TN Visa Principal Designer Jobs
Principal Designer roles qualify for TN visa sponsorship under the USMCA's Engineer and Scientific Technician categories when the position requires a relevant bachelor's degree. Canadian citizens can enter at the port of entry without a cap. Mexican nationals apply through a U.S. consulate under a limited annual allocation.
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Get Access To All JobsWHO YOU’LL WORK WITH
This is an individual contributor opportunity reporting to the NA GEL Design Director and involves working directly with the NA footwear design team and the NA Product Management and Development teams, as well as Nike creative and business stakeholders. You’ll also play a mentorship role, guiding junior designers and contributing to the creative leadership culture within the North America team.
If this is you, you will be helping to lead the NAEL, Jordan design team in creating unique, geo-specific collections across Men’s, Women’s and Kids product on a seasonal basis. This will include setting distinct color and material direction, developing original content and product storytelling. The Principal Designer will work closely with:
- Graphic Designers to develop prints, patterns and trims.
- Product Management teams to build engaging, trend-driven narratives that meet the needs of target consumers.
- Development teams to communicate design intent, help with schematic creation and review and workshop prototypes.
The ideal candidate will also be responsible for managing and designing presentation materials and presenting concepts to internal teams and leadership as well as external partners.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Nike Express Lane is one of the fastest product engines at Nike, enabling designers to connect with geo-specific consumers quickly and effectively. This competitive advantage allows the team to capture current and developing market trends as well as regionally relevant narratives with flexibility and speed. We are looking for a candidate who is an experienced creative leader who embraces an entrepreneurial spirit and will thrive in a team environment.
We are looking for an experienced creative leader with an entrepreneurial mindset who thrives in a collaborative environment. This individual embodies our values of authenticity, accountability, collaboration, and courage, while operating with independence and a strong self-driven approach. They have a proven track record of influencing internal and external partners, setting a clear vision, and executing decisively.
The ideal Principal Designer will lead seasonal material direction and color strategy for footwear within the North America Express Lane business. They will play an active role in shaping the creative process, bringing strong cross-functional communication skills and the ability to present compelling concepts to diverse audiences. This designer is a strategic thinker and versatile problem solver, comfortable navigating ambiguity and delivering high impact solutions in a fast-paced environment, with a deep understanding of footwear construction, color theory, textiles, and emerging design and fashion trends.
Education
BA/BFA/MA/MFA preferred in graphic design, fashion design, industrial design, apparel design, material design, or textile design. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training.
Experience:
- Preferred design experience: 8+ years
- People management experience: Nice to have
- Experienced mentor supporting junior designers' growth in a collaborative, inclusive creative team.
- Comprehensive knowledge of current and emerging design and fashion trends in sportswear and streetwear footwear and apparel.
- Willingness and ability to travel seasonally.
- Expert-level knowledge in Color and Materials Design for products.
- Strong understanding of footwear construction, schematic development and tech pack creation.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and timelines at once.
- Strong understanding of end-to-end product creation process.
- Ability to translate consumer insights into thoughtful narratives and graphic storytelling.
- Strong visual and verbal presentation skills; able to effectively show and communicate design intent to internal and external audiences.
- Experience in leading a cross-functional team of developers and project managers through design and creation.
- Professional level experience using Illustrator & Photoshop; Miro.
WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON
The Principal Footwear Color & Materials Designer is a creative leader who thrives in fast-paced, multicultural environments, always looking to break new ground and push the boundaries of possibility for Jordan Brand. This role shaping seasonal product stories across for all genders, while actively seeking innovative approaches and new opportunities to elevate the Jordan Brand.
Key responsibilities include developing material and color strategies for NA Express Lane, presenting ideas to varied audiences, and managing complex projects within tight deadlines. The role demands strong problem-solving, project management, and collaboration skills, plus expertise in North America specific design trends. Essential are knowledge of footwear construction, color theory, and textiles, as well as adaptability and experience working with factory partners on innovative designs.
- Uses sophisticated skills to create product expressions that align with global creative direction, seasonal key concepts, gender strategies, franchise journeys, geo assortments and connect with the NA consumer.
