About this role
WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH
You will join the Footwear Innovation team, collaborating closely with a cross-functional, global team of engineers, product developers, and manufacturing partners. This role thrives in a highly matrixed environment, working with internal product and innovation teams, as well as offshore manufacturing partners. You’ll also engage with internal and external partners to ensure seamless technology development and transition. Expect a culture of collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and proactive communication, where sharing ideas and leveraging internal and external resources is key.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We seek a technical expert with a growing reputation as a “go-to” resource in chemical engineering for footwear. The ideal candidate will have:
Education & Experience
Solid foundation in chemical engineering concepts, theories, and practices.
Experience with rubber formulation and processing, foam formulation and processing, thermoplastics processing, adhesive/paint chemistry, bonding processes, upper materials, and statistics.
Working knowledge of footwear product construction and inline chemical engineering requirements.
Skills & Competencies
Demonstrated project management skills and ability to lead moderately complex initiatives.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to simplify complex scientific data for diverse audiences.
Strong collaboration and networking abilities across internal teams and external partners.
Professionalism and ability to articulate policies, share ideas, and escalate issues appropriately.
Preferred Attributes
Familiarity with sustainability practices and restricted substances compliance.
Ability to apply scientific methodologies and tools (e.g. FTIR, DSC, DAM, etc) for data-driven decisions.
Ability to travel internationally
WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON
As a Senior Chemical Engineer, you will drive medium- and long-term chemical and material R&D activities for innovation programs, ensuring technology advancements are grounded in scientific rigor. Your responsibilities will include:
Innovation Concepting, Validation & Transition
Develop project plans for new chemical technologies and optimize processes, in partnership with Beaverton teammates.
Consult on material selection, product construction techniques, and manufacturability of innovative footwear materials and processes.
Validate chemical engineering designs to proven standards before transition.
Collaborate with inline teams and offshore manufacturing to ensure performance integrity.
Address durability, performance, manufacturability, sustainability, and IP considerations.
Chemical Engineering Project Management
Drive development and transition of new chemical products, platforms, and capabilities.
Coordinate research activities with internal teams, vendors, and factory partners.
Supervise trials, ensure data accuracy, and validate outcomes using scientific methods.
Support chemical vendor onboarding and approval processes
Decision Making & Communication
Drive data-driven decisions through structured methodologies.
Communicate progress and critical updates to stakeholders proactively.
Simplify and present complex technical concepts through clear storytelling.
Other facts
About Nike
Nike is committed to redefining the future of sport through a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability. Grounded in a deep sense of responsibility for the planet, our commitment extends across the entire lifecycle of our products. Here's how Nike defines environmental sustainability:
Innovative Materials:
At the heart of our sustainability efforts is a dedication to innovative materials that minimize environmental impact. We constantly explore and invest in sustainable alternatives, incorporating recycled materials, organic cotton, and other eco-friendly innovations into our product lines.
Reducing Waste:
Nike is actively working to reduce waste in our manufacturing processes. Through advanced design techniques and responsible sourcing, we aim to minimize the environmental footprint of our products, ensuring that every step of the production cycle aligns with our commitment to sustainability.
Circular Design:
Embracing a circular economy, Nike is reimagining product design to extend the lifespan of our products. By emphasizing durability, repairability, and recyclability, we are actively working to create a closed-loop system that reduces waste and promotes responsible consumption.
Energy Efficiency:
Nike is dedicated to minimizing our carbon footprint by implementing energy-efficient practices in our manufacturing and supply chain. We're investing in renewable energy sources, setting ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and continuously exploring ways to operate with the environment in mind.
Water Stewardship:
Recognizing the importance of water as a precious resource, Nike is committed to responsible water management. We strive to reduce water usage in our supply chain, implement sustainable water practices, and engage in partnerships that address global water challenges.
Transparency and Accountability:
Nike believes in transparency and being accountable for our environmental impact. We openly communicate our sustainability go
What you'll do
- As a Senior Chemical Engineer, you will drive medium- and long-term chemical and material R&D activities for innovation programs. Your responsibilities include developing project plans for new chemical technologies and collaborating with teams to ensure performance integrity.
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