The Innovation Footwear Developer will collaborate with product teams to shape the future of On's product line, by translating footwear innovation work into advanced footwear products and by creating future technologies that will define the brand. This role is responsible for leading the development of future-oriented concepts within the R&D organization

Your Mission

• Manage and execute the creation of innovative product concepts from conception to completion, overseeing technology development, sample creation and assembly, as well as the development of uppers, toolings, technologies, and molds
• Management of multiple high-impact innovation projects with complete autonomy and ownership. Strategic planning and aligning with company goals
• Engage in complex problem-solving, tackling challenges related to product intricacies, process optimization, efficiency enhancement, model making and the enablement of scalable manufacturing practices
• Ensure seamless communication and collaboration by acting as a bridge between designers, conceptual footwear innovators, model makers, pattern engineers, technology partners and other stakeholders. Ensure that scalability is carefully considered for every project
• Work closely with the Sport Science, Innovation Design, Footwear Engineering, and Innovation Material Science teams to create an environment of interdisciplinary collaboration and drive the development of innovative prototypes
• Create and update the transfer Manual, by meticulously documenting processes, including key data, design images, and detailed product/process descriptions to ensure it remains a comprehensive and user-friendly resource for successful technical knowledge transfer
• Forge strong connections with our development teams in Asia, actively participating in the assurance of successful information transfer strategies, and fostering a collaborative cross-border working relationship
• Demonstrate expertise in fabricating and assembling materials and components, utilizing a diverse array of machinery and hand tools. This includes, but is not limited to, proficiency in cutting, injecting, sanding, buffing, sewing, welding, pressing, and lasting processes

Your story

• 5+ years of footwear-specific experience
• Experience with footwear innovation projects
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or another relevant field preferred
• 3+ years of experience in traditional footwear manufacturing processes - injecting, cutting, sewing, welding, machining, laser cutting, construction, and prototyping among others
• Ability to identify design issues and offer solutions to improve functionality and manufacturability of products
• Demonstrated knowledge of material testing and methodology, comfortable working with chemistry/chemical processes for materials creation - not limited to: textiles, foam polymers, solvents, chemicals, polyurethane, superfoams, EVA, among others
• Proven ability to lead the scaling, costing, and testing of manufacturing processes and concepts while introducing new technologies to the market
• Excellent communication skills and comfort adapting communication style between engineers, designers, product experts and cross-functional non-product creation partners
• Ability to work independently under a deadline on several projects simultaneously requiring both innovative ideas and engineering problem-solving
• Exemplify a high tolerance for ambiguity and solution-focused attitude
• Comfortable working with industrial machinery
• Availability to travel up to 15% of the time

On’s Innovation team is responsible for On’s future innovation, out-of-the-box thinking and the outstanding athlete-informed technology that differentiates On footwear from all other footwear products in the market. If you are interested in being a part of an agile and interdisciplinary team of experts in the area of engineering and sports sciences, come join us!

Just by the banks of the Limmat you’ll find our largest global hub in Zürich West – On Labs – where you can hike up 12 floors through our custom-built spiral trail

What we offer

• On is a place that is centered around growth and progress. We offer an environment designed to give people the tools to develop holistically – to stay active, to learn, explore and innovate. Our distinctive approach combines a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere, with access to personal self-care for both physical and mental well-being, so each person is led by purpose
• On is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a work environment that is fair and inclusive, where all decisions related to recruitment, advancement, and retention are free of discrimination
• Our full process can last about eight weeks from application to offer, because we care about getting it right. These steps explain how we usually do things

Ready to dig into the details?This second interview will be held with your future manager and will focus on the specifics of the job. Together you’ll delve into your unique skills and experiences and how they could be relevant at On. It's also a time to assess how you might feel working side-by-side. Bring any questions you have about the job, the team or anything else you might like to know – this is an open forum

Are we a good fit?We’ll get together internally to share our feedback and decide if we’re a match. We know that job searching is a big time investment, so it’s not a decision we take lightly. It’s also time for you to reflect on the experience – are we the right place for you?No matter the outcome, we’ll give you meaningful feedback

You'll start by submitting your application to a specific role