About Nike

Nike is the world's leading sports brand, revolutionizing athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment through relentless innovation. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, with a global footprint, Nike empowers athletes worldwide with groundbreaking technologies. In Taiwan, our Taichung innovation hub drives footwear R&D, partnering with manufacturing leaders to push boundaries in performance materials. As a Senior Chemical Engineer, Innovation, you'll contribute to Nike's mission of bringing inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.

Role Overview

The Senior Chemical Engineer, Innovation role in Taichung, Taiwan, is pivotal in advancing Nike's footwear technology. You'll join the Footwear Innovation team, working in a matrixed environment with engineers, product developers, and global manufacturing partners. This position focuses on medium- and long-term R&D for chemical and material innovations, ensuring scientific rigor in developing next-generation footwear. Expect collaboration across Beaverton HQ, internal teams, and offshore factories, fostering a culture of proactive communication and data-driven excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Innovation Concepting, Validation & Transition

Lead the development of project plans for novel chemical technologies, partnering with Beaverton teammates to optimize processes. Consult on material selection, product construction, and manufacturability for innovative footwear. Validate designs to proven standards, collaborate with inline teams and factories to maintain performance integrity, and address durability, sustainability, IP, and manufacturability challenges.

Chemical Engineering Project Management

Drive the development and transition of new chemical products, platforms, and capabilities. Coordinate research with internal teams, vendors, and factory partners. Supervise trials, ensure data accuracy, and validate outcomes using rigorous scientific methods. Support chemical vendor onboarding and approval processes to scale innovations effectively.

Decision Making & Communication

Champion data-driven decisions through structured methodologies. Proactively communicate progress and critical updates to stakeholders. Simplify complex technical concepts into compelling stories for diverse audiences, ensuring alignment across global teams.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience

A solid foundation in chemical engineering concepts, theories, and practices is essential. Candidates need hands-on experience with rubber formulation and processing, foam formulation and processing, thermoplastics processing, adhesive/paint chemistry, bonding processes, upper materials, and statistics. Working knowledge of footwear product construction and inline chemical engineering requirements is required.

Skills & Competencies

Demonstrated project management skills to lead moderately complex initiatives. Excellent verbal and written communication to simplify scientific data for non-experts. Strong collaboration and networking across internal and external partners. Professionalism in articulating policies, sharing ideas, and escalating issues.

Preferred Attributes

Familiarity with sustainability practices and restricted substances compliance. Proficiency in scientific tools like FTIR, DSC, and DAM for data-driven decisions. Willingness to travel internationally to support global projects.

Benefits & Perks

Joining Nike means accessing world-class benefits tailored for innovation leaders. Enjoy comprehensive health coverage, competitive compensation, and performance bonuses. Benefit from employee discounts on Nike products, flexible work arrangements, and wellness programs. In Taichung, leverage proximity to manufacturing excellence while engaging with Nike's global network. Professional development opportunities, including training in advanced materials science, ensure continuous growth.

Career Growth

This senior role positions you as a 'go-to' expert in footwear chemical engineering, opening doors to leadership in Nike's innovation pipeline. Matrixed collaboration builds cross-functional expertise, while international exposure enhances your global profile. Nike invests in talent through mentorship, leadership programs, and innovation challenges, paving the way for roles in product development, sustainability, or executive R&D positions.

Why Join Us

At Nike's Taichung hub, you'll shape the future of athletic footwear amid Taiwan's manufacturing prowess. Collaborate with top talents in a culture valuing ideas, data, and impact. Contribute to sustainable innovations that reach millions of athletes, backed by Nike's resources and brand prestige. This is your chance to drive real-world change in sports performance technology.

Role FAQs

Q: What is the work environment like? A: Highly collaborative and matrixed, with global teams and manufacturing partners emphasizing data-driven decisions.

Q: Is travel required? A: Yes, international travel to support projects and transitions.

Q: What tools will I use? A: Scientific instruments like FTIR, DSC, DAM, plus statistical analysis for validation.

Q: How does this role support sustainability? A: Focus on restricted substances compliance and sustainable material practices.

Q: What salary can I expect? A: Estimated USD 80,000 - 120,000 annually, based on Taiwan tech sector rates with Nike premium.