WHO YOU’LL 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 evolving how product is designed, pairing advanced algorithmic and geometric exploration with emerging tools like Generative AI to expand the design space and shape new ways of working. The successful candidate will report to the Director of Footwear Digital Design and will lead computational workstreams alongside innovators, designers, and engineers.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are looking for a creative, hands-on computational designer who leads through the work, with a strong design portfolio, deep fluency in algorithmic and geometric design, and a clear point of view on where the discipline is going. You bring proven experience translating complex design intent into algorithms and geometry, and you treat methods of make, from 3D tooling to machine code and toolpath design, as part of the creative space rather than a downstream concern. You are energized by emerging tools, including Generative AI, and you actively integrate them into your process to push aesthetic and functional outcomes further. You thrive in collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams, lead by example, and help peers level up their craft as you push your own.
What you bring:
Bachelor's Degree in Art, Architecture, Industrial Design, or Computer Science (visual design/imaging focus) or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training.
5+ years experience using computational design in product design or related fields, with a portfolio demonstrating advanced algorithmic and geometric work.
Highly skilled in 2D design and 3D modeling software (Rhino/Grasshopper, Houdini, Maya, Blender, Adobe Suite, etc.)
Proficiency in coding languages (Python, C#, Vex) for creative applications and computational design thinking, including toolpath and machine-code generation.
Experience with Generative AI tools and workflows (image, geometry, or code generation) applied to design ideation, exploration, or production is a strong plus.
Curiosity and conviction about future ways of working — eager to challenge legacy processes and bring the team along.
Prefer 3+ years experience in 3D printing solutions and/or computational methods of make.
Possess an in depth understanding of digital creation market trends and new technologies.
Ability to think critically and creatively in solving complex problems.
Ability to communicate effectively with cross-disciplinary teams of product designers, developers, and engineers.
WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON
As the Lead Computational Designer, you will develop design algorithms for product concepts within Nike Innovation and Inline Product Creation. Your primary work involves designing through code, tailoring your outputs to meet manufacturing needs whether 3D tooling, 2D print files, or machine code. You will manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring all deliverables meet the highest quality standards, and helping define how the team works in the next era of digital design.
· You will lead advanced algorithm and geometry creation across product concepts, owning the path from creative intent to manufacturable output, including toolpath design and machine-code generation where the geometry meets the method of make.
· You will drive exploration of Generative AI and emerging tools, piloting workflows that integrate AI, performance data, and 3D geometry into the team's everyday process.
· You will partner daily in Rhino/Grasshopper and procedural environments (Houdini or equivalent), independently developing algorithms to fulfill project requirements while raising the technical bar for the team.
· You will serve as an integrated computational lead on multi-disciplinary product teams, while also helping shape the broader Digital Design team's craft, tools, and ways of working.
· You will collaborate with development and manufacturing teams to evolve the intersection of design aesthetics, performance, and innovative methods of make, translating new manufacturing methods back into design opportunity.
· 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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Art, Architecture, Industrial Design, Computer Science (visual design/imaging focus), or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 5+ years experience using computational design in product design or related fields with portfolio evidence
- Portfolio demonstrating advanced algorithmic and geometric work
- Highly skilled in 2D design and 3D modeling software (Rhino, Grasshopper, Houdini, Maya, Blender, Adobe Suite)
- Proficiency in coding languages for creative applications (Python, C#, Vex), including toolpath and machine-code generation
- Experience with Generative AI tools and workflows applied to design ideation, geometry, or code generation
- 3+ years experience in 3D printing solutions and/or computational methods of make
- Ability to communicate effectively with cross-disciplinary teams (designers, developers, engineers)
- Ability to think critically and creatively to solve complex problems
- In-depth understanding of digital creation market trends and new technologies
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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