Lead Materials Developer, Energy

Nike • Beaverton, OR

8d

About The Position

The Lead Materials Developer sits within the Global Apparel Materials Team (GLAM), partnering closely with the Nike Energy team. They collaborate with Design, Product Management, Technical Development, Color, Sourcing, and Manufacturing. This role influences cross‑functional partners while mentoring within the materials organization. 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 yarns, trims, and textiles come alive in motion and can translate trends and technologies into performance‑driven solutions. They bring strategic vision, sharpen processes, 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 leadership. This role demands an agile problem‑solver who can balance long‑term strategy with the pace of seasonal execution—always pushing to raise the bar for athletes and for the business.

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

• Shape the future of Energy apparel materials—exploring trends, unlocking technologies, and turning insights into commercialized solutions aligned to sustainability and performance goals.
• Drive material development from concept to commercialization, partnering closely with vendors and manufacturing teams.
• Collaborate daily with Design, Product Management, Technical Development, Color, Sourcing, and Manufacturing to build elevated material palettes.
• 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 long‑term material innovation initiatives and influence cross‑functional alignment.
• Maintain a clear understanding of material performance when integrated into garment form.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level