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Soft Goods Design Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Ariat is driven by world class design, innovation and technology all focused on delivering the ... in a soft goods apparel environment * Equestrian/riding experience a plus - Western or English

Ariat is driven by world class design, innovation and technology all focused on delivering the ... in a soft goods apparel environment * Equestrian/riding experience a plus - Western or English

Soft Goods Design information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in soft goods design?

To thrive in Soft Goods Design, you need expertise in textiles, pattern-making, sewing techniques, and product development, typically supported by a degree in industrial design, fashion design, or a related field. Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, CAD programs, and prototyping tools is essential, as are knowledge of material testing standards. Strong attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and effective team communication are key soft skills for success in this role. These abilities ensure that products are innovative, functional, and manufacturable while meeting client and user needs.

What is a soft goods design?

A Soft Goods Design job involves designing and developing products made from flexible materials like textiles, leather, and foams. This can include apparel, bags, footwear, upholstery, or technical gear. Designers in this field focus on material selection, construction techniques, functionality, and aesthetics to create products that meet user needs. They often work with manufacturers, engineers, and product developers to bring their designs to life.

What are some common challenges faced by soft goods designers?

Soft goods designers often encounter the challenge of balancing aesthetic appeal with functionality and manufacturability. They must stay current with rapidly evolving materials and technologies while working within cost, time, and production constraints. Collaborating closely with engineers, product managers, and manufacturing teams, designers must adjust their concepts to meet technical and practical requirements. Additionally, iterating through prototypes and user testing is a frequent part of the job to ensure the final product meets both quality and user expectations.

What are popular job titles related to Soft Goods Design jobs in Oregon? For Soft Goods Design jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Soft Goods Design jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Soft Goods Design jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Soft Goods Design jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Soft Goods Design job openings:
Infographic showing various Soft Goods Design job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Lead Innovation Engineer, Global Accessories

Nike

Beaverton, OR • On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Nike rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 274 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 104 rated fashion retailers


Job description

WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH
This role sits within Nike's Accessories Innovation team, part of the broader Nike Innovation organization. The team operates at the intersection of science, design, and sport, partnering closely with inline Accessories teams, the Innovation Test Lab, and cross-functional partners across Product Innovation, Technical Design, Development, Materials, and Product Management. Together, they translate athlete insight and emerging technology into performance-driven accessories built for sport at the highest level.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Lead Innovator, Accessories brings deep technical mastery and creative rigor to performance product creation. This individual pairs engineering discipline with a builder's mindset and is comfortable moving seamlessly from concept to prototype to validation. They use data, testing, and athlete insight to guide decisions, and they communicate complex ideas with clarity and confidence. The role calls for strong self-direction, sound project management, and the ability to navigate multiple workstreams simultaneously. Just as important, this innovator thrives in collaboration, partnering across functions and with external manufacturing teams to push performance forward. They are hands-on, curious, and driven to turn new ideas into real-world solutions that stand up to sport.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, Innovation, Industrial Design, performance product design, or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training
  • A minimum of 6 years directly relevant work experience
  • Strong grasp of Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to inform design decisions
  • Hands-on prototyping skills, including machine shop work, sewing, composites, electronics, and/or 3D printing
  • Experience working directly with large-scale manufacturing partners and a range of manufacturing techniques

WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON
You will help shape the future of Nike equipment and accessories through iterative design, testing, and collaboration. Working across innovation, development, and testing partners, you will turn athlete insight and data into high-performance solutions built for the game.
  • You partner with the Accessories Innovation team, Equipment Development, and the Innovation Test Lab to create and refine new concepts
  • You design, prototype, and iterate equipment and accessories using data, physical testing, and athlete feedback
  • You collaborate with cross-functional teams across Product, Materials, and Manufacturing to bring ideas to life
  • You apply knowledge of injection molding, soft-goods construction, composite development, and advanced materials
  • You communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • You help evaluate performance through simulation, lab testing, and real-world use
  • You contribute to innovation in equipment and accessories with an understanding of Global Football through the lens of performance

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.

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