NIKE, Inc

Generative AI Lead Designer

NIKE, Inc$120K — $150K *
Consumer Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 4-5 years of design experience with a focus on creative technology and tool-building
  • Bachelor's degree in relevant fields (Industrial Design, Architecture, Fashion Design)
  • Hands-on experience with node-based, visual coding environments for generative AI
  • Solid working knowledge of 2D and 3D design workflows and footwear design principles
  • Awareness of additive manufacturing and the transition from AI concepts to prototypes
  • Portfolio demonstrating creative and technical/tool-building work
  • Bonus: Experience with AR/VR spatial computing or web development for rapid prototyping

Responsibilities

  • Partner with footwear designers to enhance existing workflows with AI solutions
  • Design and prototype generative AI workflows using visual coding environments
  • Collaborate with AI/ML engineers to bridge creative needs with technical development
  • Scale prototypes towards enterprise-grade tools for global deployment
  • Contribute to training and resources for AI tool adoption by designers
  • Evaluate new generative AI developments to inform team practices
  • Share insights and best practices to enhance design community capabilities
  • Provide direct support during pivotal design moments to maximize AI tool effectiveness

Benefits

  • Opportunities to work on cutting-edge generative AI technology
  • Collaborative environment with world-class designers and engineers
  • Direct impact on global design teams at Nike
  • Chance to be part of a new creative discipline within the organization
  • Access to ongoing learning and development opportunities
Full Job Description
WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH
Nike's Design Generative Studio is exploring the future of footwear design at the intersection of creativity and AI technology. You'll partner with world-class designers and engineers globally, reporting to the Generative Studio leadership. Your work will directly impact design teams worldwide as you help build and implement AI-augmented workflows that empower our creative community. You'll collaborate closely with AI/ML engineers, footwear designers, and global technology teams to help transform how Nike approaches product creation.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We're looking for a GenAI designer who is both a strong designer and a hands-on tool builder. You bring solid creative foundations paired with a genuine passion for generative AI, an appetite for learning fast, and a natural drive to share what you build with others. You're not just a tool user - you like rolling up your sleeves to create solutions when existing tools fall short, and you're comfortable working at the intersection of art and technology. This role is a great fit for someone who enjoys bridging experimental AI prototypes and production-ready tools, and who can translate design needs into technical requirements (and back the other way).
  • 4-5 years of experience in design, with clear steps toward creative technology and tool-building
  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Architecture, Fashion Design, or a related creative discipline. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience, and training
  • Hands-on experience with node-based, visual coding environments for generative AI creative tooling, and a track record of building custom workflows within them
  • Solid working knowledge of 2D and 3D design workflows and software, with an understanding of footwear design principles (or the ability to quickly pick this up)
  • Awareness of additive manufacturing and 3D printing, and how AI-generated concepts can move into physical prototypes.
  • Portfolio showing both creative output and technical/tool-building work
  • Bonus: experience with spatial computing (AR/VR), web development for rapid prototyping, or active participation in the AI/design community


WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON
You'll help shape how Nike approaches footwear design by building and refining AI-augmented workflows that fit naturally into our creative process. Alongside the wider team, you'll create custom tools, support adoption across the design community, and contribute to defining a new creative discipline at Nike.
  • Partner with footwear designers to understand existing 2D and 3D creative workflows, and identify high-value opportunities for AI augmentation that enhance rather than replace human creativity
  • Design and prototype clean, modern generative AI workflows using node-based visual coding environments, tailored to footwear design challenges, iterating quickly on feedback from the design community
  • Collaborate with global AI/ML engineers to accelerate the development and deployment of generative AI solutions, acting as a link between creative and engineering teams and translating design needs into technical requirements
  • Help scale prototypes from proof-of-concept toward enterprise-grade tools that serve designers worldwide, working with global technology teams on reliability, performance, and accessibility
  • Support AI adoption by contributing to training materials, workshops, and demonstrations that make generative AI tools approachable for designers of all technical levels
  • Stay close to developments in generative AI, evaluating and integrating new models and techniques, and helping build a culture of experimentation on the team
  • Share learnings and best practices across the organization to grow the wider design community's capabilities and help drive adoption of new methodologies
  • Provide hands-on support to design teams during key moments such as Creative Launch, Creative Direction Week, and other design reviews, so teams can get the most out of AI tools when it matters most.

