
On · Zurich
IN SHORT: WE ARE SEEKING AN INTERNATIONALLY SEASONED, HIGHLY SPECIALIZED SENIOR LEAD - PATTERN ENGINEER TO SPEARHEAD THE TECHNICAL LIFECYCLE OF OUR GLOBAL PRO...
WE ARE SEEKING AN INTERNATIONALLY SEASONED, HIGHLY SPECIALIZED SENIOR LEAD - PATTERN ENGINEER TO SPEARHEAD THE TECHNICAL LIFECYCLE
OF OUR GLOBAL PRODUCT LINES FROM CONCEPT TO PRODUCTION. THIS STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP ROLE REQUIRES AN ELITE MASTERY OF BOTH DIGITAL
AND MANUAL PATTERN ARCHITECTURE, COMBINED WITH A PROVEN TRACK RECORD OF MANAGING GARMENT ENGINEERS WHILE WORKING CLOSELY WITH
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL DIRECTLY LEAD, MANAGE, AND SCALE OUR INTERNAL TEAM OF PATTERN ENGINEERS. THIS POSITION ACTS AS THE
DEFINITIVE GLOBAL TECHNICAL AUTHORITY FOR PATTERN ENGINEERING - ARCHITECTING SCALABLE FITTING SYSTEMS, OPTIMIZING CROSS-FUNCTIONAL
2D/3D WORKFLOWS, AND DRIVING THE PROFESSIONAL GROWTH OF THEIR DIRECT REPORTS TO REDUCE DEVELOPMENT TIMELINES AND ENSURE FLAWLESS
instruction.
production-ready patterns.
approval rates.
Materials.
brands.international vendor communication. Knowledge of a Swiss national language (German, French, or Italian) is considered a
strong asset.
academic specialist in CAD/Pattern software is highly preferred.
patternmakers, or technical designers in a brand environment.
Lectra), PLM software, and Adobe Illustrator. High proficiency in 3D apparel simulation tools (CLO 3D or Browzwear) is
required.
(including experience in complex categories like performance bottoms and custom structured garments).
performance, and presenting technical solutions to senior leadership.
collaboration and
In this role, you will collaborate with the Development, Design, Materials, Sourcing, suppliers, and Product Management teams to
translate the product design intent and style vision into a consistent fit, quality, and execution level by leading the team
responsible for our product’s technical specifications on fit, sizing, and commercialization requirements.
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.
IN SHORT: Product Testing is the voice of the athlete and the consumer at On. We’re responsible for ensuring every On product meets the highest quality standards and delivers a premium, high-performance experience by combining scientific rigor with real-world insight. Through rigorous testing and validation, only products that truly perform make it to market. As a Footwear Testing Senior Lead you will be responsible for validating footwear products from development through to market and driving excellence and leading the team in the Running category. You’ll work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and act as a key partner across Design, Development, Materials, Product Strategy and Sports Science to ensure excellence in fit, comfort, durability, and performance. YOUR MISSION: * Lead a high-performing team of Specialists, fostering a culture of growth and exploration while elevating existing, successful workflows. * Serve as a senior point of contact for internal stakeholders in the Run category, providing guidance and alignment on testing projects. * Collaborate closely with key stakeholders to identify testing requirements based on product briefs and target consumers, owning end to end processes for assigned projects * Define and execute rigorous testing strategies across durability, fit, comfort, and performance, taking charge of high-complexity testing programs. * Lead qualitative and quantitative footwear testing, perception studies, and real-world validation to ensure products reflect authentic athlete and consumer needs. * Build and maintain strategic partnerships to integrate consumer insights, scientific expertise, and performance analysis into standardized, evidence-based product evaluations. * Translate complex testing data into powerful insights and clear reports that enable confident decision-making and elevate product excellence across the organization. * Ensure testing timelines are efficient and seamlessly integrated into the fast-moving Product Creation calendars. * Expand and cultivate a diverse tester network to support project timelines and enhance community engagement. * Work seamlessly with testing systems and databases to ensure accurate & high-quality data integrity. * As a leader you will significantly contribute to team goals and process improvements. YOUR STORY: * 8+ years of experience in footwear testing or a closely related role within the footwear industry * A strong passion for run culture and performance running footwear. * Proven leadership experience, with a passion for building high-performance teams * Ability to influence cross-functional team effectiveness through partnership & advisory * Excellent communication skills and confidence in working with cross-functional stakeholders. * A detail-oriented, creative, and solutions-focused mindset. * Flexibility to work outside standard hours when necessary. * Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint & capable of adapting to internal databases * Analysis expertise with complex data and analysis methods * Fluent in English (written and spoken). YOUR TEAM: We’re a team responsible for making sure that the products for On represent the highest quality & performance standards. We have a lot of responsibility to meet the needs and demands of our customers. So we analyse, test and validate our products in the most comprehensive manner. Only products that pass our rigorous tests ever go to market. On is a place that is centered around growth and progress. We offer an environment designed to give people the tools to develop holistically – to stay active, to learn, explore and innovate. Our distinctive approach combines a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere, with access to personal self-care for both physical and mental well-being, so each person is led by purpose. On is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a work environment that is fair and inclusive, where all decisions related to recruitment, advancement, and retention are free of discrimination.