About Nike

Nike is the world's leading sports brand, dedicated to inspiring athletes* worldwide through innovative products, experiences, and technology. With a mission to leverage advanced data and cutting-edge tech, Nike's Data & AI (DAI) team powers digital transformation across its global ecosystem. From personalized consumer experiences to operational excellence, Nike's technology platforms drive decisions that elevate performance on and off the field. Joining Nike means contributing to a legacy of innovation in sport, where your expertise shapes the future of athletic achievement.

Role Overview

As Principal Software Engineer, ITC at Nike's Tech Center in Karnataka, India, you will be a visionary leader in software architecture and AI/ML engineering. This senior role demands 12+ years of experience, including 5+ in principal or leadership capacities, to architect scalable data platforms and agentic AI workflows. Thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, guiding teams through ambiguity while delivering high-impact solutions for Nike's global stakeholders. If you're passionate about big data, cloud-native systems, and transforming sport through technology, this is your opportunity to lead at Nike.

Key Responsibilities

In this pivotal role, you will spearhead the technical vision for complex data and AI platforms, ensuring robustness, security, and peak performance. Champion software development best practices across teams, mentor senior engineers, and foster a culture of excellence. Collaborate with product managers, data scientists, and business leaders to align engineering with strategic goals. Drive modern methodologies like CI/CD, DevOps, and IaC, while evaluating emerging technologies to keep Nike at the forefront. Oversee project lifecycles, mitigate risks, and represent India's Tech Center in global engineering communities.

Leadership & Innovation

Provide thought leadership on distributed systems, ML infrastructure, and AI-powered applications. Influence organizational change at scale, delivering innovative solutions that personalize athlete experiences worldwide.

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel, hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field. Bring 12+ years in software engineering, with deep expertise in cloud architectures (AWS, Azure, GCP), programming (Python, Java, Scala, Go, C++), and big data tools (Spark, Kafka, Hadoop, Databricks). Proficiency in DevOps, agentic workflows, and AI/LLM applications is essential, alongside leadership in agile, secure environments. Exceptional communication and a commitment to diversity round out the profile for this principal role.

Benefits & Perks

Nike offers competitive compensation estimated at INR 65-95 lakhs annually, reflecting premium Retail/Tech sector rates with upside buffer. Enjoy comprehensive health benefits, flexible work options, and wellness programs tailored for high-performers. Access world-class resources at Nike's Tech Center, including cutting-edge tools and global collaboration platforms. Perks include employee discounts on iconic Nike products, professional development stipends, and initiatives promoting work-life balance in India's vibrant tech hub.

Career Growth

At Nike, career progression is fueled by impact and innovation. As Principal Software Engineer, you'll mentor future leaders, influence enterprise-wide strategies, and expand into executive tech roles. Nike's commitment to continuous learning includes certifications, conferences, and internal mobility across global teams. Build a legacy in data & AI, with opportunities to lead transformative projects that reach billions of athletes.

Why Join Us

Join Nike to work at the intersection of sport, data, and technology. Be part of a dynamic DAI team driving personalized experiences and operational excellence. In Karnataka's Tech Center, collaborate with top global talent, tackle ambiguous challenges, and deliver scalable platforms that redefine athletic performance. Nike values diversity, inclusion, and bold ideas—your expertise will amplify our mission to inspire every athlete*.

Role FAQs

What experience level is required?

12+ years in software engineering, with 5+ in senior leadership, focusing on data platforms and AI.

Which technologies are key?

Cloud (AWS/GCP/Azure), big data (Spark/Kafka), programming (Python/Java), DevOps, and AI/LLM workflows.

Is relocation support available?

Nike supports seamless onboarding for top talent to our Karnataka Tech Center.

How does Nike foster inclusion?

Through dedicated programs ensuring diverse, equitable engineering teams worldwide.

*Athletes welcome all.