Automation Strategy Lead for Innovation & Manufacturing

Nike Inc

Beaverton (OR)

On-site

USD 120,000 - 180,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Nike Air Manufacturing & Innovation (Air MI) in Beaverton is seeking a Lead Automation Engineer to advance the front-end automation strategy for an innovation hub operating in a low-volume, high-SKU environment. This role defines roadmaps, leads proof-of-concept activities, and creates scalable solutions that support Nike's next generation of products and processes.

The successful candidate will drive automation opportunities, partner across functions, and translate emerging technologies into

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
Minimum 6 years of experience in automation, robotics, controls, manufacturing systems, or related engineering disciplines.
Experience in innovation, R&D, prototyping, pilot manufacturing, or flexible production environments.
Experience developing business cases, capital justifications, and technology investment strategies.
Strong technical understanding of robotics, material handling automation, machine vision, controls, digital manufacturing, and connected systems.
Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and communicate with technical and business audiences.
Comfortable operating in ambiguous environments with evolving requirements.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain the automation strategy and technology roadmap aligned to Nike's innovation goals.
Identify, prioritize, and evaluate automation opportunities that accelerate product development and manufacturing flexibility.
Lead technology scouting activities and engage external partners for emerging technologies.
Develop and execute proof-of-concept initiatives to validate feasibility, scalability, and value.
Build business cases and investment recommendations including ROI and deployment plans.
Partner with Innovation and Product Development teams to explore new methods of make and advanced manufacturing.
Own production-intent design development, system architecture, and deployment standards for future automation initiatives.
Evaluate how emerging technologies can be standardized and scaled into higher-volume manufacturing across Air MI.
Collaborate with Operations, Process Engineering, Maintenance, IT, Quality, and Product Development to align with innovation and manufacturing strategies.