Principal Technical Designer, Global Apparel

BECOME A PART OF THE NIKE, INC TEAM 

NIKE, Inc. does more than outfit the world's best athletes. It is a place to explore potential, obliterate boundaries and push out the edges of what can be. The company looks for people who can grow, think, dream and create. Its culture thrives by embracing diversity and rewarding imagination. The brand seeks achievers, leaders and visionaries. At Nike, it’s about each person bringing skills and passion to a challenging and constantly evolving game.  

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR? 

As our Principal Technical Designer, you will leverage an expert knowledge of pattern-making, fit and the product commercialization process from start to finish. This role will focus on Outerwear creation for Nike within Outerwear Center of Excellence product area.  At times your role will also extend to testing, consumer or athlete validation and commercialization of Gender and Athlete focused Outerwear Chassis.  You will utilize your advanced technical knowledge related to outerwear development, product fit & sizing leading critical and complex apparel development projects.  

This candidate brings expertise in technical outerwear development and pattern making skills.  The candidate also needs to have a strong product creation background and be a strategic thinker with project management capabilities. This role requires the use of pattern making software (Optitex) and 3D tools & technologies such as CLO.  A keen interest in outerwear product classification as well as the integration of innovative materials and craft will drive new outwear creation to the highest quality.  A curiosity for consumer and athlete data, as well as testing and validation processes will drive better decisions for Nike outerwear.  Someone who is eager to embrace new processes, tools and technologies and be able to utilize data for analysis and decision making. We’re looking for a strong collaborator, communicator and advocate.  

WHAT WILL YOU WORK ON? 

You’ll partner across the business to develop best in class outerwear, on pre-season and in-season timelines.  You will work cross-functionally to develop technical outerwear, create specifications, libraries and tools in the support of outerwear standards for apparel. You’ll ensure project concepts align with Gender & Sport Dimensional initiatives, determining best methods and procedures on new projects. While also creating and validating methods of make, seasonal styles, chassis and fit standards specific to outerwear. You will also create virtual versions of outerwear chassis using 3D tools (CLO), creating best practices for outerwear digital development.  

WHO WILL YOU WORK WITH? 

You will be reporting to Director of Technical Design Outerwear Center of Excellence and will work with a talented team. You will partner with Design, Materials, Product Management, PCC/Development (overseas and local) and Operations partners to create best in class outerwear. You may also partner with the Global Standards and/or NXT Innovation teams to implement new fit or grade standards and methods of make specific to outerwear.  You’ll also provide technical recommendations and support to the dimensional Technical Design and Product Development community and be at the forefront of adopting, adapting new tools and processes to implement across the business. 

WHAT YOU WILL BRING? 

• Bachelor's degree in Apparel Design, Pattern Making, Textile Science or related field 

• Advanced 10+ years experience in the apparel development process from inception through production, including but not limited to pattern making, grading, construction, costing, manufacturing, materials and quality. 

• Expert in pattern making, translating patterns to written product specs and construction standards instructions. 

• Expert in Outerwear development inclusive of Down Fill, Synthetic Fill and Seam Sealed garments  

• Ability to act as a technical resource and mentor others; lead initiatives and project teams  

• Demonstrated skill in problem solving and results orientation  

• Strong verbal and written communication skills  

• Ability to manage a high workload and multiple projects  

• Proficiency with CAD Pattern Design software (Optitex) and 3D software (Clo) highly desired 

• Proficiency with MS Office programs and Adobe Illustrator 

• Ability to travel 10-15% of the time including International travel  

NIKE, Inc. is a growth company that looks for team members to grow with it. Nike offers a generous total rewards package, casual work environment, a diverse and inclusive culture, and an electric atmosphere for professional development. No matter the location, or the role, every Nike employee shares one galvanizing mission: To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.