Lead Designer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Lead Designer roles attract H-1B visa and O-1 visa sponsorship from tech companies, agencies, and startups. Most require a bachelor's degree in design or a related field, and employers filing an LCA must meet prevailing wage requirements for your location and experience level. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Type
Full Time
Career area
Product Creation, Development & Management
Location
1 Bowerman Drive, Beaverton, Oregon 97005, United States
Job ID
R-76572
Become a Part of the NIKE, Inc. Team
NIKE, Inc. does more than outfit the world’s best athletes. It’s a place where passionate individuals come together to create the future of sport. We are unapologetic about who we are and what we’re after—bringing innovation and inspiration to every athlete* in the world. We look for athletes who can push boundaries, elevate our potential and continue leading us to greatness. The next tastemakers, playmakers, risk takers and glue players. Are you game?
WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH
This role will report to the Sr. Manager of Technical Design, Jordan Apparel – Streetwear.
The Sr. Technical Developer will collaborate with Design, Product Management, PCC, materials, quality, color and manufacturing to effectively execute on product development & fit goal deliverables.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We’re looking for a Lead Technical Designer with expertise in construction, fit standards, textiles, trims and graphics to be part of our creative team within Jordan Apparel. The ideal candidate needs to be a creative problem-solver, strategic thinker and have strong project management capabilities – they can communicate effectively & demonstrate credibility and reliability. The Lead Technical Designer will support the team with technical recommendations that serve our athletes and consumers and communicating issues or offering solutions in a fast-paced environment.
The Lead Technical Designer owns the fit and construction from initial concept through to commercialization and production for assigned styles to lead to on-time development and delivery according to critical dates, product specification, and sustainability, performance and profitability goals.
The Lead Technical Designer keeps abreast of market trends, team goals, new technologies and consumer needs throughout the development process and engages appropriately to ensure projects are completed within corporate guidelines and goals for all facets of product creation. Additionally, the Lead Technical Designer acts as a technical resource to others, has a thorough understanding of the full scope of product creation, leads initiatives through high energy, and positively influences the team with best practices.
We are looking for someone who is optimistic, self-aware, embraces change, and holds their decisions and actions accountable, actively seeks feedback to grow and develop, values and respects the opinions of their teammates, and embraces the diversity of people, ideas and cultures.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
-
Bachelor's degree in apparel design, textile science or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience & training.
-
A minimum of 6 years directly relevant work experience.
-
Experience with the apparel development process from inception through production including pattern making, grading, construction materials, costing, manufacturing and quality.
-
Strong problem solving, organization and communication skills.
-
Experience interpreting design intent, offering alternative solutions, and acting as a technical resource.
-
Expert in writing product specs and construction standards instructions.
-
Proficient working with factory vendors to ensure and improve manufacturability.
-
Ability to manage multiple projects.
-
Experience using Adobe Illustrator, CAD Pattern Design software (Optitex) and 3D software (Clo/Browzwear) highly desired.
-
Proficiency with MS Office programs.
-
Ability to travel up to 10% of the time (domestic and international).
WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON
You will work within the Jordan Apparel – Streetwear team, managing your assigned styles collaboratively with your cross functional partners on creative solutions and execution whilst creating digital protos and tech packs for our factories. You will review protos and samples, taking the styles through the creation process and ensuring to meet gates and dates to ensure on-time production capability.
You will create and update Tech Packs for our PCC (Product Creation Center) and factory partners including measurements, construction sketches and graphic placements.
You will hold proto review sessions and write comments, as well as drive & execute fit and construction standards for your product group to ensure consistency.
You will track and request prototypes for your styles, meet calendar target dates, attend meetings that relate to your product’s development and communicate progress and challenges to your team as needed.
You will identify and address key challenges in construction/manufacturing and plan accordingly to deliver proven and tested product. Monitoring and communicating progress throughout the product testing process to meet product integrity requirements is key.
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.
NIKE, Inc. is a growth company that looks for team members to grow with it. Nike offers a generous total rewards package, casual work environment, a diverse and inclusive culture, and an electric atmosphere for professional development. No matter the location, or the role, every Nike employee shares one galvanizing mission: To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.
NIKE, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.
