Director of Sports Science & Engineering / Directress of Sports Science & Engineering

On AG - February 24, 2026

Join Us as Director of Sports Science & Engineering

Become a key player in On's Innovation team as the Director of Sports Science & Engineering. In this pivotal role, you will lead a dynamic and interdisciplinary group of scientists and engineers dedicated to driving exceptional advancements in sports performance by merging in-depth scientific understanding with cutting-edge engineering principles. You will guide research efforts focusing on athlete-centric physiological and biomechanical studies, while also spearheading the development of revolutionary bottom unit systems using CAE and emerging technologies. Your expertise will be essential in translating scientific insights into groundbreaking product innovations, ultimately pushing the boundaries of athletic performance.

Your Team

The Innovation team is at the forefront of On’s future products, employing inventive thinking and athlete-informed technology to differentiate our offerings in the market. As the leader of the Sports Science and Engineering team, you will steer research initiatives, advanced product evaluation, computer-aided engineering, and concept engineering surrounding our performance footwear. Join an agile, interdisciplinary department of engineers, scientists, and designers that thrives in a fast-paced environment, where direct decision-making and creative project design are encouraged.

Your Mission & Responsibilities

As the visionary Director of Sports Science & Engineering, you will lead interdisciplinary teams within the Innovation department, crucially driving the scientific foundations and engineering execution behind our next generation of performance footwear. Your primary responsibilities will include:

Strategic Leadership

  • Developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy for Sports Science and Sports Engineering aligned with On's overarching innovation goals.
  • Leading and mentoring two distinct teams: Sports Science and Sports Engineering, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

Sports Science Leadership

  • Directing and overseeing research programs in physiology and biomechanics, leveraging collaborations with academic institutions and advanced scientific testing.
  • Generating actionable insights based on athlete-focused research to inform product development and innovation.
  • Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with leading academic institutions and research partners.
  • Overseeing the collection and analysis of athlete performance data and translating findings into product requirements.

Sports Engineering Leadership

  • Leading the conceptualization and development of novel bottom unit systems for various sports applications.
  • Driving the integration of scientific insights, functional know-how, and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) into the product development pipeline.
  • Exploring and implementing emerging technologies and materials in innovative concepts to enhance product performance.
  • Democratizing CAE by refining workflows and making it accessible across the wider product organization.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Collaborating closely with the entire product organization and marketing teams to ensure the seamless integration of scientific and engineering insights into product development.
  • Effectively communicating complex scientific and engineering concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Managing budgets and resources efficiently, ensuring optimal utilization.

Qualifications

  • Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Sports Science, Biomechanics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Proven leadership experience of over 10 years in a sports science and/or engineering environment, ideally within the sportswear industry.
  • Extensive background in physiological and biomechanical research, with a solid understanding of athlete performance.
  • Strong knowledge of CAE, material science, and product development processes.
  • Demonstrated capability to lead and inspire interdisciplinary teams.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
  • A passion for sports and a deep comprehension of athletic performance.
  • Experience with data analysis tools and software.
  • Background in managing external research and collaboration projects.

Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Location : Zürich
Country : Switzerland

Application Form

Please enter your information in the following form and attach your resume (CV)

Only pdf, Word, or OpenOffice file. Maximum file size: 3 MB.