WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

The candidate will report directly to the Korea Innovation Director of Engineering in Busan, Korea. They will work alongside Innovation Project Managers and individual contributors with expertise in various engineering disciplines, including Product, Tooling, Pattern, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Costing, Sustainability, Knit Engineering, Robotics, Process Optimization, and Product Development. Primarily, the candidate will collaborate with Nike and its manufacturing partner teams in Korea while also having opportunities to work with teams across Asia and the USA.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

NIKE, Inc. is searching for a curious and driven Lead Engineer, Innovation to join the Innovation team in Busan, South Korea. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in Footwear Development, Manufacturing Processes, and Equipment Development. They should also be adept at thinking outside the box to develop innovative solutions that streamline manufacturing and enhance performance and footwear fit. A self-starter, flexible thinker, and effective communicator, the candidate must be comfortable working cross-functionally and capable of influencing diverse personalities and perspectives. These skills are essential for collaborating across the Innovation team and various functions within Nike's matrixed organization. Proficiency in technical writing, an engineering mindset, data-driven decision-making, creativity, and the ability to challenge conventional methods are highly valued.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering with a minimum of 6 years of experience in footwear product engineering, manufacturing, or development.
• Extensive knowledge of footwear lasts, patterns, tooling, and various construction methods.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple engineering workstreams simultaneously.
• Experience in machine design and development, including machine vision systems and robotics.
• Excellent storytelling and English communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Able to travel up to 10% of the time, including domestic and international locations.
• This is a local role, based in Busan, South Korea. Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

As a Lead Innovation Engineer, you will be responsible for developing new product, process, and equipment innovations that shape the future of footwear. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Drive product and process excellence from initial idea to pilot.
• Lead Tech Package reviews (tooling and pattern) for each sample build round.
• Drive adoption of engineering best practices across NXT and PIC engineering teams.
• Collaborate with Nike manufacturing partners and vendors to invent and develop equipment that enables product innovations.
• Design, plan, and execute engineering trials and analyze results to determine necessary actions for achieving program targets, including performance and fit, cost, sustainability, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with product development and functional engineering teams to commercialize product innovations.
• Lead high-profile engineering initiatives.