What You Can Expect
OUR HIRING GAME PLAN
01 Apply
Our teams are made up of diverse skillsets, knowledge bases, inputs, ideas and backgrounds. We want you to find your fit – review job descriptions, departments and teams to discover the role for you.
02 Meet a Recruiter or Take an Assessment
If selected for a corporate role, a recruiter will reach out to start your interview process and be your main contact throughout the process. For retail roles, you’ll complete an interactive assessment that includes a chat and quizzes and takes about 10-20 minutes to complete. No matter the role, we want to learn about you – the whole you – so don’t shy away from how you approach world-class service and what makes you unique.
03 Interview
Go into this stage confident by doing your research, understanding what we are looking for and being prepared for questions that are set up to learn more about you, and your background.
Position Type
Full Time
Career area
Product Creation, Development & Management
Location
1 Bowerman Drive, Beaverton, Oregon 97005, United States
Job ID
R-76572
Become a Part of the NIKE, Inc. Team
NIKE, Inc. does more than outfit the world’s best athletes. It’s a place where passionate individuals come together to create the future of sport. We are unapologetic about who we are and what we’re after—bringing innovation and inspiration to every athlete* in the world. We look for athletes who can push boundaries, elevate our potential and continue leading us to greatness. The next tastemakers, playmakers, risk takers and glue players. Are you game?
WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH
This role will report to the Sr. Manager of Technical Design, Jordan Apparel – Streetwear.
The Sr. Technical Developer will collaborate with Design, Product Management, PCC, materials, quality, color and manufacturing to effectively execute on product development & fit goal deliverables.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We’re looking for a Lead Technical Designer with expertise in construction, fit standards, textiles, trims and graphics to be part of our creative team within Jordan Apparel. The ideal candidate needs to be a creative problem-solver, strategic thinker and have strong project management capabilities – they can communicate effectively & demonstrate credibility and reliability. The Lead Technical Designer will support the team with technical recommendations that serve our athletes and consumers and communicating issues or offering solutions in a fast-paced environment.
The Lead Technical Designer owns the fit and construction from initial concept through to commercialization and production for assigned styles to lead to on-time development and delivery according to critical dates, product specification, and sustainability, performance and profitability goals.
The Lead Technical Designer keeps abreast of market trends, team goals, new technologies and consumer needs throughout the development process and engages appropriately to ensure projects are completed within corporate guidelines and goals for all facets of product creation. Additionally, the Lead Technical Designer acts as a technical resource to others, has a thorough understanding of the full scope of product creation, leads initiatives through high energy, and positively influences the team with best practices.
We are looking for someone who is optimistic, self-aware, embraces change, and holds their decisions and actions accountable, actively seeks feedback to grow and develop, values and respects the opinions of their teammates, and embraces the diversity of people, ideas and cultures.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
-
Bachelor's degree in apparel design, textile science or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience & training.
-
A minimum of 6 years directly relevant work experience.
-
Experience with the apparel development process from inception through production including pattern making, grading, construction materials, costing, manufacturing and quality.
-
Strong problem solving, organization and communication skills.
-
Experience interpreting design intent, offering alternative solutions, and acting as a technical resource.
-
Expert in writing product specs and construction standards instructions.
-
Proficient working with factory vendors to ensure and improve manufacturability.
-
Ability to manage multiple projects.
-
Experience using Adobe Illustrator, CAD Pattern Design software (Optitex) and 3D software (Clo/Browzwear) highly desired.
-
Proficiency with MS Office programs.
-
Ability to travel up to 10% of the time (domestic and international).
WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON
You will work within the Jordan Apparel – Streetwear team, managing your assigned styles collaboratively with your cross functional partners on creative solutions and execution whilst creating digital protos and tech packs for our factories. You will review protos and samples, taking the styles through the creation process and ensuring to meet gates and dates to ensure on-time production capability.
You will create and update Tech Packs for our PCC (Product Creation Center) and factory partners including measurements, construction sketches and graphic placements.
You will hold proto review sessions and write comments, as well as drive & execute fit and construction standards for your product group to ensure consistency.
You will track and request prototypes for your styles, meet calendar target dates, attend meetings that relate to your product’s development and communicate progress and challenges to your team as needed.
