About Nike

Nike, the world's leading sports brand, is renowned for innovation, performance, and cultural impact. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike drives the future of sport through groundbreaking products and technologies. Nike Air Manufacturing Innovation (Air MI) represents the pinnacle of advanced manufacturing, where cutting-edge automation transforms how iconic Nike Air units are produced. As a global leader, Nike invests heavily in talent to pioneer sustainable, efficient, and safe production methods that deliver unparalleled athletic performance.

Role Overview

The Senior Product Development Engineer, Automation Controls & Safety, Air MI, is a pivotal role within Nike's fast-paced Air Manufacturing and Innovation team. Based in Beaverton, Oregon, you'll provide technical leadership in designing, deploying, and scaling automation solutions. This position balances immediate production support with visionary long-term projects, collaborating across Production, Engineering, Maintenance, EHS, IT, and external vendors. Reporting to the Director of Product Development Engineering, you'll thrive in ambiguity, champion safety, and drive results in a dynamic environment that powers Nike's Air technology.

Key Responsibilities

In this senior role, you'll tackle high-impact challenges head-on. Key responsibilities include:

• Partnering with Production, Product Development Engineering, and Maintenance teams to deliver expert technical support for manufacturing equipment, processes, and tooling.
• Ideating, developing, piloting, and commercializing innovative manufacturing solutions that align with Nike's global standards.
• Collaborating with external vendors to co-create and implement state-of-the-art automation manufacturing solutions.
• Fostering a culture of safety by engineering automation interventions for potential hazards.
• Delivering specialized training to cross-functional teammates on automation expertise areas.
• Maintaining clear, timely communication on equipment status, project progress, and key updates.

Expect a blend of hands-on troubleshooting and strategic project leadership in a high-volume production setting.

Qualifications & Requirements

Nike seeks proven leaders with technical prowess and a results-oriented mindset. Essential qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or a suitable blend of education, experience, and training.
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience in Automation Controls and Safety.
• Demonstrated excellence in structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Expertise in Rockwell PLC and HMI programming.
• Proven track record managing automation projects from Proof of Concept (PoC) through pilot to full-scale deployment.
• Strong knowledge of robotic systems (e.g., ABB, Denso), vision systems (e.g., Keyence, Cognex), IoT connectivity, servo systems, variable frequency drives, program management fundamentals, and MES/WMS integration with OT security standards.
• Exceptional ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, from executives to technicians.

A positive attitude, action bias, and comfort with ambiguity are non-negotiable for success in this role.

Benefits & Perks

Nike prioritizes employee well-being with industry-leading benefits:

• Competitive base salary estimated at $120,000–$170,000 annually, plus performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support.
• Generous PTO, paid parental leave, and flexible work options.
• Exclusive employee discounts on Nike products and partners.
• State-of-the-art fitness centers, on-site amenities, and wellness programs.
• Retirement savings with company matching and financial planning services.

Accessibility accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, ensuring an inclusive experience for all candidates.

Career Growth

At Nike, career progression is fueled by innovation and impact. This senior engineering role offers pathways to leadership in automation, manufacturing engineering, or broader product development. Access world-class training, mentorship from industry pioneers, and cross-functional projects within Nike's global ecosystem. High performers advance rapidly, shaping the future of athletic manufacturing and contributing to Nike's sustainability goals.

Why Join Us

Joining Nike's Air MI team means working at the intersection of technology and sport, where your automation expertise directly enables breakthrough products worn by athletes worldwide. Beaverton, Oregon, offers an inspiring campus environment with collaborative spaces, innovation labs, and proximity to outdoor adventures. Nike's culture celebrates diversity, bold ideas, and relentless drive—perfect for engineers passionate about safety, efficiency, and results. This is your chance to elevate Nike Air production while advancing your career in a premium, high-growth setting.

Role FAQs

What experience level is required?

Minimum 3 years in automation controls and safety, with senior-level expertise in PLC programming and project lifecycles.

Is relocation support available?

Nike offers competitive relocation packages for qualifying candidates to Beaverton, Oregon.

What tools and technologies will I use?

Rockwell PLC/HMI, ABB/Denso robots, Keyence/Cognex vision, IoT, servos/VFDs, and MES/WMS systems.

How does this role support safety?

You'll design automation solutions to mitigate safety risks, promoting a zero-incident culture.

What's the work environment like?

Fast-paced production with a mix of shop floor support and office-based innovation in a collaborative team.