Nike

Generative AI Design Expert

Nike · Beaverton, OR

  • On site
  • Full-time
  • $150,000 / year
  • Beaverton, OR

Job highlights

  • Design and build AI-powered creative tools.
  • Shape future of footwear design at Nike.
  • Collaborate with global design and AI teams.
  • Integrate AI into existing creative workflows.
  • Lead AI adoption and training for designers.

About the role

About the Role

As a Generative AI Design Expert at Nike, you will pioneer the future of footwear design by working at the intersection of creativity and AI technology. You will collaborate with world-class designers and engineers, reporting to the Generative Studio leadership. Your contributions will directly impact design teams globally by building and implementing AI-augmented workflows that empower our creative community. You will partner closely with AI/ML engineers, footwear designers, and global technology teams to revolutionize Nike's product creation processes.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking a visionary GenAI designer with a strong foundation in design and expertise in innovative tool-building. You should possess deep creative skills, technical mastery of generative AI, and an insatiable curiosity for emerging technologies. The ideal candidate can inspire adoption across teams, acting as a tool builder who creates solutions when existing tools are insufficient. You must be comfortable bridging the gap between experimental AI prototypes and production-ready enterprise tools, effectively translating design needs into technical requirements and vice versa.

Qualifications

  • 8+ years of experience in design with demonstrated progression into creative technology and tool-building.
  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Architecture, Fashion Design, or a related creative discipline (or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training).
  • Mastery of modern generative AI tools (e.g., Flora.ai, ComfyUI) and hands-on experience building custom digital workflows using visual coding interfaces.
  • Deep expertise in 2D and 3D design digital workflows and software, with an understanding of footwear design principles.
  • Experience with fine-tuning generative AI models (LoRA training, custom model development) for visual applications.
  • Understanding of additive manufacturing and 3D printing technologies for rapid prototyping of AI-generated concepts.
  • Portfolio showcasing both creative output and technical innovations.
  • Bonus: Experience with spatial computing (AR/VR), web development for rapid prototyping, or active participation in the AI/design community.

What You'll Work On

This role focuses on revolutionizing Nike's footwear design process through the creation and implementation of AI-augmented workflows. You will act as a catalyst for AI adoption across Nike's design community, building custom tools, educating teams, and shaping the future of design. Key responsibilities include:
  • Partnering with footwear designers to understand and enhance existing 2D and 3D creative workflows with AI.
  • Designing and prototyping AI-driven digital workflows using visual coding interfaces, tailored for footwear design challenges.
  • Collaborating with AI/ML engineers to accelerate generative AI solution development and deployment.
  • Scaling prototypes from proof-of-concept to enterprise-grade tools for global designers.
  • Developing training materials and workshops to make AI tools accessible and inspiring for designers.
  • Staying current with generative AI developments and integrating new models and techniques.
  • Sharing insights and best practices to elevate the entire design community's capabilities.
  • Demonstrating AI design capabilities and providing hands-on assistance during critical design reviews.

Accommodations

Nike offers accommodations throughout the interview process, including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible interview locations, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.

Key skills/competency

Generative AI Design Expert, Generative AI, AI-Augmented Workflows, Tool Building, 2D Design, 3D Design, Footwear Design, Visual Coding, LoRA Training, Additive Manufacturing

Skills & topics

  • Generative AI
  • AI Design
  • Footwear Design
  • Creative Technology
  • Design Automation
  • Workflow Development
  • Visual Coding
  • 3D Design
  • Industrial Design
  • AI Ethics

How to get hired

  • Tailor your resume: Highlight your 8+ years of design experience, generative AI tool mastery (Flora.ai, ComfyUI), and portfolio of creative and technical innovations.
  • Showcase your work: Prepare a strong portfolio demonstrating both your creative output and your technical skills in building AI workflows and custom tools.
  • Understand Nike's innovation: Research Nike's approach to design, technology, and AI. Emphasize your ability to bridge design needs with technical solutions.
  • Prepare for technical and creative discussions: Be ready to discuss your experience with visual coding, fine-tuning AI models, and translating design concepts into functional tools.
  • Inquire about accommodations: If needed, proactively engage with Nike regarding interview accommodations to ensure a smooth process.

Technical preparation

Master modern generative AI tools.,Build custom workflows with visual coding.,Fine-tune AI models for visual applications.,Understand 2D/3D design software.

Behavioral questions

Describe a time you built a new tool.,How do you bridge design and tech needs?,Share how you inspired AI adoption.,Discuss your approach to rapid prototyping.

Frequently asked questions

What specific generative AI tools does Nike's Generative Studio use for this Generative AI Design Expert role?
While the job description specifically mentions mastery of modern generative AI tools like Flora.ai and ComfyUI, it also emphasizes hands-on experience with building custom digital workflows using visual coding interfaces. Your ability to adapt to and integrate new tools will be key.
How does Nike balance human creativity with AI in the Generative AI Design Expert position?
Nike aims to use AI to enhance, not replace, human creativity. This role focuses on building AI-augmented workflows that empower designers, enabling them to explore new possibilities and accelerate their creative process.
What kind of portfolio is expected for the Generative AI Design Expert position at Nike?
Your portfolio should showcase a blend of your creative design output and your technical innovations. Highlight projects where you've built custom AI workflows, fine-tuned models, or translated AI concepts into tangible outcomes.
What is the expected career progression for a Generative AI Design Expert at Nike?
This role is positioned to be at the forefront of design innovation at Nike. Progression could involve leading AI design initiatives, specializing further in AI research, or expanding your influence across broader product creation domains.
Can I apply for the Generative AI Design Expert role if my degree is not in a traditional design field?
Yes, Nike's description states they will accept 'any suitable combination of education, experience and training' alongside a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Architecture, Fashion Design, or related creative disciplines. Your experience and portfolio are crucial.
What does 'fine-tuning generative AI models' entail for this Generative AI Design Expert role?
For this role, fine-tuning generative AI models, such as through LoRA training or custom model development, means adapting existing AI models to better suit specific visual applications relevant to footwear design, enhancing their output and relevance.
How does Nike support candidates with disabilities during the interview process for the Generative AI Design Expert role?
Nike is committed to providing accommodations. They offer resources like screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible interview locations, and closed captioning. You can request assistance by completing the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.