- Drive the seasonal color and materials strategy for the NA footwear by leveraging consumer insights and market trends to craft innovative palettes, trims, and applications that deliver compelling product stories.
- Partner with Product Management, and Development to build trend-driven assortments, communicate design intent, review prototypes, and refine execution.
- Obsess storytelling and share the “why” behind the work. Present concepts clearly to internal teams, leadership, and external partners, effectively communicating the purpose behind design decisions.
- Manage design deliverables and project timelines, planning and executing product details, reviewing samples, resolving feasibility issues, and ensuring timely project completion.
- Demonstrate strong trend mining skills with a deep connection to consumer and city trends; in-depth knowledge of Nike DNA and the color blocking of iconic footwear models is an advantage.
- Mentoring junior designers and contribute to the studio’s creative culture.
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.
WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH
This is an individual contributor opportunity reporting to the NA GEL Design Director and involves working directly with the NA footwear design team and the NA Product Management and Development teams, as well as Nike creative and business stakeholders. You’ll also play a mentorship role, guiding junior designers and contributing to the creative leadership culture within the North America team.
If this is you, you will be helping to lead the NAEL, Jordan design team in creating unique, geo-specific collections across Men’s, Women’s and Kids product on a seasonal basis. This will include setting distinct color and material direction, developing original content and product storytelling. The Principal Designer will work closely with:
- Graphic Designers to develop prints, patterns and trims.
- Product Management teams to build engaging, trend-driven narratives that meet the needs of target consumers.
- Development teams to communicate design intent, help with schematic creation and review and workshop prototypes.
The ideal candidate will also be responsible for managing and designing presentation materials and presenting concepts to internal teams and leadership as well as external partners.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Nike Express Lane is one of the fastest product engines at Nike, enabling designers to connect with geo-specific consumers quickly and effectively. This competitive advantage allows the team to capture current and developing market trends as well as regionally relevant narratives with flexibility and speed. We are looking for a candidate who is an experienced creative leader who embraces an entrepreneurial spirit and will thrive in a team environment.
We are looking for an experienced creative leader with an entrepreneurial mindset who thrives in a collaborative environment. This individual embodies our values of authenticity, accountability, collaboration, and courage, while operating with independence and a strong self-driven approach. They have a proven track record of influencing internal and external partners, setting a clear vision, and executing decisively.
The ideal Principal Designer will lead seasonal material direction and color strategy for footwear within the North America Express Lane business. They will play an active role in shaping the creative process, bringing strong cross-functional communication skills and the ability to present compelling concepts to diverse audiences. This designer is a strategic thinker and versatile problem solver, comfortable navigating ambiguity and delivering high impact solutions in a fast-paced environment, with a deep understanding of footwear construction, color theory, textiles, and emerging design and fashion trends.
Education
BA/BFA/MA/MFA preferred in graphic design, fashion design, industrial design, apparel design, material design, or textile design. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training.
Experience:
- Preferred design experience: 8+ years
- People management experience: Nice to have
- Experienced mentor supporting junior designers' growth in a collaborative, inclusive creative team.
- Comprehensive knowledge of current and emerging design and fashion trends in sportswear and streetwear footwear and apparel.
- Willingness and ability to travel seasonally.
- Expert-level knowledge in Color and Materials Design for products.
- Strong understanding of footwear construction, schematic development and tech pack creation.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and timelines at once.
- Strong understanding of end-to-end product creation process.
- Ability to translate consumer insights into thoughtful narratives and graphic storytelling.
- Strong visual and verbal presentation skills; able to effectively show and communicate design intent to internal and external audiences.
- Experience in leading a cross-functional team of developers and project managers through design and creation.
- Professional level experience using Illustrator & Photoshop; Miro.
WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON
The Principal Footwear Color & Materials Designer is a creative leader who thrives in fast-paced, multicultural environments, always looking to break new ground and push the boundaries of possibility for Jordan Brand. This role shaping seasonal product stories across for all genders, while actively seeking innovative approaches and new opportunities to elevate the Jordan Brand.
Key responsibilities include developing material and color strategies for NA Express Lane, presenting ideas to varied audiences, and managing complex projects within tight deadlines. The role demands strong problem-solving, project management, and collaboration skills, plus expertise in North America specific design trends. Essential are knowledge of footwear construction, color theory, and textiles, as well as adaptability and experience working with factory partners on innovative designs.
