Job Description
As a Senior Specialist - Upper Concept Designer, you will drive groundbreaking footwear upper innovations. Your role will be crucial in pushing the boundaries of material design and upper engineering to shape the future of performance footwear. Collaborating with cross-functional teams and industry-leading partners, you’ll transform visionary concepts into real-world performance breakthroughs, enhancing both product experience and athletic potential.
Your Mission
- Design and craft uppers and materials that seamlessly blend form and function, defining a unique design language that fuses aesthetic storytelling with technical innovation.
- Drive upper and material innovation from concept to execution, integrating cutting-edge materials, construction techniques, and performance-driven designs.
- Develop and prototype new upper constructions and materials, leveraging expertise in textiles, footwear making, and material science to redefine upper engineering through making, sampling, and fearless experimentation.
- Scout and integrate emerging materials, processes, and technologies, staying ahead of industry trends and advancements in sustainability.
- Work closely with suppliers, research institutes, and material technology experts in weaving, knitting, and textile development to turn breakthrough concepts into scalable products.
- Create precise tech packs and utilize digital tools (CAD, Adobe Illustrator, etc.) to effectively communicate design intent internally and to external partners.
- Collaborate with Design, Materials, Development, Sport Science, and Sustainability teams, aligning innovation with On’s product vision.
- Be a proactive self-starter, thriving in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple projects with strong prioritization and execution skills.
Your Story
- BSc/MSc in material design, product/footwear design, or equivalent experience in a related field.
- 5+ years of experience as a materials designer, product designer, or developer in the performance footwear industry, or equivalent experience in a related field.
- Affinity for product design and technology, particularly in the technical performance category, with an eye for aesthetics and a keen awareness of trends both within and outside the industry.
- A highly creative problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple projects with strong prioritization and execution skills.
- Advanced knowledge of textile construction and manufacturing, optimizing stitches, structures, and raw materials for peak functionality.
- Understanding of footwear construction, including shoe anatomy and various shoemaking processes, with the ability to adapt and engineer patterns and processes to achieve desired outcomes.
- Ability to create detailed tech packs to effectively communicate design intent with partners; knowledge of textile-specific design software, such as CAD tools and Adobe Suite.
- Experience in working with and communicating effectively with manufacturing partners.
- Familiarity with intellectual property and patent protection within the R&D space.
- Ability to work autonomously while fostering cross-functional collaboration.
- Strong communication skills (verbal & written) and the ability to manage several projects in various stages across all levels of the organization.
- Skilled in adapting to change and bringing an entrepreneurial spirit when facing unexpected challenges.
About the Team
You will be part of the Innovation Design Studio, joining an international team of experts, developers, and engineers from diverse disciplines, all focused on designing and developing the most advanced products and technologies at On. Our team is dedicated to delivering breakthrough innovation and design by leveraging state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies and design tools. We are specifically tasked with creating exciting long-term innovation solutions that are driven by athlete performance and sustainability goals. To be truly disruptive in this space, we rethink the ways our products are made from the ground up, seamlessly integrating design and technology to unlock new opportunities.
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.