NIKE, Inc

Lead, Footwear Computational Design

NIKE, Inc$100K — $130K *
Consumer Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Art, Architecture, Industrial Design, Computer Science, or related field (experience may substitute formal education)
  • 5+ years of experience using computational design in product design or related fields with a strong portfolio
  • Highly skilled in 2D and 3D design software (e.g., Rhino/Grasshopper, Houdini, Maya, Blender, Adobe Suite)
  • Proficient in coding languages like Python, C#, and Vex for creative applications
  • Experience with Generative AI tools and workflows applied to design is a plus
  • In-depth understanding of digital creation market trends and new technologies
  • Able to communicate effectively with cross-disciplinary teams

Responsibilities

  • Develop design algorithms tailored for product concepts within Nike's innovation landscape
  • Lead creation of algorithm-driven geometry, transitioning creative intent to manufacturable outputs
  • Drive exploration and integration of Generative AI and emerging tools into design workflows
  • Partner daily in procedural environments to independently create project-specific algorithms
  • Collaborate with manufacturing teams to bridge design aesthetics and innovative production methods
  • Shape the digital design team's craft, tools, and processes through integrated leadership
  • Maintain the culture and reputation of the Digital Design team

Benefits

  • Collaborative multi-disciplinary work environment
  • Access to pioneering tools and emerging technologies
  • Opportunities for professional development and team leadership
  • Potential for travel to support product development
  • Participation in a highly innovative design process
Full Job Description
We are seeking a Lead Computational Designer to join the Footwear Digital Design Studio within Nike's Innovation Team. The Digital Design Studio, part of the Advanced Digital Creation Studio, is dedicated to evolving how product is designed, pairing advanced algorithmic and geometric exploration with emerging tools like Generative AI to expand the design space and shape new ways of working. The successful candidate will report to the Director of Footwear Digital Design and will lead computational workstreams alongside innovators, designers, and engineers. We are looking for a creative, hands-on computational designer who leads through the work, with a strong design portfolio, deep fluency in algorithmic and geometric design, and a clear point of view on where the discipline is going. You bring proven experience translating complex design intent into algorithms and geometry, and you treat methods of make, from 3D tooling to machine code and toolpath design, as part of the creative space rather than a downstream concern. You are energized by emerging tools, including Generative AI, and you actively integrate them into your process to push aesthetic and functional outcomes further. You thrive in collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams, lead by example, and help peers level up their craft as you push your own. What you bring: • Bachelor's Degree in Art, Architecture, Industrial Design, or Computer Science (visual design/imaging focus) or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training. • 5+ years experience using computational design in product design or related fields, with a portfolio demonstrating advanced algorithmic and geometric work. • Highly skilled in 2D design and 3D modeling software (Rhino/Grasshopper, Houdini, Maya, Blender, Adobe Suite, etc.) • Proficiency in coding languages (Python, C#, Vex) for creative applications and computational design thinking, including toolpath and machine-code generation. • Experience with Generative AI tools and workflows (image, geometry, or code generation) applied to design ideation, exploration, or production is a strong plus. • Curiosity and conviction about future ways of working - eager to challenge legacy processes and bring the team along. • Prefer 3+ years experience in 3D printing solutions and/or computational methods of make. • Possess an in depth understanding of digital creation market trends and new technologies. • Ability to think critically and creatively in solving complex problems. • Ability to communicate effectively with cross-disciplinary teams of product designers, developers, and engineers. As the Lead Computational Designer, you will develop design algorithms for product concepts within Nike Innovation and Inline Product Creation. Your primary work involves designing through code, tailoring your outputs to meet manufacturing needs whether 3D tooling, 2D print files, or machine code. You will manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring all deliverables meet the highest quality standards, and helping define how the team works in the next era of digital design. • You will lead advanced algorithm and geometry creation across product concepts, owning the path from creative intent to manufacturable output, including toolpath design and machine-code generation where the geometry meets the method of make. • You will drive exploration of Generative AI and emerging tools, piloting workflows that integrate AI, performance data, and 3D geometry into the team's everyday process. • You will partner daily in Rhino/Grasshopper and procedural environments (Houdini or equivalent), independently developing algorithms to fulfill project requirements while raising the technical bar for the team. • You will serve as an integrated computational lead on multi-disciplinary product teams, while also helping shape the broader Digital Design team's craft, tools, and ways of working. • You will collaborate with development and manufacturing teams to evolve the intersection of design aesthetics, performance, and innovative methods of make, translating new manufacturing methods back into design opportunity. • You will maintain the culture and reputation of the Digital Design team in your daily interactions. • You may travel to support product development as needed.

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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