NIKE, Inc

Lead 3D Footwear Designer, Digital Design

NIKE, Inc$110K — $130K *
Retail & Consumer Goods
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BA/BFA degree in related field preferred, or suitable combination of education and experience
  • 6+ years of experience in 3D design creation
  • Expert-level in Polygon, SubD, and NURBS modeling across software like Blender, Maya, Rhino, and Houdini
  • Ability to create rapid form studies and custom Grasshopper scripts for computational workflows
  • Deep understanding of product engineering, development requirements, and manufacturing constraints, with footwear experience preferred
  • Proven track record in applying generative AI workflows, with Vizcom experience required
  • Hands-on expertise with 3D printing technologies and advanced rendering skills.

Responsibilities

  • Drive design direction and create innovative solutions for complex footwear projects
  • Unlock the potential of 3D design, taking ideas from concept to manufacturing
  • Create rapid 3D form studies and design iterations for quick evaluation
  • Deliver production-ready 3D models and collaborate with teams to ensure feasibility
  • Influence design direction and present refined concepts to accelerate decision-making
  • Work on various project types including high-profile collaborations under tight timelines
  • Mentor team members in traditional 3D skills and generative AI workflows
  • Champion generative AI adoption and share best practices across teams

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on high-complexity projects with industry leaders
  • Collaborative environment with access to cutting-edge tools and technologies
  • Mentorship focused on professional development
  • Engagement with global teams and initiatives
  • Exposure to innovative practices in footwear design and generative AI
Full Job Description
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

You're a highly skilled 3D design expert with mastery of design, multiple digital design tools, deep manufacturing knowledge and computational design. You're a power user of generative AI workflows and actively contribute to tool development. You drive design innovation in hackathons, influence design direction, and serve as a subject matter expert for both craft excellence and emerging digital capabilities, with the ability to work at speed without compromising design quality.

WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON
  • You'll tackle the most complex footwear projects while partnering with Footwear Design. You'll drive design direction, create innovative solutions, mentor team members, and serve as the bridge between digital craft excellence and cutting-edge digital capabilities.
  • Unlock the full power of 3D design taking ideas from concept to manufacturing
  • Create rapid 3D form studies and design iterations that allow quick explorations, evaluation, and refinement of ideas during concept development
  • Deliver production-ready 3D models and visualizations for high-profile projects with new methods of make, collaborating closely with footwear design, development and engineering to ensure feasibility
  • Partner closely with a footwear design category team to influence direction, present design solutions, and create refined concepts that accelerate decision-making during co-creation timelines
  • Work across multiple dimensions on inline, priority, hackathon, and special quick-strike projects, including high-profile collaborations with heavy leadership scrutiny and compressed timelines
  • Create and share custom tools, scripts, and workflows that accelerate the team's capabilities and establish new best practices
  • Serve as subject matter expert with pipeline teams, and development partners to share best practices and understand how 3D tools can be leveraged across the organization
  • Champion generative AI adoption by demonstrating advanced workflows, identifying high-impact use cases, and helping others integrate AI tools effectively into their practice
  • Partner with the GenAI team, Global Tech, and CP&I to define requirements, test workflows, and provide feedback that helps refine and scale AI-powered design tools for the global design community
  • Mentor 3D Designer I and II team members, helping them develop both traditional 3D skills, computational workflows, and proficiency with generative AI workflows
  • Ensure all work meets the aligned output strategy and process to deliver and support asset management transition across digital pipelines
  • Ensure all work meets brand protection standards and is consumer-facing ready, understanding that your 3D models and renderings may be shared with Brand or become public


WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH

You'll be aligned to a specific Sport team, working independently on high-complexity projects and partnering closely with your Sport team's Footwear Product Designer and Design Director. You will collaborate with senior leadership, development, engineering, and factory partners while also partnering with the GenAI team, Global Tech, and CP&I to refine and scale digital and AI-powered design tools. You'll mentor junior designers and may work across multiple Sport teams for special initiatives.

WHAT YOU BRING
  • BA/BFA degree in related field preferred. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training
  • 6+ years of experience in 3D design creation
  • Expert-level Polygon, SubD and NURBS modeling across multiple software packages with knowledge of computational design and procedural modeling (Blender, Maya, Rhino, Grasshopper, Houdini etc.), with the ability to move efficiently between modeling methods based on design and speed requirements
  • Ability to create rapid form studies and iterative concept models, including custom Grasshopper scripts and computational workflows that enable designers to quickly explore, evaluate, and refine design directions.
  • Expertise identifying emerging technologies and rapidly translating them into practical workflows that enhance speed, quality and design excellence
  • Deep understanding of product engineering, development requirements, and manufacturing constraints. Professional footwear experience strongly preferred
  • Proven track record applying and refining generative AI workflows to deliver innovative design solutions (Vizcom is required and experience with AI-assisted coding workflows is preferred.)
  • Hands-on expertise with 3D printing technologies, including optimizing geometry for additive manufacturing and validating prototypes through iterative testing
  • Advanced rendering skills with ability to create custom environments, materials, and lighting setups
  • Experience collaborating with engineering teams to develop custom tools and workflows
  • Portfolio demonstrating ability to design, model, and execute high-quality 3D content with footwear experience preferred


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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