Lead, Computational Design, Innovation

WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH

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 utilizing advanced digital workflows to develop innovative product concepts driven by Athlete* data. The successful candidate will report to the Director of Footwear Digital Design and will serve as a subject matter expert on collaborative teams comprising innovators, designers, and engineers.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for a Lead FW Computational Designer with a robust design portfolio, notable experience in both 2D and 3D software, and fluency in computational design scripting. The ideal candidate should be capable of working independently with a strong aesthetic sensibility and excel at translating abstract concepts into fully realized form.

In this role, you will collaborate with the footwear design team to identify new digital capabilities, design innovative products, and streamline development, and manufacturing processes through digital means. You should possess advanced digital design skills and understand how to integrate them with best practices in footwear product creation. Your portfolio clearly demonstrates your experience working on key concepts or product lines with complex design requirements. Knowledge of 3D printing, robotics, and/or industrial knitting are beneficial. You will work closely with multi-disciplinary teams and contribute to the creation of best-in-class products.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in Art, Architecture, Industrial Design, Computer Science (visual design/imaging focus), or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience, and training.

• Minimum of 6 years of experience using computational design in product design or related fields.

• Footwear product design experience is helpful.

• A strong design portfolio that demonstrates an expertise in advanced digital design.

• Highly skilled in 2D and 3D modeling software (Rhino, Maya, Houdini, Blender, Adobe Suite, etc)

• Prefer experience in 3D printing solutions and/or computational methods of make.

• Prefer proficiency in coding languages (Python, C++, JavaScript) in creative applications

• Possess an in depth understanding of digital creation market trends and new technologies

• Ability to continually expand knowledge of digital creation tools and processes and stay current with industry digital creation innovations

• Ability to think critically and creatively in solving complex problems

• Ability to communicate effectively with cross-disciplinary product teams of footwear designers, developers, and engineers.

• Footwear product experience is helpful

WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON

As the Lead FW Computational Designer, you will be responsible for developing design algorithms for footwear concepts within Nike Innovation and Inline Product Creation. Your role involves serving as a subject matter expert, incorporating Athlete* data and advanced aesthetics into product designs. You will manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring all deliverables meet the highest quality standards. Additionally, you will need to adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape of digital design technology, maintaining a position at the cutting edge of advanced digital design.

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL

• While you will frequently collaborate with the broader team of Digital Designers, your daily responsibilities involve serving as an integrated subject matter expert on product teams.

• The position necessitates daily use of Rhino/Grasshopper, with the ability to develop scripts independently to fulfill project requirements.

• You are expected to participate in project-related meetings, work sessions, and design sprints as required.

• You will collaborate with development and manufacturing teams to examine the intersection of design aesthetics, performance requirements, and innovative manufacturing methods. Your role will involve assisting designers in incorporating new methodologies into their creative processes.

• 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.

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.