NIKE, Inc

Principal AI Systems Engineer, Controls Acceleration

NIKE, Inc$150K — $180K *
Consumer Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, or related field; PhD preferred.
  • 10+ years of experience with a Master's degree, or 7+ years with a PhD.
  • Demonstrated expertise in production AI and ML systems.
  • Proficient in simulation environments and embedded software development.
  • Strong coding skills in Python and C++, with experience in AI development platforms.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and deploy AI-powered development workflows to enhance firmware and controls engineering.
  • Build simulation environments for rapid testing and validation before physical hardware deployment.
  • Create frameworks supporting transitions from model development to real-time embedded systems.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish effective tooling and workflows.
  • Design automated systems for optimizing controller performance and reducing engineering time.
  • Employ machine learning techniques for regression analysis and failure identification.
  • Support scalable data pipelines and visualization tools for learning-based control initiatives.

Benefits

  • Work in a collaborative, innovation-driven environment focused on next-generation powered athlete products.
  • Engage in cutting-edge projects that combine AI with hardware and firmware development.
  • Opportunity to work in a dynamic team at a leading sports technology company.
  • Access to accommodations for candidates with disabilities during the interview process.
Full Job Description
WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH
This role sits at the intersection of firmware, controls, hardware, and product development, helping accelerate how powered athlete products are built. You'll report into engineering leadership, partner closely with controls and firmware engineers, and influence cross-functional teams responsible for highly integrated mechatronic systems that bring innovative athlete experiences to life.

WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON
You'll build the Artificial Intelligence-powered foundation that accelerates firmware and controls development for next-generation powered athlete products. By combining simulation, automation, tooling, and learning-based methods, you'll help engineering teams iterate faster, reduce development friction, and bring innovative products to athletes more efficiently.
  • Develop and deploy Artificial Intelligence-powered development workflows, coding assistants, and automation capabilities that improve the speed and quality of firmware and controls engineering.
  • Build and scale simulation and sim-to-real environments that enable rapid testing, validation, and iteration before deployment on physical hardware.
  • Create training, testing, and deployment frameworks that support reliable transitions from model development to real-time embedded implementation.
  • Partner closely with firmware, controls, hardware, and product teams to establish tooling, infrastructure, and workflows that remove bottlenecks and accelerate execution.
  • Design automated optimization, tuning, and evaluation systems that enhance controller performance while reducing manual engineering effort.
  • Apply Machine Learning, pattern recognition, and data-driven techniques to identify regressions, uncover failure modes, and accelerate root-cause analysis.
  • Support learning-based control initiatives through scalable data pipelines, orchestration systems, visualization tools, and production-quality engineering practices.

  • Open to work in Beaverton, Oregon; in-person presence required.
  • Master's degree with 10+ years of experience, or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) with 7+ years of relevant experience.
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training.
  • Demonstrated expertise in production Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning systems, simulation environments, infrastructure tooling, and embedded software development.
  • Strong proficiency in Python, C++, modern Artificial Intelligence development platforms, agentic workflows, and learning-based control methodologies.

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.

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

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at NIKE, Inc

More Consumer Technology Jobs

Find similar Principal AI Systems Engineer, Controls Acceleration jobs: