NIKE, Inc

Senior Principal Software Engineer

NIKE, Inc$150K — $180K *
Enterprise Technology
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
  • 14+ years of hands-on software engineering experience
  • 5+ years as a Principal or Staff Engineer overseeing multiple engineering teams
  • 5+ years in native cloud engineering in a high-scale, business-critical context
  • Excellent understanding of algorithms, data structures, and modern cloud-native design patterns
  • Deep expertise in distributed cloud systems technologies (Java/node.js, AWS/Azure equivalents)
  • Hands-on experience with modern data platform technologies like Databricks and Apache Spark
  • Familiarity with AI/LLM powered enterprise applications
  • Experience with ML stacks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) and cloud-native MLOps tools
  • Strong DevOps methodology and CI/CD experience
  • Competence in front-end web technologies (JavaScript, CSS, React)
  • Strong communication skills with technical and business stakeholders

Responsibilities

  • Design and integrate scalable platforms and applications
  • Champion software development best practices to maintain high code quality
  • Drive technical priorities and collaborate with cross-functional teams
  • Translate complex business problems into actionable technical solutions
  • Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies to strengthen the tech ecosystem
  • Oversee the full project lifecycle from design to optimization
  • Ensure platforms meet security and compliance standards
  • Promote modern engineering methodologies for faster innovation
  • Mentor senior engineers to foster technical excellence and growth
  • Provide thought leadership on solving complex engineering challenges

Benefits

  • Opportunity to lead significant digital transformation projects
  • Collaborative environment with cross-functional teams
  • Visibility to senior leadership
  • Work in a fast-paced, innovative culture
  • Access to cutting-edge technologies and resources for professional growth
Full Job Description
Sr. Principal Engineer
CONSUMER PRODUCT AND INNOVATION , PHK-BEAVERTON

WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH

You will report to the Sr. Director, Reporting & Intelligence Engineering and be part of the Engineering Leadership Team. You will collaborate regularly with software and machine learning engineers in Reporting & Intelligence, principal engineers in partner domains, product managers, and engineering directors to activate technical designs and plans. You will contribute to high-impact initiatives, collaborate with global teams, and help build the next generation of Nike's digital product merchandising & creation capabilities.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for a visionary and value-driven Sr. Principal Engineer to lead in the design, build, and evolution of Nike's digital transformation across product merchandising, apparel and footwear creation. You are not only an expert in software architecture and engineering but also a strategic thinker who can see the long-term impact of technology decisions. Your experience allows you to guide teams through ambiguity, and set clear technical standards. You thrive in a fast-paced environment where cross-functional collaboration, creativity, and agility are essential. You have a demonstrated history of successfully leading engineering teams, delivering innovative solutions, and driving organizational change at scale.

Key Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related field
  • 14+ years hands-on software engineering experience
  • 5+ years experience as a Principal or Staff Engineer, accountable for multiple engineering teams
  • 5+ years native cloud engineering experience in a high scale, business critical domain
  • Excellent computer science fundamentals including algorithms, data structures, and modern cloud native design patterns
  • Deep experience with distributed cloud systems tech (Java/node.js, EC2, Lambda, DynamoDB, Elasticsearch, or Google Cloud/Azure equivalents)
  • Hands-on experience with modern data platform technologies (e.g., Databricks, Snowflake, Kafka/Kinesis, Apache Spark, Apache Airflow, dbt)
  • A strong familiarity and development experiences with agentic workflow and AI/LLM powered enterprise applications
  • Experience with modern ML stacks (e.g., LLMs, PyTorch, TensorFlow, Spark, and cloud-native MLOps tools)
  • Strong track record with modern DevOps methodologies, automation, CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure as code (IaC)
  • Experience with front-end web application tech (javascript, CSS, html5, Vue, React/redux)
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, both technical and business-facing
  • Ability to build and maintain relationships with multiple senior stakeholders
  • Domain experience in product creation, design, innovation or manufacturing is a major plus

WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON

If this is you, you'll be building the technology on one of Nike's emerging technology platforms. In a typical week, half of your time will be spent leading by example to design, develop, operate, and integrate Nike and partner platforms and applications. The other half will be leadership responsibilities to drive technical priorities, define engineering best practices, collaborate with peers, and help to translate business problems into technical solutions.

Your responsibilities will include
  • Designing, developing, and integrating scalable platforms and applications
  • Championing best practices in software development high standards for code quality, reliability, and maintainability across multiple engineering teams
  • Driving technical priorities and collaborating with peers and cross-functional teams to align technical execution with business needs
  • Translating complex business challenges into actionable technical solutions
  • Evaluating, recommending, and integrating emerging technologies, frameworks, and tools to strengthen Nike's technology ecosystem
  • Overseeing the end-to-end lifecycle of critical projects, from requirements gathering and solution design, to implementation, monitoring, and optimization
  • Ensuring all platforms and services meet stringent security, privacy, and compliance standards, proactively identifying and mitigating risks
  • Driving adoption of modern engineering methodologies, including automation, continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD), MLOps/DevOps practices, test-driven development, and agile frameworks to accelerate innovation and delivery
  • Mentoring and coaching senior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, intellectual curiosity, and continuous growth
  • Providing thought leadership to enable teams to solve challenging engineering problems

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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