Lead Software Engineer - 3D Pipeline

Nike - Beaverton, OR

Full-time - Senior

Beaverton, OR

Leather and Allied Product Manufacturing

About the position

The Lead 3D Pipeline Engineer at NIKE, Inc. is a leadership role focused on spearheading the development and innovation of 3D pipeline technologies within the CP&I team. This position requires a blend of deep technical expertise, strategic thinking, and team management skills to drive the adoption of cutting-edge 3D technologies that enhance product design and development processes.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the technical roadmap for 3D pipeline development, ensuring alignment with the broader CP&I strategy and objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of 3D pipeline engineers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Design and implement scalable, efficient, and future-proof 3D pipeline architectures that can support the evolving needs of our product creation process.
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of custom tools and scripts that enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and empower designers and engineers.
• Proactively identify and resolve complex technical challenges related to 3D pipelines, tools, and data management, while continuously seeking opportunities for optimization and improvement.
• Build strong relationships with cross-functional teams, including design, engineering, and IT, to ensure seamless integration of 3D technologies into the product development lifecycle.
• Stay at the forefront of 3D graphics, animation, and visualization technologies, exploring and evaluating emerging trends and their potential applications within Nike.
• Contribute to the overall CP&I technology strategy, identifying opportunities to leverage 3D technologies for competitive advantage and innovation.
• Effectively communicate technical concepts and project updates to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, fostering transparency and understanding.

Requirements

• Bachelor/Master degree in Computer Science or related technical subject area or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 8+ years of experience in 3D pipeline development and tool creation, with a proven track record of technical leadership and team management.
• Expert-level proficiency in Python, C++, or other relevant programming languages.
• Deep understanding of 3D graphics principles, animation, visualization technologies, and real-time rendering.
• Extensive experience with 3D software packages (Maya, 3ds Max, Houdini, Blender) and game engines (Unreal Engine, Unity).
• Strong grasp of software architecture, design patterns, and development best practices.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and a passion for technical excellence.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire a team of engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams.
• A strategic mindset and a vision for the future of 3D technologies in product creation.

Benefits

• Generous total rewards package
• Casual work environment
• Diverse and inclusive culture
• Professional development resources and opportunities for growth