Lead, Manufacturing Engineer Automation Solutions Air

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH Nike Air Manufacturing & Innovation (Air MI) is transforming manufacturing through automation, robotics, connected systems, and Industry 4.0 capabilities. This role reports directly to the Director, Manufacturing Engineering Automation Global and partners closely with Operations, Process Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, IT, Product Development Engineering, and external technology partners to define the future of manufacturing at Air MI.

LOOKING FOR We are seeking a Lead Automation Engineer to drive the front-end development of Air MI's automation strategy for AM93, our high-volume, low-SKU manufacturing hub. This role is responsible for identifying automation opportunities, developing technology roadmaps, evaluating emerging technologies, building business cases, leading proof-of-concept activities, and creating production-intent designs that improve safety, quality, productivity, and manufacturing flexibility. This is a highly strategic technical leadership role. The ideal candidate combines strong automation expertise with business acumen and systems thinking. They are comfortable operating in ambiguity, influencing across functions, developing compelling investment cases, and translating long-term manufacturing objectives into executable automation roadmaps. The successful candidate will play a key role in helping establish AM93 as Air MI's benchmark for smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 adoption while creating scalable solutions that can be replicated across the broader manufacturing network. Key attributes for this role include: Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering or other manufacturing or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training. Minimum 6 years of experience in automation, robotics, controls, manufacturing systems, or related engineering disciplines. Proven experience leading automation initiatives from concept through pilot validation. Experience developing business cases, capital justifications, and technology investment strategies. Strong technical understanding of robotics, material handling automation, machine vision, industrial controls, and connected manufacturing systems. Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and communicate effectively with both technical and business audiences. WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON As the Lead Automation Engineer, you will define and shape the future automation roadmap for AM93 while building the pipeline of technologies and solutions that support Air MI's long-term manufacturing strategy. You will lead the early phases of the automation lifecycle—from opportunity identification through production-intent design—before partnering with deployment teams to execute and scale successful solutions. You will: Develop and maintain the AM93 automation strategy and technology roadmap aligned to smart manufacturing objectives. Identify, prioritize, and evaluate automation opportunities across manufacturing, material handling, inspection, packaging, and connected systems. Lead technology scouting activities and engage external partners to identify emerging automation capabilities. Develop and execute proof-of-concept initiatives to validate technical feasibility and business value. Build business cases and investment recommendations, including ROI, implementation strategy, and scalability assessments. Own production-intent design development, system architecture, and deployment standards for future automation initiatives. Partner with Operations, Process Engineering, Maintenance, IT, and Quality to ensure solutions align with manufacturing needs and long-term business objectives. 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