Lead - Tooling Engineer

On

IN SHORT At On, the secret to our signature cloud-like sensation starts from the inside out. The last is the very foundation of our footwear, dictating fit, performance, and aesthetic. We are seeking a visionary Senior Lead Last Engineer to pioneer the creation, optimization, and management of our footwear lasts across all product categories. In this pivotal role, you will bridge the gap between biomechanics, design, and manufacturing. You will serve as the central authority on all last-related topics, ensuring our performance running, fashion, and lifestyle shoes deliver the ultimate fit and experience for our global community. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES * Standardization & Consolidation: Establish clear standards and best practices for all new last creations. Champion the implementation of these guidelines across internal teams and suppliers to strategically consolidate and optimize our existing last library. * Last Creation & Internal Consulting: Lead the hands-on creation of new lasts while acting as the primary technical consultant for Design, Development, and Innovation teams regarding last grading, selection, and fit optimization for new and existing projects. * Supplier Relationship Management: Build and manage strong, collaborative relationships with external last suppliers and manufacturers to ensure quality, precision, and timely delivery. * Library Management: Own and meticulously maintain our comprehensive digital and physical last libraries, ensuring all data is accurate, organized, and easily accessible to cross-functional teams. * Sourcing & Production Support: Partner with the Sourcing and Manufacturing teams to resolve technical last challenges, streamline production processes, and provide expert guidance on last-related topics at the factory level. * Process Innovation: Continuously evaluate and improve our last development workflows, integrating the latest 3D modeling technologies and fit-data insights. REQUIREMENTS * Comprehensive Last Modeling Expertise: 8 years+ hands-on experience in last engineering across both high-performance running and fashion/lifestyle footwear. You must possess a deep understanding of dynamic fit, foot anatomy, and biomechanics, while also knowing how to balance complex aesthetic requirements with commercial fit standards. * Program & Library Management: Proven experience managing comprehensive last development programs for a sports or performance footwear brand. Must possess exceptional organizational skills to build, consolidate, and seamlessly manage extensive digital and physical last libraries while juggling multiple development calendars from concept to mass production. * Manufacturing Equipment Operation: Practical ability to utilize physical last manufacturing and digitizing equipment, specifically 3D scanners and milling machines, to create, reverse-engineer, and modify physical models. * Technical & CAD Proficiency: Advanced skills in 3D CAD software relevant to last design and modification (e.g., Romans CAD, Rhino, or similar footwear-specific engineering tools). * Industry Knowledge: Extensive understanding of footwear manufacturing processes, tooling, and grading principles. * Project Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage extensive digital and physical libraries and juggle multiple development calendars simultaneously. * Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively translate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and external suppliers. ABOUT THE TEAM The Footwear Engineering team is a highly specialized collective of Pattern Engineers, Tooling Engineers, and Last Engineers who hold the keys to the ultimate fit, feel, and ride of every On shoe. Rooted in our proud heritage of meticulous Swiss engineering, we obsess over every millimeter and material to craft the absolute best performance products for elite athletes and everyday consumers alike. We are the critical bridge between radical design and physical reality, working in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment where data-driven precision fuels our relentless dedication to human movement.

On

In short Product Testing is the voice of the athlete and the consumer at On. We ensure every product delivers a premium, high-performance experience by combining scientific rigor with real-world insight. As Apparel and Accessories Testing Lead, you will be responsible for validating products from development through to market, focusing on specialized, high performance sport categories. You’ll work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and act as a key partner across Design, Development, Materials, and Strategy to ensure excellence in the wearing experience including comfort, durability, and performance.   Your mission Command the Validation Strategy: Define and execute rigorous testing strategies across durability, comfort, and performance, taking charge of specialized testing programs. You will identify testing requirements based on product briefs and target consumers, confidently owning the end-to-end testing process. Uncover the Truth in Data: Lead qualitative and quantitative apparel and accessories testing, perception studies, and real-world validation to ensure our products reflect authentic athlete and consumer needs. Integrate consumer insights, scientific expertise, and performance analysis into standardized, evidence-based product evaluations. Drive Confident Decisions: Translate complex testing results into powerful insights that enable confident decision-making and elevate product excellence across the organization. You will analyze performance and durability data, including behavior and attitudinal insights, developing clear reports for project stakeholders. Influence Product Creation: Conduct hands-on performance testing, directly presenting key findings and improvement recommendations to critical stakeholders. Deliver benchmarking and competitor insights to spot opportunities for true innovation and product differentiation in the global sports arena. Build the Testing Ecosystem: Establish highly efficient testing processes, timelines, and feedback loops aligned seamlessly with Product Creation calendars. You will actively build and maintain a dynamic tester network of agile, high-performance athletes that supports both everyday testing needs and urgent project timelines. Set up high-energy testing events and initiatives to drive deep engagement within the testing community. Elevate Operations: Work seamlessly with testing systems and databases to ensure accurate, high-quality data and optimized reporting flows. As a leader, you will contribute significantly to team goals, process improvements, and the continuous evolution of our testing methodologies.   Your story * A strategic thinker and natural leader with a proven track record of managing complex projects or product validation cycles from concept to market. * You possess a deep understanding of specialized, high-performance sports apparel and accessories, and know how to balance scientific testing rigor with real-world, human-centric feedback. * You are an exceptional communicator who can translate dense data and testing metrics into clear, actionable recommendations to cross-functional teams * You are highly organized and capable of building out robust tester networks, establishing efficient processes, and managing global testing logistics. * You have 7+ years of experience in a field focused on the human experience with a product or service. We are excited to hear from candidates from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to: * Apparel Product Testing or Development * User Experience Research (UXR) * Biomechanics or Kinesiology * Materials Science or Textile Engineering * Ergonomics or Human Factors * Sports Marketing or Athlete Management * High-Performance Coaching * You are willing to travel globally and have the flexibility to work outside of typical hours to align with athlete schedules and events. * A clear communicator in English, both verbal and written. Your Team You'll be a leader in a global team fueled by a culture of relentless discovery. We test and validate our product promises, transforming athlete feedback and scientific data into market-leading performance. While our creation partners work to make products great, our mission is to prove they're great. Based in Zurich, our team of Footwear, Apparel & Accessories, and Lab experts is the ultimate destination for individuals dedicated to enhancing the consumer experience.

On

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