Lead Technical Designer - Bags, Global Accessories

About the role

Description from the employer’s posting. Check the employer’s page for the current version.

The Bags Product Creation team brings innovative carry solutions to life for athletes and consumers. The team translates design intent into manufacturable products by combining expertise in bag pattern engineering, materials, construction, fit, function, durability and quality across the full product creation process. WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH: The Lead Technical Designer will partner closely with Bags Design, Product Management, Product Development, Materials, Color, Product Integrity, Testing, the Product Creation Center and factory teams. This role will also collaborate with pattern, costing, sourcing and manufacturing partners to align design intent, technical feasibility, quality, cost and delivery. WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR: Nike is looking for a bags technical design expert who can translate bold creative concepts into functional, durable, and production-ready carry solutions. This person brings deep expertise in bag construction, pattern engineering, materials, hardware, ergonomics, fit, and manufacturing across backpacks, duffels, totes, crossbody bags, and other performance carry products. They understand the complete product creation process and know how to protect design intent while navigating cost, quality, manufacturability, and calendar demands. They are a creative problem solver who communicates risks, tradeoffs, and solutions with clarity. An influential cross-functional leader, they listen actively, build trust, welcome different perspectives, and create alignment in a fast-moving environment. They bring curiosity, optimism, accountability, and a commitment to growth. As a technical authority, they mentor others and stay ahead of emerging carry systems, digital tools, materials, hardware, construction methods, and manufacturing technologies. What you bring: Bachelor’s degree in technical design, product design, industrial design, engineering, or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training. Minimum of 5 years of bags product creation experience, including bag pattern engineering, sewn soft-goods construction, materials, or technical design. Advanced knowledge of bag development from concept through production, including patterns, measurements, sewing, seams, reinforcement, lining, edge finishing, textiles, webbing, zippers, buckles, molded components, graphics, costing, quality, and manufacturing. Proven proficiency with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, plus bag pattern or three-dimensional soft-goods design platforms. Experience with CLO is strongly preferred; experience with Optitex, Browzwear, VStitcher, or comparable tools is valued. Proven ability to lead through professional collaboration and influence across functional teams to bring design intent to life, mentor teammates, manage multiple complex projects, solve technical problems, communicate effectively, and travel approximately 10% domestically and internationally. WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON: You will own complex bag styles from concept through commercialization, using technical expertise and digital tools to turn design intent into high-quality, buy-ready product. You will connect teams, clarify decisions, address risks, and move the work forward with precision, speed, and accountability. Create and maintain two-dimensional and three-dimensional technical packages using tools such as CLO and Adobe Illustrator. Define materials, bills of materials, measurements, patterns, panel architecture, seams, edge finishes, reinforcement, lining, pocket organization, webbing, zippers, hardware, molded components, branding, and graphic placement. Lead digital and physical prototype reviews with Design, Product Management, Materials, Product Development, Product Integrity, Testing, the Product Creation Center, and factory partners. Request and track prototypes, consolidate cross-functional feedback, and translate decisions into clear actions that support quality, cost, manufacturability, and calendar goals. Evaluate fit, form, function, architecture, and ergonomics on body, then initiate and assess durability, performance, and Product Integrity testing. Identify technical and manufacturing risks early, recommend sound alternatives, resolve construction challenges, and communicate tradeoffs and progress to teammates and leadership. Partner directly with factories, suppliers, vendors, pattern makers, sourcing, and costing teams to improve efficiency, consistency, quality, manufacturability, and cost. We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form .