Principal Designer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Principal Designer roles in the U.S. regularly qualify for H-1B visa and O-1 visa sponsorship, with employers filing Labor Condition Applications through the Department of Labor. Design leadership positions typically meet specialty occupation requirements when a bachelor's degree in design, HCI, or a related field is standard for the role. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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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 112+ Principal Designer jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Principal Designer
Document the degree requirement clearly
H-1B approval for design roles depends on establishing that a specific bachelor's degree is required, not just preferred. Ask your employer to ensure the job description and LCA explicitly state a degree in design, HCI, or a related field as a baseline requirement.
Highlight systems-level design experience
Principal Designer roles that involve design systems, cross-functional leadership, or product strategy are easier to defend as specialty occupations. Evidence of complex, theory-driven work strengthens the petition beyond just a portfolio of finished screens or deliverables.
Consider O-1A if your profile is strong
If you have industry awards, published work, speaking engagements, or have led high-visibility products, you may qualify for an O-1A visa. This category has no lottery and no annual cap, making it worth exploring alongside the H-1B path.
Get your employer moving on the LCA early
The Labor Condition Application must be certified by the Department of Labor before your H-1B petition can be filed. This step takes around seven business days but can delay timelines if the employer initiates it late in the process.
Clarify your degree equivalency upfront
Australian three-year design degrees and international qualifications may require a credential evaluation to confirm U.S. bachelor's equivalency. Resolve this before the petition is filed to avoid a Request for Evidence that adds weeks to processing.
Target employers with a sponsorship track record
Some design studios and product companies sponsor visas regularly while others have never navigated the process. Focusing your search on employers with prior LCA filings reduces friction and signals they already understand what the process involves.
Principal Designer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Principal Designer JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Principal Designer role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Generally yes, provided the employer requires a bachelor's degree or higher in design, human-computer interaction, visual communication, or a closely related field as a baseline. Roles where any bachelor's degree satisfies the requirement regardless of field can face scrutiny. The more clearly the job description ties the position to a specific body of theoretical knowledge, the stronger the petition.
How common is H-1B sponsorship for Principal Designer positions?
Design leadership roles at mid-size and large tech companies, agencies, and product companies do receive H-1B sponsorship with reasonable frequency. Companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft regularly file LCAs for senior design roles. Sponsorship is less common at smaller studios without an established immigration program. You can browse Principal Designer roles with confirmed sponsorship on Migrate Mate.
Can I qualify for an O-1 visa as a Principal Designer?
Yes, if your work meets the extraordinary ability standard. Qualifying evidence could include industry awards such as a D&AD Pencil or Fast Company Innovation Award, judging design competitions, being cited in major publications, or leading design on a widely recognized product. The O-1A has no cap or lottery, making it a practical alternative if your profile supports it.
What if my degree is in a field adjacent to design, like psychology or architecture?
Adjacent degrees can support an H-1B petition when the connection to the role is well-argued. A psychology degree is defensible for a Principal Designer focused on user research or behavioral design. Architecture or fine arts backgrounds are harder to connect to product design without supplementary coursework. Your employer's immigration attorney should assess the specific degree-to-role alignment before filing.
Does Principal Designer experience abroad count toward my U.S. visa eligibility?
International work experience is fully creditable and often strengthens a petition by demonstrating a sustained career at a senior level. For H-1B purposes, three years of specialized experience can substitute for one year of university education under the three-for-one rule. For O-1A, international recognition, awards, and publications carry significant weight regardless of where the work was done.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Principal 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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