Senior Specialist - Innovation Footwear Developer

Location: Zurich

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Footwear Product Creation

In short

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.

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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.

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About the Team

On's Innovation team is an agile, interdisciplinary group of footwear creation, advanced manufacturing, and future of sport experts, driving On's future innovations and athlete-informed technologies that set On footwear apart. We challenge the status quo and push boundaries to pioneer footwear innovation. As a member of the On Innovation Team, you will think outside the box and bring new, innovative ideas to life.

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A man in a black t-shirt with his hair tied up is standing and smiling

Ernest

Footwear Development, Ho Chi Minh City

Unlike other brands, we aren't just executioners out here in Vietnam, we give ideas as well. Sometimes they have a new idea in Zurich and we might find a process to make it more efficient and we share that.

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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.

Build the better you

What to expect

We want to set everyone up for success, so here’s the lowdown on how we hire. Our process is a two-way street – bringing you into our culture, while helping us learn how you think.

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.

Before you get started, feel free to consider if you want to work with us. Strange question? Well, we give people a lot of space to navigate their day-to-day and that style isn't for everyone. We want you to be passionate about what you do and be sure this is the right fit. Because when skills and passion combine – it creates that 'Wow' moment.