Lead Technical Designer, Global Apparel (Multiple Openings)

Saved job description

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

The Lead Technical Designer works across either Sportswear or Basketball partnering closely with Design, Product Management, Product Creation Centers, Materials, Manufacturing, and other cross-functional teams to deliver product against fit, quality, performance, manufacturability, and commercialization goals.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Nike is looking for an experienced Technical Designer who can turn creative vision into exceptional, commercially viable apparel. This candidate brings deep expertise in fit, patternmaking, grading, construction and manufacturing methods, along with the judgment to solve complex product challenges from concept through commercialization.

The ideal candidate pairs technical rigor with strong communication and relationship-building skills. They can interpret design intent, develop clear technical solutions and influence decisions across cross-functional teams. They thrive when managing multiple complex products against critical development timelines and use consumer, market, technology and business insights to elevate product quality, consistency and manufacturability. They are comfortable setting standards, mitigating risk and helping teams continuously improve the product creation process.

Bachelor’s degree in apparel design, textile science or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training

Minimum 8 years of relevant apparel technical design or product creation experience

Advanced expertise in apparel fit, patternmaking, grading, construction, specifications and manufacturing methods

Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft Office; experience with Optitex and 3D apparel development platforms such as CLO or Browzwear strongly preferred

Ability to travel up to 10% domestically and internationally

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

You’ll lead the technical design and execution of complex men’s and/or women’s Nike either Sportswear or Basketball apparel, translating consumer insight and design intent into technically sound, manufacturable products. You will:

Own fit, construction and technical execution from concept through commercialization, delivering against key dates, quality, performance, sustainability and profitability goals

Create and maintain technical documentation for complex apparel, including product specifications, patterns and prototype notes

Establish fit and construction standards that improve consistency, product quality and manufacturability

Lead prototyping, identify development risks and solve technical and manufacturing challenges while protecting product integrity

Partner closely with Design, Product Management and Product Creation Centers to translate creative intent and consumer insights into commercial product

Collaborate with Materials, Manufacturing, factory vendors and other cross-functional partners to improve product quality, construction and manufacturability

Apply consumer, market, technology and business insights to influence product decisions, drive continuous improvement and elevate technical capability across the team

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 .