NIKE, Inc

Senior Engineer, Automation Controls, Air Manufacturing Innovation

NIKE, Inc • $110K — $130K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Automation, Controls, Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or related field.
  • Minimum of 3 years in manufacturing, automation, or controls engineering.
  • Advanced troubleshooting skills for complex industrial equipment and controls.
  • Hands-on experience with PLC, VFD systems, HMI, and automation architectures.
  • Experience with communication protocols and integration of various systems.
  • Proven success leading continuous improvement or retrofit projects.
  • Strong problem-solving capabilities.

Responsibilities

  • Lead resolution of critical equipment issues to enhance reliability.
  • Execute complex projects aimed at improving uptime and efficiency.
  • Drive improvements in key performance metrics like OEE and equipment stability.
  • Manage vendor engagement and technical solution delivery.
  • Validate pilot automation solutions for production readiness.
  • Define and implement best practices and technical standards.
  • Mentor junior engineers and maintenance technicians.

Benefits

  • Potential for flexible work location between Beaverton, OR and Saint Charles, MO.
  • Opportunity to work in a fast-paced, innovative production environment.
  • Engagement with cross-functional teams and influential leadership roles.
Full Job Description
WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH

Nike Air Manufacturing Innovation operates in a fast-paced, highly integrated production environment. This role is part of the Production Equipment Engineering team within Manufacturing Operations, driving equipment reliability and enabling scalable automation deployment. The team serves as the final line of technical support in the escalation process, providing solutions and structured action plans for complex equipment issues. You will partner with Production, Maintenance, Facilities, Planning, EHS, Manufacturing Engineering, IT, and external vendors to support performance, continuous improvement, and pilot-to-scale execution.

Shift:

Office Monday - Friday (8hrs/day).

This role may require working outside of regular business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to address urgent equipment needs.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a Senior Automation Controls Engineer who can safely lead complex technical initiatives, own system-level performance, and drive measurable improvements in equipment reliability, automation integration, and manufacturing efficiency.

This role requires a deep understanding of industrial controls systems, automation architecture, and manufacturing process. The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with leadership capability, able to independently lead critical problem resolution, execute complex retrofit and automation projects, and influence cross-functional teams.

You will play a critical role in stabilizing operations, driving equipment continuous improvement, and ensuring that new and existing systems are production-ready, scalable, and sustainable. The role requires a strong bias for action, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate ambiguous problems into structured solutions that improve uptime, performance, and cost.

This role offers the option to be hired in either Beaverton, OR or Saint Charles, MO.

Required Skills & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Automation, Controls, Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or related Engineering field (or equivalent experience).
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in manufacturing, automation, or controls engineering in high-volume production environments.
  • Advanced experience troubleshooting complex industrial equipment and control systems (< 50VDC,
  • Hands-on experience with PLC and VFD systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens), HMI, and integrated automation architectures.
  • Experience with communication protocols and integration of electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
  • Proven experience leading equipment continuous improvement or retrofit projects.
  • Strong experience applying structured problem solving.
  • Ability to read and interpret complex electrical, mechanical, and controls system documentation
  • Demonstrated experience working cross-functionally in production environments.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and technical decision-making skills.


Preferred Skills & Experience

  • Experience with plastics processing equipment (extrusion, thermoforming, RF welding, trimming)
  • Experience with robotics (ABB, Denso) and vision systems (Keyence, Cognex) integration
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical or equivalent controls design tools.
  • Experience leading vendor-supported projects (scope definition, execution, validation).
  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or reliability-centered maintenance principles.
  • Experience supporting pilot-to-production transitions of automation solutions.


WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON

At Nike Air Manufacturing Innovation, you will lead the reliability and performance of advanced manufacturing systems across extrusion, thermoforming, RF, and automation platforms. You will own complex technical problems, drive equipment continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure automation solutions are ready for scalable deployment across production environments.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead resolution of critical equipment escalations, driving root cause elimination and long-term reliability improvements.
  • Own and execute complex continuous improvement and retrofit projects that improve uptime, performance, and cost efficiency.
  • Drive improvements in key performance metrics including uptime, OEE, and equipment stability.
  • Lead vendor engagement, defining scope, managing execution, and ensuring delivery of technical solutions
  • Support and validate pilot automation solutions, ensuring readiness for production deployment and scale.
  • Define and implement technical standards, system improvements, lessons learned and best practices.
  • Ensure systems are production-ready, maintainable, and sustainable after implementation.
  • Mentor and support junior engineers and maintenances technicians, providing technical guidance and problem-solving leadership.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to drive execution and alignment.

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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