WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH
The Senior Footwear Materials Developer partners across Product Development, Design, Engineering, Material Planning, and Supply Chain to bring bold ideas to life. They work closely with vendors, category teams, and collaborators to solve problems fast, elevate craft, and deliver materials that move the industry forward.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Nike Sportswear is looking for a builder—someone who sees possibility in every material and knows how to turn a concept into something real, repeatable, and ready for athletes. This person blends deep technical knowledge with creative instincts, acting as the bridge between aesthetic vision and manufacturing reality. They can interpret lab data, navigate complex timelines, and spot risks before they become roadblocks. They lead with clarity, communicate with purpose, and thrive in environments where innovation meets execution.
They understand materials from the inside out: how they’re made, how they behave, and how they can evolve. They bring confidence when presenting solutions, curiosity when exploring new technologies, and a steady hand when working across internal teams and external partners. Most importantly, they know how to keep things moving—ensuring every decision pushes the product, the process, and the team forward.
Required Skills & Experience
- 5+ years of experience in materials development, chemistry, footwear, apparel, product creation, project management, or innovation
- Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science or a related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience, and training
- Strong knowledge of material manufacturing processes, lab testing, and interpretation of results
- Experience collaborating with external partners, vendors, or suppliers
- Proven ability to mentor others and lead through influence
WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON
You’ll turn ideas into material solutions—from first concept to commercial readiness. You’ll create clarity, drive execution, and ensure that every material meets Nike’s standards for performance, sustainability, and craft.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate across product creation, design, sourcing, and planning to build best‑in‑class material strategies
- Manage the full material development cycle—from early exploration to commercialization—with a sharp focus on timelines, cost, quality, and sustainability
- Partner with vendors to secure feasibility, ensure accurate specs, and troubleshoot technical issues
- Translate 2D design intent into working 3D samples that meet performance and business goals
- Track and guide prototypes and samples, driving solutions to material‑related challenges
- Stay connected to market trends, emerging technologies, and evolving consumer needs
- Document material updates and ensure the supply chain is set up for smooth, scalable manufacturing