Lead Designer, Accessories Product Design, Socks

Nike; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Nike in Beaverton, OR is seeking a Lead Designer for Socks and Engineered Knits within Accessories to drive innovative product design. This role demands translating complex ideas into clear direction and leading concepts from brief to market with cross-functional collaboration to deliver best-in-class sock and knit solutions for athletes.

Applicants should bring 5-7 years' experience, a degree in Product Design or related field, and advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite, Illustrator, and

Qualifications

• 5-7 years' experience designing and developing innovative products.
• Bachelor's Degree in Product Design or related field; will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training.
• Previous engineered knit or sock experience required.
• Must be advanced in Adobe Creative Suite, Illustrator, and Keynote.
• 3D design program experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead concepts from brief to market while ensuring design intent, product feasibility and timelines.
• Collaborate across design, development, product management, costing, and engineering.
• Regularly present design concepts to internal and external partners and mentor others.
• Develop performance-driven sock and knit products with attention to fit, comfort, durability and functionality.

Skills

5-7 years experience

Collaborative communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentor others

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Product Design or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Illustrator

Keynote

3D design programs

Job description

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We're looking for a Lead Designer for Socks and Engineered Knits within Accessories to drive innovative, industry-leading product design. This role requires a strong balance of creative vision and technical expertise, with deep knowledge of engineered knits and the ability to solve problems from concept through production. You can translate complex ideas into clear design direction, communicate effectively across teams, and bring a strong passion for sport, culture, and design. If you thrive in a collaborative environment, take initiative, and consistently push for better solutions, we'd like to hear from you.

WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON

As a Lead Designer for Socks within Accessories Design, you will create performance-driven products that meet the needs of athletes across sport and lifestyle. You will apply your expertise in knitting techniques, yarns, and material performance to develop innovative solutions rooted in athlete insights. This is a hands-on role that demands attention to detail and a commitment to delivering best-in-class fit, comfort, durability, and functionality.

WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH

You will partner closely with the Sr. Manager of Sock Product Design and Accessories Design Directors to shape the future of Performance and Lifestyle Sock design. Working across design, development, product management, costing, and engineering, you will lead concepts from brief to market while ensuring design intent, product feasibility and timelines remain aligned. You will regularly present design concepts to internal and external partners and are expected to foster collaboration, contribute to team growth, and mentor others.

WHAT YOU BRING

• 5-7 years' experience designing and developing innovative products
• Bachelor's Degree in Product Design or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training.
• Previous engineered knit or sock experience required
• Must be advanced in Adobe Creative Suite, Illustrator, and Keynote
• 3D design program experience a plus
• Active and proficient participant in collaboration, the creative process and cross-functional communication You Ask Clarifying Questions and Adapt.
• Significant engagement with external partners
• Solid knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials
• Must be able to generate a broad range of concepts and solutions for each project
• Manage multiple projects at various stages of the design from concept to production
• Advanced design skills such as: drawing/sketching, ideation, use of texture, spacing and scale, visual presentation development and layout
• Proven experience designing socks or knit-based products with a focus on performance.
• Deep knowledge of knitting techniques, structures, and yarns (performance fibers, blends, cushioning).

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.