- Uses sophisticated skills to create product expressions that align with global creative direction, seasonal key concepts, gender strategies, franchise journeys, geo assortments and connect with the NA consumer.
- Drive the seasonal color and materials strategy for the NA footwear by leveraging consumer insights and market trends to craft innovative palettes, trims, and applications that deliver compelling product stories.
- Partner with Product Management, and Development to build trend-driven assortments, communicate design intent, review prototypes, and refine execution.
- Obsess storytelling and share the “why” behind the work. Present concepts clearly to internal teams, leadership, and external partners, effectively communicating the purpose behind design decisions.
- Manage design deliverables and project timelines, planning and executing product details, reviewing samples, resolving feasibility issues, and ensuring timely project completion.
- Demonstrate strong trend mining skills with a deep connection to consumer and city trends; in-depth knowledge of Nike DNA and the color blocking of iconic footwear models is an advantage.
- Mentoring junior designers and contribute to the studio’s creative culture.
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.
See all 42+ Principal Designer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Principal Designer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding TN Visa Sponsorship as a Principal Designer
Match your degree to the role
TN approval for Principal Designer roles turns on whether your degree field directly maps to the job duties. A degree in industrial design, architecture, or engineering supports the petition far more cleanly than a general arts credential.
Target companies with established design teams
Employers with structured in-house design organizations are more familiar with TN documentation requirements than startups hiring their first designer. Look for postings that list a dedicated design leadership function rather than a hybrid creative role.
Clarify the specialty occupation case before accepting
Principal Designer titles sometimes blend creative direction with general management. Confirm with your employer that the offer letter frames the role around specialized design expertise, not broad team leadership, since TN requires a direct tie between the degree and the duties.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified sponsoring employers
Search Principal Designer openings on Migrate Mate to filter for employers with recent visa filings and experience sponsoring work visas. This cuts down the time spent approaching companies that lack visa sponsorship familiarity or internal HR processes to support the application.
Prepare a Canadian port-of-entry TN packet
Canadian citizens can request TN status directly at a land border or pre-clearance airport. Bring your signed offer letter, degree transcripts, and a one-page role summary explaining how the position qualifies under an accepted USMCA professional category.
Understand the Mexican consular timeline before signing
Mexican nationals must schedule a U.S. consular appointment, which adds weeks to the start date. Negotiate your offer start date with this window in mind and confirm the employer can hold the role during consular processing before you accept.
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Find Principal Designer JobsPrincipal Designer TN Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Principal Designer role qualify for TN visa status?
Principal Designer can qualify under the TN Engineer or Scientific Technician categories if the position requires a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as industrial design, architecture, or engineering. The role's duties must demonstrate specialized expertise tied to that credential. Generalist or purely managerial design roles are harder to support under TN without a clear degree nexus.
How does TN compare to H-1B for Principal Designer positions?
TN has no annual lottery, no cap for Canadian citizens, and approvals for Canadians can happen at a port of entry on the same day. H-1B requires entering a randomized lottery each spring with no guarantee of selection. For a qualified Canadian or Mexican Principal Designer, TN is a faster and more predictable path than waiting for an H-1B lottery outcome.
Where can I find Principal Designer jobs that offer TN visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate lists Principal Designer openings filtered by employers with TN and work visa sponsorship history. Searching there surfaces companies that already understand the TN filing process, which reduces back-and-forth with HR teams unfamiliar with USMCA professional categories.
Can my employer file the TN petition on my behalf, or do I handle it?
For Canadian citizens entering at a port of entry, you present the TN documentation directly to a CBP officer and your employer does not file a petition with USCIS in advance. Mexican nationals require a consular visa application where the employer provides a supporting offer letter and documentation, but USCIS is not involved in the initial approval.
What happens to my TN status if my Principal Designer role changes significantly?
If your duties shift substantially, such as moving from hands-on design work into a primarily executive or general management role, your existing TN may no longer cover the position. You and your employer should reassess whether the revised role still meets the specialty occupation and degree nexus requirements, and file an amended TN if the job description has materially changed.
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