You will identify and address key challenges in construction/manufacturing and plan accordingly to deliver proven and tested product. Monitoring and communicating progress throughout the product testing process to meet product integrity requirements is key.
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.
NIKE, Inc. is a growth company that looks for team members to grow with it. Nike offers a generous total rewards package, casual work environment, a diverse and inclusive culture, and an electric atmosphere for professional development. No matter the location, or the role, every Nike employee shares one galvanizing mission: To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.
NIKE, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.
What You Can Expect
OUR HIRING GAME PLAN
01 Apply
Our teams are made up of diverse skillsets, knowledge bases, inputs, ideas and backgrounds. We want you to find your fit – review job descriptions, departments and teams to discover the role for you.
02 Meet a Recruiter or Take an Assessment
If selected for a corporate role, a recruiter will reach out to start your interview process and be your main contact throughout the process. For retail roles, you’ll complete an interactive assessment that includes a chat and quizzes and takes about 10-20 minutes to complete. No matter the role, we want to learn about you – the whole you – so don’t shy away from how you approach world-class service and what makes you unique.
03 Interview
Go into this stage confident by doing your research, understanding what we are looking for and being prepared for questions that are set up to learn more about you, and your background.
See all 1,486+ Lead Designer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Lead Designer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Lead Designer
Target companies with a sponsorship track record
Employers who have sponsored H-1B visas before understand the process and are far less likely to back out. Check USCIS LCA disclosure data to confirm a company has filed design-related petitions in the past two to three years.
Lead with your portfolio, not your visa status
Most hiring managers evaluate design candidates on portfolio quality first. Get the offer, then address sponsorship. Raising visa requirements before demonstrating your design value reduces your leverage significantly in early conversations.
Understand what your degree covers
H-1B specialty occupation requires your degree to match the role. A bachelor's in graphic design, industrial design, interaction design, or a closely related field typically satisfies this. Fine arts degrees may require additional documentation depending on the specific job duties.
O-1A is worth exploring if your work stands out
Lead Designers with published work, awards, jury credits, or industry recognition may qualify for the O-1A extraordinary ability visa. It bypasses the H-1B lottery entirely and can be filed at any time of year without an annual cap.
Clarify the role scope before applying
USCIS scrutinizes H-1B petitions more closely when job duties are broad or managerial. Lead Designer roles that include hands-on UX, visual design, or product design work are easier to approve than roles described primarily as team management.
Ask HR about their immigration counsel early
Companies that retain an immigration attorney handle sponsorship more smoothly than those figuring it out for the first time. Asking whether they work with outside counsel signals you know the process and helps you assess how prepared they are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Lead Designer role qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship?
Yes, Lead Designer roles generally qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations when the position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in design, UX, visual communication, or a closely related field. USCIS looks at whether the degree requirement is specific to the field, not just any bachelor's degree, so job descriptions that require a design-specific background are stronger candidates for approval.
What visa options exist for Lead Designers beyond the H-1B?
The O-1A visa is a strong alternative for Lead Designers with a recognizable body of work, awards, published features, or jury or advisory roles. It has no annual cap and no lottery. The EB-1A green card follows similar criteria for those pursuing permanent residence. Designers from Australia may also qualify for the E-3 visa, which has far less competition than the H-1B.
Does my design degree need to be from a U.S. university?
No. USCIS accepts foreign degrees, but they must be evaluated as equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree in a relevant field. A three-year Australian design degree is generally accepted as equivalent. If your degree is in a different field, you can substitute three years of specialized work experience for each year of missing education to meet the requirement.
Are H-1B approvals for design roles common?
H-1B approvals for design roles are approved regularly, but petitions describing the role as primarily managerial or cross-functional face more scrutiny. USCIS approves design petitions most consistently when the job duties center on hands-on design work requiring a specific degree. Roles blending design with general product management or business strategy can be harder to support without a well-documented petition.
Where can I find Lead Designer jobs that offer visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international job seekers looking for roles that offer visa sponsorship. Rather than sifting through general job listings and guessing which employers will sponsor, Migrate Mate surfaces companies with verified sponsorship histories so Lead Designers can focus on applications where sponsorship is already on the table.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Lead Designer jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.