Generative Designer - Footwear

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH The FTWR Generative Design Studio within the broader Innovation FW Design Studio with a specialty in applied contemporary design methods. The group pioneered the use of Computational & Generative Design methods and tools applied to Product Design and Manufacturing within Nike. We continue to push the envelope with new ways of designing, validating and prototyping performance footwear product. WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR The ideal candidate is able to craft both their design method and exceptional footwear product. They are able to collaborate with cross functional partners and be a conduit for technical requirements and performance criteria in service of creating beautiful, high performance footwear product. They are able to research, develop, hone and apply new tools for design – with a specific focus in contemporary tools within the Artificial Intelligence space. The ideal candidate should be able to share these tools and approaches within the broader Design Studio in Innovation, and collaborate with other Product Designers to supercharge the design process within the Innovation Studio.

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Engineering, Architecture or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training
• The ability to craft a digital AND physical approach that prioritizes viable prototyping as well as design space exploration
• Ability to work between digital & physical workflows to prototype as well as visualize footwear designs in order to validate ideas
• Ability to rapidly adapt and implement new technologies in the service of design goals
• Deep expertise in both 2D and 3D design workflows and software, with understanding of footwear design principles (or ability to quickly acquire this knowledge)
• A proficiency in creation and utilization of computational methods for product design
• A proficient creative mis-use of current generative AI tools, and a display of either innovative approach of available methods and/or development of new methods
• A positive mindset through ambiguous problems and dynamic design situations
• An ability to be creatively rebellious!
• A curiosity in the intersection of culture, sports and technology

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON This role sits in the intersection of emerging digital design tools and innovation footwear design. Working with Generative AI technologists as well as Footwear Product Designers, the goal is to apply new design methodologies to create outstanding performance footwear.

• You will work with a small design team on Innovation footwear projects to research, explore, prototype, visualize & validate ideas
• You will research, cultivate & create new digital tools and methods for Footwear Design, apply them to FW Innovation projects, and then share that knowledge with the studio & broader Nike design community
• You will partner with NSRL to understand, utilize & advocate athlete performance insights
• You will quickly prototype for both visual and functional design options (3D printing, cobbling, etc)
• You will work with Factory Partners to take prototype & ideation to large rounds of wear test samples & bring new design methodologies to broader scale

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. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job