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
Design
Location
1 Bowerman Drive, Beaverton, Oregon 97005, United States
Job ID
R-82862
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 is an individual contributor opportunity reporting to the NA Footwear 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.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Nike Local Creation 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.
The ideal Lead Designer will be responsible for establishing seasonal Graphic direction, color, and material strategy for footwear product under the North America Express Lane business. This designer will be an active and energetic participant in the creative process and have excellent cross-functional communication skills, presenting design concepts to internal and external audiences and executing complex deliverables in a fast-paced environment. The Lead Designer will be a versatile creative problem solver who excels under tight deadlines, has a strong understanding of emerging design and fashion trends, and extensive knowledge of footwear construction, color theory, and textiles.
Education
BA/BFA/MA/MFA preferred in graphic design, fashion design, industrial design, apparel design, material design, textile design or a related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience or training.
Experience:
- Preferred design experience: 6+ years
- People management experience: N/A
- Comprehensive knowledge of current and emerging design and fashion trends in sportswear and streetwear footwear and apparel.
- Deep knowledge and experience in Color and/or Material design + Graphics specifically for product.
- Foundational understanding of footwear construction, schematic development and tech pack creation.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and timelines at once.
- 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.
- Professional level experience using Illustrator & Photoshop; Miro
WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON
If this is you, you will be helping to lead the NAEL design team in creating unique, geo-specific collections across Men’s, Women’s, Running and Kids product on a seasonal basis. This will include setting distinct colour and material direction, developing original content and product storytelling. The Lead Designer will work closely with:
- Graphic Designers and production designers to develop prints, patterns and trims.
- Material Developers for all vendor related material development
- 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.
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
Design
Location
1 Bowerman Drive, Beaverton, Oregon 97005, United States
Job ID
R-82862
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 is an individual contributor opportunity reporting to the NA Footwear 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.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Nike Local Creation 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.
The ideal Lead Designer will be responsible for establishing seasonal Graphic direction, color, and material strategy for footwear product under the North America Express Lane business. This designer will be an active and energetic participant in the creative process and have excellent cross-functional communication skills, presenting design concepts to internal and external audiences and executing complex deliverables in a fast-paced environment. The Lead Designer will be a versatile creative problem solver who excels under tight deadlines, has a strong understanding of emerging design and fashion trends, and extensive knowledge of footwear construction, color theory, and textiles.
Education
BA/BFA/MA/MFA preferred in graphic design, fashion design, industrial design, apparel design, material design, textile design or a related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience or training.
Experience:
- Preferred design experience: 6+ years
- People management experience: N/A
- Comprehensive knowledge of current and emerging design and fashion trends in sportswear and streetwear footwear and apparel.
- Deep knowledge and experience in Color and/or Material design + Graphics specifically for product.
- Foundational understanding of footwear construction, schematic development and tech pack creation.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and timelines at once.
- 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.
- Professional level experience using Illustrator & Photoshop; Miro
WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON
If this is you, you will be helping to lead the NAEL design team in creating unique, geo-specific collections across Men’s, Women’s, Running and Kids product on a seasonal basis. This will include setting distinct colour and material direction, developing original content and product storytelling. The Lead Designer will work closely with:
- Graphic Designers and production designers to develop prints, patterns and trims.
- Material Developers for all vendor related material development
- 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.
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 144+ 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.
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