & AI team, you'll architect and deliver robust data platforms that power Nike's global operations. This full-time role in Karnataka, India, demands 7+ years of experience in distributed systems and big data technologies. You'll lead the design of scalable pipelines using Apache Spark, Kafka, and major cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP.

Thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where your expertise in Infrastructure as Code (IaC) with Terraform or CloudFormation will optimize data workflows for performance and cost-efficiency. This position offers technical leadership, stakeholder collaboration, and mentorship opportunities, making it ideal for seasoned engineers passionate about data platforms.

Key Responsibilities

Design and Ownership

Take end-to-end ownership of scalable, reliable data platforms. From ideation to deployment, ensure solutions meet Nike's high standards for security, performance, and intelligence.

Technical Leadership

Lead the technical design of new data pipelines, services, and systems. Collaborate with data scientists, analysts, and product managers to translate business needs into robust technical architectures.

Innovation and Optimization

Build reusable frameworks, libraries, and tools to boost team productivity. Optimize data workflows and compute layers for maximum cost-efficiency without compromising reliability.

Mentorship and Reliability

Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers. Maintain uptime, implement monitoring, and ensure fault-tolerant distributed systems that scale seamlessly.

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel in this role, candidates need:

• 7+ years of software development experience, focusing on distributed systems, cloud-native architectures, and data platforms.
• Expertise in Apache Spark for big data processing and Apache Kafka for real-time streaming.
• Advanced proficiency in a major cloud platform (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and its data services ecosystem.
• Strong skills in IaC tools like Terraform or AWS CloudFormation.
• Deep knowledge of advanced data modeling and modern data warehouses.
• Proven ability to design scalable, fault-tolerant distributed systems.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

A bachelor's or master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field is preferred, along with a passion for sports technology and data-driven innovation.

Benefits & Perks

Nike offers an unmatched compensation package for top talent:

• Estimated salary range: ₹65L - ₹95L per annum, based on Retail/Tech sector benchmarks in India with a competitive buffer.
• Comprehensive health insurance, including family coverage and mental wellness programs.
• Generous paid time off, parental leave, and flexible hybrid work options.
• Employee discounts on Nike products and exclusive access to events.
• Stock options, performance bonuses, and retirement savings plans.

Career Growth

At Nike, career progression is data-driven and athlete-focused. As a Lead Software Engineer, you'll have access to leadership development programs, global rotations, and certifications in cloud and AI technologies. Many team members advance to Principal Engineer or Director roles within 2-3 years. Nike's commitment to diversity and inclusion fosters an environment where your voice shapes the future of sports tech.

Why Join Us

Work on platforms that serve billions of data points daily, powering personalized athlete experiences worldwide. Collaborate with Nike's global DAI team, using state-of-the-art tools to solve real-world challenges. In Karnataka's thriving tech hub, enjoy a premium work-life balance with proximity to innovation centers like Bengaluru. Be part of a brand that doesn't just sell products—it inspires movements.

Role FAQs

What is the experience level required?

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

Is relocation assistance provided?

Yes, for qualified candidates moving to Karnataka, India.

What tech stack will I work with?

Apache Spark, Kafka, AWS/Azure/GCP, Terraform, and modern data warehousing tools.

Is this a remote role?

Hybrid model with flexibility, based in Karnataka.

How does Nike support professional growth?

Through mentorship, training budgets, conferences, and clear promotion paths.

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