Senior Specialist - Lab Technician

Location: Zurich

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Footwear Product Creation

In short

You will work in a fast-paced environment that offers autonomy and opportunities for growth. As part of the Lab Testing team, your role will be to help ensure that On’s products meet global standards and the high expectations of consumers of a premium sportswear brand. You will be a member of the Lab Testing team and will report to the Lead - Lab Testing

Your Mission

In this role, you will be responsible for executing and continuously improving On’s lab testing frameworks, ensuring our labs deliver reliable insights that support innovation, development, and production. You will play a key role in translating ideas into validated, trusted products.

Execute lab testing with excellence:Manage end-to-end lab testing across Innovation, Development, and Production stages. Receive and prepare samples, conduct testing, analyse results, and deliver clear, actionable reports. Partner closely with sourcing lab teams to ensure seamless execution during critical phases and timely delivery of results.
Advance testing frameworks and capabilities: Evolve and maintain targeted testing frameworks aligned with innovation and development needs. Research and assess machinery and supplier capabilities, translate concepts into structured test plans, and align testing capacity within the Zurich Lab to support project timelines.
Validate product and technology claims: Execute robust test methods to substantiate product and technology claims. Develop testing plans, manage resources, and communicate timelines, constraints, and expectations clearly to stakeholders.
Ensure operational excellence in the lab:Collaborate with the Zurich Lab team to maintain equipment and facilities, ensuring all machines are clean, calibrated, and ready for use. Promote a culture of reliability, organisation, and continuous improvement.
Build global knowledge and capability: Share expertise across global lab, development, sourcing, and T1 teams through training, mentorship, and knowledge transfer. Partner with external experts and third-party labs to stay current on industry best practices and communicate new requirements internally.

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Your story

Technical expertise: Strong background in material and product testing, with hands-on experience in lab execution and a track record of translating complex data into actionable insights.
Cross-functional collaboration: Comfortable working closely with innovation, development, and sourcing teams in fast-paced environments.
Lab operations & process development: Able to maintain and calibrate lab equipment while also improving testing frameworks and processes.
Capability building: Experienced in mentoring, training, and sharing knowledge to grow technical expertise across global teams.
Experience & qualifications: 6–7 years in lab testing or related roles. Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in a relevant field required.
Skills & attributes: Detail-oriented, organised, proactive, and able to work independently. Strong verbal and written communication skills at all organisational levels.
Additional requirements: Fluent in English, adaptable, and open to occasional travel.

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About the Team

You’ll be part of the Zurich Lab team, collaborating closely with Innovation, Development, Sourcing, and global lab partners. Together, you’ll define the standards, methods, and testing culture that ensure the Brand stands up to its’ promise.

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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.