The posting
WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH
As a Senior Designer this individual partners with other design functions—including industrial, color, and graphics—as well as cross-functional teams such as athletes, manufacturing, Flyknit programming, engineering, operations, merchandising, sustainability, and technology. They may lead Flyknit design for footwear projects from early concept through final approval. The Senior Designer also engages with the broader design community and reports directly to the Design Director.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Nike seeks a highly collaborative Senior Footwear Materials Designer for Flyknit with proven experience, strong problem-solving skills, and creativity to advance Nike Footwear Materials within the specialized and highly technical flat-knit space. The ideal candidate excels at translating consumer insights into compelling knit concepts, demonstrates both broad and specialized material expertise, and maintains attention to detail while managing multiple projects.
- To be considered, you must submit a creative design portfolio, inclusive of technical flat-knitting skill. Please provide website links or attach pdf files when you apply.
- Ideally 5+ years of relevant design experience
- Bachelor’s degree in design or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education and experience, and training.
- Creative experience (consumer/segment/dimensions)
- Digital design acumen (knit relevant programs, plus design-based software a must: e.g. Creative Suite)
- Cobbling and prototyping skills are a plus; knit concepts that go beyond a swatch and are mocked up on lasts/prototypes etc.
- 3D design program experience is a plus
- Experience with presentation programs: Keynote, PowerPoint are a plus
- Positive, collaborative approach
- Ability to approach projects with passion and influence through teamwork
- Open-minded, receptive to candid feedback and diverse perspectives
- Curious and adaptable to change
- Ability to see potential in every design challenge
- Understand project briefs and budgets, and innovate within parameters
- Deliver on timelines and deadlines with attention to detail and clear communication
WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON
As the Flyknit Senior Designer on the team, you will collaborate with a highly creative group dedicated to advancing Nike’s core athlete offerings through innovative materials. This team works across the leading edge of innovation and design on a variety of products, giving you the opportunity to experience different product lines in the same role. You will develop distinctive knit designs for new products, innovate within the brief and budget, oversee the material journey throughout the product lifecycle, and explore expression through partnership with color and graphic design teams.
Success in this role requires the ability to influence and innovate within a large, dynamic team, leveraging the flat knit manufacturing processes to elevate new material concepts. You will actively participate in the creative process, communicate design ideas effectively to diverse audiences using compelling tools, and foster strong cross-functional relationships.
Key responsibilities include:
- Collaborating with Upper Systems team, manufacturing partners, and yarn vendors to ensure all new structures meet Nike standards and align with seasonal aesthetics and product performance
- Delivering clear and compelling material solutions for seasonal projects, consistent with creative direction and meeting the project brief
- Traveling regionally and internationally for consumer and athlete insights, as well as factory visits
- Keeping the athlete and consumer voice at the center of the work by considering feedback, wear tests, and reviews to improve the product at each stage—focusing on comfort, fit, and durability
- Upholding high standards for quality and craft, and making necessary adjustments to maintain these standards
- Preparing tech packs, material briefs, and CADs that clearly convey the structures, yarn palette, and product build, while making adjustments at each sample stage to optimize.
- Championing clarity in documentation, presentations, and reporting to support informed decision-making, while following internal processes and sustainability goals
Relationship building and collaboration are essential for success and career growth at Nike.
We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.
