Expert Designer, ACG Apparel & Accessories Product Design

Nike; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Nike ACG is seeking an Expert Equipment Designer to lead the development of high‑performance equipment and hard goods for the brand's outdoor lines. You will guide concepting, prototyping and design direction in collaboration with Design Leadership, Development and Merchandising.

You will oversee full collections, translate consumer insights into innovative products, and mentor team members while maintaining strong storytelling and technical execution across platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Fashion, Industrial Design, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in Accessories/Equipment Design.
• Ability to set an inspiring creative direction through visual research and storytelling.
• Experience designing bags, hats, socks, other soft and hard goods.

Responsibilities

• Create innovative designs for Performance and Lifestyle product lines under Nike ACG leadership.
• Partner with product management and merchandising to land new design solutions and categories.
• Provide prototype sampling and tech pack information including fabrication, trim, color, and construction details.
• Lead and mentor Designers, ensuring design feasibility and timely project completion.

Skills

Design leadership

3D rendering

Adobe Creative Suite

Sketching

Communication skills

Portfolio development

Trend translation

Leadership

Sustainability

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Fashion, Industrial Design, or related field

Tools

3D software

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

The ACG Brand, "All Conditions Gear," leads Nike in considered design for outdoor sport. With a focus on distinct innovation, location-based research and commitment to sustainability, ACG inspires athletes around the world to chase their dreams in the outdoors. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of ACG and be a part of a leading brand in the outdoor industry.

WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH

You will be guiding the creative through the design season while working with a team of designers, developers, product managers, and merchants to deliver creative in line with the Nike ACG Apparel and Footwear. This opportunity will require strong collaborative skills to meet cost requirements, deadlines, all while taking your partners through the thinking behind your work.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

As our Expert Equipment Designer in Nike ACG, you’ll be working to support and grow the brand. With a focus on technical equipment, the Expert Designer will lead the team through calendar, execution, advance product creation, and progressive performance and aesthetic development. Leading design efforts and applying your outstanding design skills to build original, function led innovative designs that accurately reflect Nike design philosophy and lead the industry. Through continued research and consumer connection, be able to quickly anticipate and identify key trends, that translate into relevant product that resonate with our consumers. Respond to business objectives with creative design solutions aligned to consumer insights. You’ll need strong communication skills with teammates across the organization, including expert listening, collaborative problem solving & deep emotional intelligence. The role demands big picture thinking, with regards to product relevance, product positioning, capsules & collections.

• Bachelor's Degree in Fashion, Industrial Design, or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience, and training.
• 8+ years of relevant work experience in Accessories/Equipment Design
• Ability to set an inspiring creative direction through thoughtful visual research and storytelling.
• Experience designing bags, hats, socks, other soft goods, hard goods and more.
• Proven ability to conceptualize, edit, and complete full collections.
• Strong material knowledge: functional textiles, synthetics, leather, hardware, trims.
• Strong skill of 3D rendering and 3D printing.
• Deep understanding of construction techniques and manufacturing processes.
• Portfolio demonstrating collection building and innovative product design.
• Strong leadership skills: mentoring designers and managing cross-functional collaboration.
• Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite, 3D software, and sketching.
• Passion for sports/for analyzing the utility and functionality of products to elevate consumer experience.
• Sustainability (knowledge of sustainable materials and processes)
• Consumer insight & trend translation / Global market awareness
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in local market language, including meeting facilitation and presentations.
• To be considered, you must include a portfolio or work samples with your application with a focus on process and creative thinking.

WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON

As our Expert Equipment Designer, you will work under the direction of the Creative Director and Design Director to create innovative designs for Performance and Lifestyle product lines. You will partner with product management and merchandizing to land new innovative design solutions, new product categories, and essential business needs. This opportunity also involves partnering with Design Leadership and category team members in Design, Development and Merchandising to ensure design feasibility while meeting price points, merchandising needs and product creation timelines. You will provide prototype sampling and tech pack information, including fabrication, trim, color, graphic applications, style, detail, fit requirements and construction details. You’ll also monitor the development of prototype samples and interact with our Development, Pattern Making, Material, and the Sample Room to exchange ideas and ensure timely completion of each project. You’ll provide guidance and leadership to Designers and team members and share knowledge, experience, and product excellence with others. From concepting seasonal collections, to working with manufacturing partners, to communicating directly with athletes and collaborators, the daily responsibilities of this role are wide ranging, ambitious, and rewarding.