About Nike

Nike, the world's leading sports brand, empowers athletes and innovators to push boundaries in sport and style. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike designs, manufactures, and markets groundbreaking footwear, apparel, and equipment for millions worldwide. With iconic lines like Air Max, Running, Basketball, and Training, Nike's Core Footwear team drives accessible innovation at the heart of the brand. Join a legacy of creativity where your material designs shape the future of athletic performance.

Role Overview

As Senior Material Designer, Core Footwear at Nike Inc., you'll lead material innovation for performance categories including Running, Basketball, Training, Sportswear like Air Max, and Nike Solar sandals/slides. Reporting to the Core Material Design Director, you'll partner with industrial, color, graphics designers, athletes, manufacturing, sustainability, and tech teams. From concept to final approval, craft distinctive material palettes that deliver premium quality at accessible price points. This dynamic role offers variety across product lines, fostering creativity within briefs, budgets, and timelines.

Key Collaboration Areas

Work cross-functionally to translate consumer insights into compelling materials. Influence through teamwork, uphold Nike standards, and drive seasonal updates in partnership with color and graphics teams.

Key Responsibilities

In this senior role, you'll oversee the full material journey, ensuring alignment with Nike's creative direction, performance needs, and sustainability goals. Responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with material development teams and vendors to meet Nike's rigorous standards for aesthetics, performance, comfort, fit, and durability.
• Delivering clear, compelling material solutions for seasonal projects that innovate within project briefs and budgets.
• Traveling regionally and internationally for consumer/athlete insights, wear tests, factory visits, and feedback integration.
• Preparing detailed tech packs, material briefs, and CADs to convey palettes and builds, making cost-effective adjustments at each sample stage.
• Championing quality, craft, and clarity in documentation, presentations, and reporting to support decision-making.
• Fostering cross-functional relationships to elevate concepts through manufacturing processes.

Qualifications & Requirements

Nike seeks proven leaders with a passion for footwear materials. Ideal candidates bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in design or related field, or equivalent education/experience/training.
• 5+ years of relevant footwear design experience, ideally in performance categories.
• Strong creative portfolio showcasing consumer/segment insights translation (submit links or PDFs).
• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite; plus for cobbling, prototyping, 3D programs, Keynote/PowerPoint.
• Problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects under deadlines.
• Collaborative mindset: positive, open to feedback, adaptable, and passionate about teamwork.

Success demands curiosity, innovation within constraints, and keeping the athlete's voice central.

Benefits & Perks

Nike offers world-class rewards to fuel your best work:

• Competitive salary with performance-based incentives and bonuses.
• Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, vision, and wellness programs.
• Generous paid time off, parental leave, and family support.
• Employee product discounts and exclusive access to Nike events/athletes.
• On-site fitness centers, childcare, and flexible work options in Beaverton.
• Retirement savings with company match and financial planning resources.

Career Growth

At Nike, growth is limitless. This senior role builds expertise across product lines, positioning you for directorship in material design or broader creative leadership. Access mentorship, training in emerging tech like 3D design, and global projects. Nike's emphasis on relationship-building accelerates promotions in a dynamic, athlete-focused culture.

Why Join Us

Be part of Nike's Core Footwear team revolutionizing accessible innovation. Influence billions through materials that enhance athlete performance—from elite runners to everyday Air Max fans. In Beaverton’s state-of-the-art campus, collaborate with top talent, travel for real-world insights, and drive sustainability. Nike values diverse perspectives, fostering an inclusive environment where your creativity thrives. Ready to elevate Nike's footwear legacy?

Role FAQs

What experience is required?

5+ years in footwear material design, with a strong portfolio. Bachelor's in design preferred.

Is travel involved?

Yes, regional and international for insights and factories.

What software skills are needed?

Adobe Creative Suite required; 3D, prototyping, and presentation tools are pluses.

How does Nike support accessibility?

Accommodations include screen readers, interpreters, captioning, and more for interviews.

What's the team focus?

Performance and Sportswear at entry-level prices, emphasizing innovation and quality.