Senior Specialist - Innovation Footwear Developer / Senior Specialist - Innovation Footwear Developeress

Innovation Footwear Developer

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.
• Manage multiple high-impact innovation projects with complete autonomy and ownership while strategically aligning with company goals.
• Engage in complex problem-solving to tackle challenges related to product intricacies, process optimization, efficiency enhancement, model making, and enabling scalable manufacturing practices.
• Ensure seamless communication and collaboration as a bridge between designers, conceptual footwear innovators, model makers, pattern engineers, technology partners, and other stakeholders, with careful consideration of scalability for every project.
• Work closely with the Sport Science, Innovation Design, Footwear Engineering, and Innovation Material Science teams to foster 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 a comprehensive and user-friendly resource for successful technical knowledge transfer.
• Forge strong connections with our development teams in Asia, actively participating in successful information transfer strategies and fostering collaborative cross-border working relationships.
• Demonstrate expertise in fabricating and assembling materials and components, utilizing a diverse array of machinery and hand tools, including 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 a 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 the company’s future innovations, out-of-the-box thinking, and outstanding athlete-informed technology that differentiates On footwear from all other 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!

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.