Lead Materials Developer - Energy Apparel

Nike; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Nike is seeking a Lead Materials Developer to drive advanced apparel materials and trims from concept to production. You will partner with Design, Product Management, Technical Development, Color, Sourcing, and Manufacturing to deliver athlete-centered material solutions.

The role requires a textile science background and 5+ years in apparel materials, with hands-on experience in yarns, knitting, weaving, dyeing, printing, finishing, or trims sourcing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Textile Science, Apparel, or a related field.
• 5+ years of apparel industry experience (or 7+ years in lieu of a degree).
• Experience developing or sourcing trims; proficiency working with vendors from concept through production.

Responsibilities

• Drive material development from concepts to commercialized solutions, partnering closely with vendors and manufacturing teams.
• Maintain a clear understanding of material performance when integrated into garment form.
• Collaborate daily with Design, Product Management, Technical Development, Color Development, Sourcing, and Manufacturing to finalize materials and trims.
• Lead material testing, risk assessment, tracking, and validation to ensure product excellence.
• Mentor teammates and provide technical guidance across the materials function.
• Translate trends, athlete insights, and emerging technologies into actionable development strategies.
• Champion material innovation initiatives

Skills

Textile expertise

Vendor collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Textile Science, Apparel, or related field

Job description

Who You'll Work With

The Lead Materials Developer sits within the Global Apparel Materials Development Team (GLAM) and will work day-to-day within a division of the Nike Energy team bringing the best of Nike for Athletes. You will collaborate with cross functional partners in Design, Product Management, Technical Development, Color, Sourcing, and Manufacturing.

Who You'll Work With

The Lead Materials Developer sits within the Global Apparel Materials Development Team (GLAM) and will work day-to-day within a division of the Nike Energy team bringing the best of Nike for Athletes. You will collaborate with cross functional partners in Design, Product Management, Technical Development, Color, Sourcing, and Manufacturing.

Who We Are Looking For

Nike is searching for a forward-thinking materials expert who blends deep technical mastery with relentless curiosity. This person thrives at the intersection of craft and innovation - someone who understands how trims and textiles come alive in motion and can translate trends and technologies into athlete tailored solutions. They bring strategic vision, sharpen processes, drive work forward and elevate collaboration across the product creation ecosystem. They see around corners, anticipate risks, and challenge what’s possible. Rooted in partnership, they build trust across teams and empower others with clarity, insight, and technical materials leadership. This role demands an agile problem-solver who can thrive in the unknown and is always pushing to raise the bar for the athlete.

• Bachelor's degree in Textile Science, Apparel, or a related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience, and training
• 5+ years of apparel industry experience (or 7+ years in lieu of a degree) Expertise across yarns, knitting, weaving, dyeing, printing, and finishing techniques
• Experience in developing or sourcing trims Proficiency working with vendors from concept through production

What You'll Work On

In this role you will explore concepts in apparel materials and trims from trend through technological advancements. This research will support delivering on the highest level of athlete* experience from one of one to commercial solutions. You will serve as a strategic materials advisor providing technical expertise and turn insights into coveted innovative solutions aligned to product goals.

• Drive material development from concepts to commercialized solutions, partnering closely with vendors and manufacturing teams.
• Maintain a clear understanding of material performance when integrated into garment form.
• Collaborate daily with Design, Product Management, Technical Development, Color Development, Sourcing, and Manufacturing to finalize materials and trims.
• Lead material testing, risk assessment, tracking, and validation to ensure product excellence.
• Mentor teammates and provide technical guidance across the materials function.
• Translate trends, athlete insights, and emerging technologies into actionable development strategies.
• Champion material innovation initiatives

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.