WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH
The Director, Manufacturing Process Engineering at Air MI leads Process Engineering to establish and sustain globally capable manufacturing for Nike Air Technology. The function sets network process standards, scales processes across sites, and owns manufacturing readiness and the sustained performance of production equipment and product quality.
The team develops, optimizes, and sustains the manufacturing processes used to create Nike Air components across sheet, extrusion, air soles, and foam production. This role shapes process capability and manufacturing readiness in alignment with the Air MI Manufacturing System (AMS)—focusing on standardization, flow, stability, quality, and Lean-driven continuous improvement.
You will partner closely with Product Development Design, Tooling, Quality Systems Engineering, Automation Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Air Standards, Human Resources (workforce planning and technical depth), and Information Technology (MES, data platforms, analytics, and traceability) to deliver safe, scalable, standardized, data-driven processes that enable Air MI to meet demand, reduce scrap and waste, and operate as a unified global network.
The Director, Manufacturing Process Engineering manages a team of Process Engineers responsible for manufacturing readiness and the ongoing performance of Air MI production equipment and product quality.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Director, Manufacturing Process Engineering will set the standard for manufacturing excellence and drive a continuous improvement mindset. This role is a key member of the team that delivers AIR and is expected to: drive process optimization and deliver quality; integrate digital and automation solutions; lead continuous improvement and team collaboration with emphasis on Lean Six Sigma; and promote workplace safety. This leader will elevate, evolve, and drive manufacturing process engineering best practices and standards while driving the adoption of real-time data systems. The right person for this role will bring deep expertise in predictive modeling or digital twins and excel in process simulation, modeling, and/or unit operations. You need to be solutions oriented, decisive, and bring a hands-on approach to teaching and problem solving, with a proven track record of improving efficiencies in processes and teams.
Leadership and technical competencies for this role include:
- Strategic process engineering and network standardization across a global manufacturing footprint
- Process validation and control strategy, in partnership with Quality Systems and Air Standards
- Statistical engineering, including DOE, SPC, and process capability studies (e.g., sixpack reviews where applicable)
- Materials and unit operations mastery relevant to Air MI processes
- Simulation and digital twin methods where they materially improve capability or scale-up
- Leadership, coaching, and building technical depth and succession on the team
- Cross-functional influence across Design, Tooling, Operations, Automation, and Quality
- TPS or equivalent and standards fluency—behaviors, standard work, and governance that prevent drift
Requirements:
- Experience — At least 10 years of process engineering leadership experience in plastics, semiconductor, technology, oil & gas/chemicals, aerospace, automotive or food & beverage manufacturing industries
- Education — Bachelor’s degree in chemical, mechanical, manufacturing, or industrial engineering
- Technical — Process simulation/optimization/digital twin technology, heat/mass balance, Six Sigma, lean manufacturing, statistical modeling/analysis
- Industry 4.0 / Manufacturing 4.0 — Track record of leading modernization of manufacturing systems—connecting equipment, processes, and data—to enable predictive insights, standardized execution, and faster, evidence-based decisions across the network.
Preferred Attributes:
- Experience leading a team and creating, driving, and communicating a strategy
- Experience in process development and validation in a high-volume manufacturing environment
- Knowledge of thermoforming of thermoplastic polyurethanes, RF welding, and part trimming is preferred
- Proven ability to work with associates of all levels including machine operators, supervisors, experts, engineers, technicians, and executives
WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON
You will lead the Process Engineering team responsible for process optimization, manufacturing readiness, and product quality across sheet, extrusion, foam, and air sole manufacturing—aligned to AMS and network standardization. You will partner with Quality Systems, Automation Engineering, Manufacturing Operations and EH&S as needed to deliver scalable processes, modern equipment strategies, and a data-driven operating rhythm.
Sample execution rhythm:
- Weekly: Review process performance; prioritize capability work (including DOE and capability studies); align with cross-functional partners; drive Kaizen and standard deployment
- Monthly: Conduct network capability reviews; manage validation readiness and gating; refresh standard work; assess team skills and coverage against the roadmap
- Quarterly: Refresh Process Engineering strategy; assess AMS maturity; prioritize the PE portfolio; align a process technology roadmap (methods, data, and automation enablers)
Outcomes and metrics:
- Own and improve KPIs including scrap/waste, OEE, Cpk/Ppk, first-pass yield, adherence to launch/ramp curves, and validation cycle time—using clear targets and a visible review cadence
Risk and governance:
- Prevent standard drift across the network; close validation and documentation gaps before scale-up
- Protect process capability and align resources to the highest-risk processes, equipment, and product launches
You get to:
- Lead and develop a high-performing Process Engineering team, driving technical excellence, talent growth, and disciplined engineering practices
- Own process design, capability, and optimization, ensuring stable, robust processes that meet throughput, OEE, and Cpk requirements while supporting Air MI network standardization
- Oversee process monitoring and troubleshooting, enabling rapid response to abnormalities and improving machine availability through expert understanding of materials, tooling, equipment, and key machine operating parameters
- Ensure documentation and validation rigor, including control plans, process specifications, validation packages, and standard work in partnership with Air Standards and Quality Systems
- Demonstrate an ownership mindset and AMS behaviors: lead Kaizen events, reduce scrap and waste through root cause analysis, and advance data-driven digital and automation solutions across Air MI’s global manufacturing network
- Maximize the potential of the team through consistent mentoring, training, and professional development
- Drive clarity through task and project prioritization, systems-based work, and addressing resource and operational challenges in alignment with department strategy
- Collaborate with stakeholders so priorities, alignment, and status are clear and current
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.
