Senior Specialist - Innovation Design Engineer / Senior Specialist - Innovation Design Engineeress

In Short

Step into the future of performance footwear and manufacturing. Lead groundbreaking projects that develop cutting-edge, sustainable processes and products. Optimize and automate machines to drive innovation at every level. This role will involve engineering and testing prototypes on a lab scale, within a framework defined by technical expertise, instinct, and a deep passion for experimentation.

Meet The Team

The Innovation team is responsible for On’s future products, leveraging out-of-the-box thinking and athlete-informed technology to differentiate On’s offerings in the market. Within the Innovation team, you will join the Technology Exploration group, focused on concept creation for products and manufacturing processes. Here, you'll have the chance to collaborate with an agile and interdisciplinary team of experts in engineering, materials, design, and sports science. We foster a fast-paced environment with direct decision-making and the freedom to design projects and processes.

Your Responsibilities

Your mission is to develop disruptive processes that enhance product performance and promote efficient, sustainable, and agile manufacturing. Utilizing your interdisciplinary product and process engineering knowledge, you'll generate innovative manufacturing solutions—potentially inspired by other industries—to push the boundaries of ease, speed, agility, and sustainability in footwear manufacturing. With an entrepreneurial mindset and hands-on mentality, you’ll work independently and flexibly, tackling challenging projects from concept to practical implementation. Your role will involve providing creative solutions to complex problems and nurturing relationships with development partners. Through continuous innovation, you’ll explore the frontiers of materials, technology, and processes while maintaining a holistic perspective.

Your Experience

• Engineering Expertise: Proven experience in mechanical, manufacturing, or a related engineering field, with a history of successfully completing projects by building machines and products, automating processes, and impressing colleagues with your capabilities.
• Product Expertise: Background in product design, mechanical engineering, or a combination of both, with practical experience in areas such as CAD/CAM, automation, polymers, or related fields.
• Innovation & Problem-Solving: A proven track record of developing disruptive solutions and applying creative thinking to technical challenges.
• Hands-on Mentality: Eager and able to work directly with prototypes, machinery, and lab equipment.
• Project Management: Experience managing complex projects independently from ideation to completion.
• Communication and Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills for building and maintaining relationships with interdisciplinary teams and external partners, with experience collaborating in cross-functional teams between engineers, designers, product experts, and non-product creation partners.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, agile, and flexible environment with a high degree of autonomy, managing multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines, requiring both innovation and engineering problem-solving abilities.
• Innovation Mindset: A strong drive to push the boundaries of footwear design and manufacturing through innovative thinking.

What We Offer

On is a place centered around growth and progress, offering an environment designed for holistic development—encouraging individuals to stay active, learn, explore, and innovate. Our distinctive approach combines a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere with access to resources for personal well-being—both physical and mental—allowing everyone to work with purpose.

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

On is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a work environment that is equitable and inclusive, ensuring that all recruitment, advancement, and retention decisions are made free of discrimination.