WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH
We are looking for a visionary and value‑driven Director of Software Engineering to lead the design, build, and evolution of Nike’s modern data platforms and pipelines in support of digital transformation across merchandising, apparel and footwear product creation. This role will deliver the scalable, reliable, and secure data foundations that power analytics, intelligence, machine learning, and personalized experiences across merchandising, design, and development.
The ideal candidate is an inclusive and empowering technology leader with strong architectural instincts, a passion for data as a product, and a proven ability to translate business strategy into resilient data platforms that deliver value at scale.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
As a leader in the organization, you will partner closely with engineering and product leaders across Consumer Product & Innovation, Platform Engineering and Enterprise delivery teams. You will work hand‑in‑hand to manage priorities, drive alignment and deliver cohesive, end‑to‑end data capabilities.
Key Qualifications:
15+ years of experience in Data engineering and Software development, with a strong foundation in distributed systems, cloud-native architectures, and data platforms
5+ years of experience leading and scaling high‑performing technical teams
Proven success designing and operating modern cloud‑based platforms at enterprise scale
Strong understanding of data pipeline frameworks, metadata management, and data governance controls
Hands-on knowledge of Backend service technologies (Java, Node.js, Python), along with Microservices architecture experience.
Hands‑on experience with modern cloud technologies (e.g., AWS/Azure, Databricks, Snowflake, Kafka/Kinesis, Apache Spark, Apache Airflow, dbt)
Experience enabling analytics and AI through robust, well‑designed data foundations
Fluent in modern software architectural principles and patterns (e.g., REST, domain-driven design, microservices, etc.)
Proven ability to deliver high-impact, scalable services
Experience working within large organizations or scaled Agile delivery models
Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable guidance for diverse audiences
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience.
WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON
This role will lead, support, and develop Data and Software Engineering team members, manage priorities across complex dependencies, and deliver outcomes across organizational boundaries. You will partner closely with Merchandising and Creation product delivery teams, Busines Intelligence and Analytics delivery teams, and Intelligence teams to ensure data is trusted, accessible, and actionable throughout the product creation lifecycle.
Your responsibilities include:
Leading, mentoring, and managing a cross‑functional team of data engineers responsible for building and operating scalable data platforms, pipelines, and services aligned to multi‑year roadmaps
Define and execute the technical roadmap in collaborate with product managers and other engineering leaders
Owning the design and implementation of modern architectures, including lakehouse platforms, curated data layers, APIs, and microservices that enable seamless integration and interoperability
Ensuring all solutions are reliable, performant, secure, and observable through strong engineering standards and operational excellence
Championing data quality, lineage, governance, and metadata practices that enable trust and self‑service consumption
Partnering with Intelligence and Analytics teams to enable advanced analytics and AI/ML through well‑modeled, production‑ready datasets
Managing priorities, dependencies, and technical tradeoffs while balancing near‑term delivery with long‑term sustainability
Attracting, developing, and retaining top engineering talent while fostering a culture of learning, ownership, and continuous improvement
Skills Required
- 15+ years of experience in data engineering and software development with distributed systems and cloud-native architectures
- 5+ years of experience leading and scaling high-performing technical teams
- Proven success designing and operating modern cloud-based platforms at enterprise scale
- Strong understanding of data pipeline frameworks, metadata management, and data governance controls
- Hands-on knowledge of backend service technologies (Java, Node.js, Python)
- Hands-on experience with modern cloud technologies (AWS, Azure, Databricks, Snowflake, Kafka, Kinesis, Apache Spark, Apache Airflow, dbt)
- Experience enabling analytics and AI through robust, well-designed data foundations
- Fluency in modern software architecture principles and patterns (REST, domain-driven design, microservices)
- Proven ability to deliver high-impact, scalable services and operate with strong engineering standards
- Experience working within large organizations or scaled Agile delivery models
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience
Nike Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Nike and has not been reviewed or approved by Nike.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with a company match is complemented by options such as a Mega Backdoor Roth and deferred compensation for eligible earners. Financial coaching and structured savings programs support long-term financial security.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — An Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a stock discount sits alongside broad-based equity vehicles like RSUs and non-qualified stock options. These avenues expand wealth-building opportunities beyond base pay.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave includes maternity and paternity time, recently expanded in the U.S. to 16 weeks and extended to part-time retail teammates. Additional supports include childcare assistance at select locations and family-building benefits such as fertility, surrogacy, and adoption.
Nike Insights
What We Do
At NIKE, Inc., we innovate to serve athletes*. Every teammate - from coder to creator - plays a role in making these athletes’ dreams real. Our tech, data, and digital teams push limits every day, building the future of sport and the tools that drive it. Here, curiosity is fuel. Innovation is the game plan. Different perspectives keep us on the offense. You’ll solve challenges worth tackling, grow fast and belong to a team that backs you to do the right thing. Bring your drive. Bring your bold. Let’s move the world, together. Take your first step at nike.com/careers * If you have a body, you’re an athlete.
Why Work With Us
At NIKE, Inc., your dedication fuels the future of sport. There is a sense of pride that comes from representing an iconic brand and shaping its future. Here, we treat every day as a new opportunity to push boundaries, ask tough questions and share whole-hearted convictions. We are a team – united by the belief that anything is possible.
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