Product Creation Academy - Footwear Polymer Scientist

Location: Zurich

Apply for this role

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Product Operations

In short

This is your chance to kickstart your career in the sportswear industry!

Become part of On's unique rotational development program - the Product Creation Academy. This 2 year journey is designed to develop you into a true functional expert with the potential to grow in our dynamic organization. You will embark on a specialized learning journey, with rotations designed to build depth in Footwear Polymer Science. But that’s not all! One of your rotations will take you to vibrant Vietnam, where you will learn first-hand what it takes to bring our products to life. To top it off, you’ll receive personalized mentorship from one of our senior leaders, ensuring you make the most of this transformative experience.

Are you ready to shape the future of the fastest growing sportswear company in the world? Dream On!

The starting date for this program will be September 1st, 2026.

Application period: Due to the expected high volume of applications, the role will be open for a limited time. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Your Mission

Over the course of the program, you will rotate through multiple connected teams, building a deep understanding of how Footwear Material Scientists contribute to bringing our products to life. From building a strong understanding of polymer fundamentals and material behavior, to developing and testing new compounds in the lab, learning advanced characterization methods, and collaborating with engineers and product teams to bring materials into real footwear applications — over the 24 months, you will gain hands-on experience across the full material innovation journey. This experience will set you up for success to start as a true functional expert in polymer science within footwear and support your long-term growth as a key contributor to On’s material innovation and performance-driven product creation.

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Your story

We’re looking for curious builders who are passionate about bringing sports products to life. You’re someone who enjoys understanding how things are made, improving them, and experimenting with new ideas.

Master degree or Phd in Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Science, Physics or a strongly related field.
Approximately 2-3 years of practical experience in polymer science or mechanical testing. This can include a Master’s/PhD research focus, technical internships, or fixed-term projects where you’ve actively tested, analyzed, or processed materials.
You have a good understanding of mechanical testing of materials, ideally polymers (e.g. tension, compression), and are motivated to develop this further (exposure to dynamic testing methods is a plus).
You have initial exposure to polymer analysis techniques (e.g. DSC, microscopy, basic mechanical tests), and are eager to deepen your hands-on experience.
You have foundational knowledge of common polymer processing methods (e.g. injection molding, foaming techniques), gained through your studies, projects, or internships.
You resonate with the On spirits, bring a positive and proactive attitude, and are eager to learn and grow in a fast-paced environment.
You communicate clearly and effectively and are fluent in English (written and spoken).
You have the right to work in Switzerland or the EU.

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About the Team

Your team will be the Polymer Science and Engineering team. Our mission is to disrupt the sportswear market with innovative, high-performance yet sustainable polymers. We translate consumer needs into efficient, functional polymer compounds, balancing performance with sustainability.

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Dennis

Specialist, Apparel Product Manager

We’re at the heart of the action, helping out different people and teams across R&D and the wider business every day. There’s a learning curve, sure, but the variety of projects and topics we cover is unmatched.

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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.