Senior Specialist - Innovation Footwear Developer — On Running
- Location
- Zürich
- Contract
- Part-time
- Posted
- 134 days ago
Full description
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.
Your story
- Experience: 5+ years of footwear development experience, with a strong background in the performance running category.
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Technology Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Manufacturing & Hands-On Prototyping: Solid foundational knowledge of footwear construction, upper development, tooling, pattern engineering, and sample building.
- Material & Foam Mastery: Hands-on experience developing advanced upper textiles, bottom unit superfoams, sustainable material alternatives, and performance ingredients.
- Data-to-Product translation: Ability to translate sports science data, athlete feedback, and mechanical testing results into actionable product features and structural solutions.
- Project Management & Stakeholder Alignment: Proven track record of managing multi-stakeholder projects under tight seasonal deadlines, effectively presenting design updates, performance parameters, and costing details to leadership.
- Communication & Cultural Fluency: Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to collaborate across global teams, Asia production partners, and multi-disciplinary R&D units.
- Travel: Willingness to travel internationally up to 15% of the time for factory reviews, supplier collaboration, and prototype builds.
About the Team
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!
Questions about this listing
What salary does On Running offer for this role?
The original listing does not state a salary. Our estimate for this role and sector in Zürich is CHF 113'500 - 172'000 gross per year — an estimate, not a figure communicated by On Running. The calculator on this site converts a gross salary into your actual net take-home once cross-border tax and social contributions are applied.
Is this a full-time role, and what type of contract does On Running offer?
This listing is a part-time position. The contract type shown here comes directly from the employer's original posting; always confirm exact hours, notice period and probation length with On Running during the application process, since these details can vary by role even within the same contract category.
Do I need a cross-border work permit for a role in Zürich?
EU/EFTA residents living in the border zone of the country adjoining Canton Zürich can apply for a G permit; the Swiss employer files it with that canton's migration office after the contract is signed. Border-zone rules and processing times vary by neighbouring country and canton, so confirm the specifics with Zürich's cantonal migration office or with HR during the application.
How do I apply for this position at On Running?
Use the "Apply now" button on this page — it links directly to On Running's original listing at boards.greenhouse.io, so your application goes straight to the employer's own applicant-tracking system. Frontaliere Ticino does not collect or forward applications itself.