About NIKE, Inc

Nike is a sporting goods company that designs, develops, and markets footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessory products. The company offers various categories of shoes including running, training, basketball, soccer, sport-inspired urban shoes, and kids' shoes. It also provides shoes for aquatic activities, baseball, football, cheerleading, golf, lacrosse, outdoor activities, skateboarding, tennis, volleyball, walking, wrestling, and various athletic and recreational uses. In addition, the company offers sports-inspired lifestyle apparel, athletic bags, and accessory items. Further, it provides a line of performance equipment including bags, socks, sports balls, eyewear, timepieces, electronic devices, bats, gloves, protective equipment, golf clubs, and various equipment designed for sports activities under the NIKE brand name, as well as markets apparel with licensed college and professional team and league logos. Additionally, it offers licenses to produce and sell NIKE brand swimwear, children's apparel, training equipment, eyewear, electronic devices, and golf accessories. The company also markets its products under the brand names of Converse, Chuck Taylor, All Star, One Star, Umbro, Jack Purcell, Cole Haan, Bragano, and Hurley. It sells its products to retail accounts through stores, independent distributors, and licensees, as well as through its Website, nikestore.com. As of May 31, 2009, Nike, Inc. operated 338 retail stores in the United States and 336 retail stores internationally. The company was founded in 1964 and is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon.

Nike Careers

Join the dynamic world of Nike, Inc., a global leader in sports apparel and innovation, where your career can flourish in an environment that fosters diversity, leadership, and growth. At Nike, we believe in bringing out the best in our team members through continuous professional development and a culture that celebrates creativity and innovation. Work You’ll Do Become a part of Nike’s mission to inspire and innovate towards a better world. Engage in work that intersects with cutting-edge technology, market-leading strategies, and sustainable practices that define the future of the sports industry. Lead with us at the forefront of the global marketplace, where your skills in leadership, teamwork, and innovation can shine. Nike offers a unique position in the industry, combining deep industry expertise with a relentless pursuit of excellence. Collaborate with a diverse team of professionals who are pioneers in their fields. Nike, Inc. employs over 75,000 passionate and talented individuals worldwide, all dedicated to moving the world of sports forward. Introducing Nike’s Professional Growth and Development Opportunities We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every team member can succeed. Nike offers a variety of job opportunities, from in-store retail positions to corporate roles in design, marketing, and technology. Do Innovative Work Join us and contribute to our mission of bringing inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world. (*If you have a body, you are an athlete.) Deliver targeted solutions and drive innovation through your unique perspective and skills. At Nike, Inc., your work directly contributes to our global impact. Be Part of a Great Team Engage in meaningful work that connects with consumers and impacts millions worldwide. Our team benefits from unparalleled capabilities, a commitment to diversity training, and a culture that encourages professional growth and networking. Future-Proof Your Career Advance your career with Nike’s comprehensive benefits and support systems. We provide extensive training, development programs, and leadership courses to help you reach your full potential. Explore Discover how Nike is leading in sustainable innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sports industry. The Nike Employment Experience Our combined efforts in innovation, culture, and leadership make Nike, Inc. not just a place to work, but a place to grow a rewarding career. Clients and employees alike look to Nike for new strategies and impactful solutions in a rapidly evolving industry. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search for open positions that match your skills and interests. We are always on the lookout for curious, driven, creative, and solution-oriented team players. SEARCH NIKE JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Explore the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Nike, Inc.
Learn more about NIKE, Inc
Size
73,300 employees
Market Cap
$184.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.8 billion
Founded
1964
5 Year Trend
+6.3%
Revenue
$38.2 billion
NASDAQ

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