What's Happening?
NIKE, Inc. is actively recruiting a Materials Developer II for its Jordan Footwear division. This role is critical for driving functional excellence in materials creation, sourcing, costing, quality, and the implementation of sustainable solutions. The
Materials Developer will collaborate with cross-functional footwear teams, material vendors, and other key functions to establish seasonal material direction, ensure on-time delivery, and achieve product excellence for athletes and consumers. The position involves converting 2D design renderings into 3D samples, balancing athlete needs with business priorities, and managing projects according to critical dates while meeting design intent, quality, performance standards, margin targets, and sustainability goals. Candidates should have a Bachelor's Degree in Materials, Chemistry, Product Development, or a related field, along with a minimum of 2 years of directly applicable work experience.
Why It's Important?
This role is vital for Nike's Jordan brand, as it directly impacts the quality, performance, and sustainability of its footwear products. By focusing on advanced materials development, Nike aims to enhance the athlete's experience and maintain its competitive edge in the athletic footwear market. The emphasis on sustainability reflects a growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products and Nike's commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. This position ensures that innovative materials are integrated into product designs, contributing to both aesthetic appeal and functional superiority. The ability to balance design intent with manufacturing feasibility and cost-effectiveness is crucial for delivering commercially successful products, thereby safeguarding Nike's market position and profitability.
What's Next?
The Materials Developer II will engage in all phases of the product creation process, ensuring that projects are managed efficiently and completed on time. This includes building toolkits and material palettes to optimize material choices and ensuring that products are ready for commercialization and scalable for manufacturing. The individual will serve as the primary contact for material vendors regarding category-specific issues such as price, technical specifications, performance standards, and material lead times. Collaboration with the innovation team will also be a key aspect, aiming to scale and deliver relevant ideas to the market. This continuous development and integration of materials will be essential for the Jordan brand's future product lines.
Beyond the Headlines
The search for a Materials Developer II highlights the intricate science and engineering behind athletic footwear. It's not just about design; it's about understanding the properties of fibers, yarns, textiles, leathers, and synthetic materials, and how they interact to create a high-performance product. The role also touches upon the ethical considerations of sourcing and the environmental impact of material choices, reflecting a broader industry shift towards responsible manufacturing. This position underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, where design, science, and business objectives converge to create innovative and sustainable products. The ability to translate complex material science into tangible product benefits is a specialized skill that drives innovation in the sportswear industry.
