- Location
- KOREA FOOTWEAR LIAISON OFFICE, Korea, Republic of
- Type
- Full-time
- Department
- Engineering
- Seniority
- Senior
- Experience
- 3+ years
- Education
- PhD
- Source
- Workday
Description
WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH
The Senior Chemical Engineer will join a team focused on designing, developing, and scaling advanced technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes to create world-class athletic footwear. This role partners closely with global cross-functional teams across Nike, manufacturing partners, and material suppliers, and reports to a Senior Manager, Chemical Engineering based in Korea.
The team collaborates with Nike leadership and factory partners to implement best practices across the manufacturing network. They apply chemical and process engineering expertise to translate research into scalable, high-quality products and processes that perform at the highest level.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The team is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer who brings curiosity, discipline, and a drive to solve complex problems. This individual thrives in dynamic environments and is motivated to advance innovation in athletic footwear.
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in chemical engineering, preferably in footwear or adjacent industries (e.g., tires, polyurethane, plastics)
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Polymers, or related field
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically, prioritize in technical environments, and manage multiple complex projects with high-impact outcomes
- Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with a track record of working effectively across diverse, cross-functional teams and guiding projects to completion
- Effective problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity and shifting priorities
- Customer-focused mindset with the ability to communicate clearly and provide direction to internal and external partners
- Commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement
- Proficiency with data tools such as JMP, Minitab, Statistica, Excel, and DOE
- Strong written and oral communication skills both Korean & English.
WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON
In this role, you will lead strategic chemical engineering projects aligned with Nike’s manufacturing and innovation priorities. You will act as a subject matter expert across chemical and process domains, ensuring progress toward strategic goals while upholding manufacturing and quality standards. You will use data-driven insights to solve complex challenges and drive corrective actions across development and production.
- Serve as a functional expert in bottom component technology during product development, identifying risks early and validating new technologies for production readiness
- Navigate ambiguity with confidence and define solution pathways while elevating manufacturing partner capabilities, including ramping new chemical facilities with consistent quality
- Apply chemical and process engineering expertise to design, develop, and scale new products and manufacturing processes
- Perform development engineering work across Chemical, Material, Innovation, and Mechanical functions
- Build deep expertise in bottom-making technologies to proactively address manufacturing challenges
- Support and grow manufacturing partner capabilities, including guiding new facility ramp-ups to ensure consistent quality
- Collaborate with Nike leadership and factory teams to implement best practices across manufacturing locations
