Senior Director, Applied Science - AI and Machine Learning Innovation at NIKE

Join the Future of Sport and Technology as a Senior Director, Applied Science at NIKE

Are you a visionary leader ready to drive results and define an industry? Do you have a passion for AI, machine learning, and innovation? NIKE, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled Senior Director, Applied Science to lead our Advanced Machine Learning initiatives and revolutionize our product creation lifecycle. As a remote role, this position offers the freedom and flexibility to work from anywhere, except in South Dakota, Vermont, and West Virginia.

About NIKE, Inc.

NIKE, Inc. is more than just a sportswear company - it's a technology company that combines innovation, creativity, and passion to revolutionize the future of sport. Our teams at NIKE Global Technology exist to push the boundaries of what's possible, from developing cutting-edge products and managing big data to providing leading-edge engineering and systems support. We invest in the most creative people in the world and give them the support to constantly innovate, iterate, and serve consumers more directly and personally.

Our Culture

At NIKE, Inc., we thrive in a culture that embraces diversity, rewards imagination, and encourages growth. We're a company that looks for people who can grow, think, dream, and create. Our teams are innovative, diverse, multidisciplinary, and collaborative, taking technology into the future and bringing the world with it.

The Role

As a Senior Director, Applied Science, you will spearhead CPI's Advanced Machine Learning initiatives, aimed at revolutionizing Nike's product creation lifecycle - from ideation through to supply chain. You will be responsible for building and developing a team, shaping the science philosophy, planning, and strategizing as we explore domains such as Large Language Models (LLMs), diffusion models, reinforcement learning (RL), and simulation to support new experiences for our designers and developers.

Key Responsibilities

• Design Acceleration: Lead the development of AI-generated image and video generation, text and content creation to augment and enhance designer experience
• ML Optimization: Add LLMs to existing data models to enhance accuracy of off-the-shelf GenAI solutions customized to Nike's data set and business needs
• Team Leadership: Build and develop a team of scientists and engineers, providing guidance and mentorship to junior talent
• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement strategic plans to drive innovation and growth in AI and machine learning
• Collaboration: Work closely with Product creation, Merch, Design, Innovation teams, and key partners across Footwear, Apparel, Ops, Merch, and Geos

Who You Are

We're looking for a visionary leader with a deep understanding of AI and machine learning. You should have:

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, software engineering, or related field (Master's or Ph.D. preferred)
• 10 years of experience leading multiple science and engineering teams
• 15 years of experience in building and applying ML models to solve complex, large-scale problems
• Strong understanding of foundational models, including large language models across multiple modalities, reinforcement learning, supervised learning, and other cutting-edge techniques in generative AI
• Proven track record of leading seasoned scientists and developing junior talent
• Proficient in one or more programming languages with strong technical skills
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, capable of advocating technical solutions to both technical and business audiences
• Publications in top-tier conferences or journals

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the sportswear or technology industry
• Familiarity with Nike's business and product development processes
• Experience with cloud-based technologies and infrastructure

What We Offer

As a Senior Director, Applied Science at NIKE, Inc., you will enjoy:

Competitive Compensation

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $199,200.00 in our lowest geographic market to $471,100.00 in our highest geographic market. Actual salary will vary based on a candidate's location, qualifications, skills, and experience.

Benefits and Perks

• Generous total rewards package
• Casual work environment
• Diverse and inclusive culture
• Electric atmosphere for professional development
• Opportunities for growth and career advancement

Why Join NIKE?

At NIKE, Inc., we're committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees and job applicants. 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.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

NIKE, Inc. is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.

How to Apply

If this role sounds like a perfect fit, don't hesitate. Apply today and let's build the future together.

Apply To This Job

We look forward to hearing from you!