Senior Lead - Last Engineer

On Holding AG seeks a Senior Lead - Last Engineer in Zürich to oversee last engineering for performance and lifestyle footwear, bridging biomechanics, design, and manufacturing.

This position serves as the central expert for all last-related matters, ensuring that running, fashion, and lifestyle shoes provide the best possible fit and experience for users worldwide. The role connects biomechanics, design, and manufacturing to optimize product development.

Responsibilities

• Define and enforce standards for new last designs, applying these guidelines to internal teams and suppliers to streamline the existing last library.
• Direct the physical creation of new lasts and provide technical advice to Design, Development, and Innovation teams on grading, selection, and fit adjustments.
• Foster strong partnerships with external last suppliers and manufacturers to guarantee quality, accuracy, and on-time delivery.
• Manage and update comprehensive digital and physical last libraries, ensuring data accuracy and accessibility for cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with Sourcing and Manufacturing teams to solve technical last issues, improve production workflows, and offer expert guidance at the factory level.
• Continuously refine last development processes by incorporating advanced 3D modeling technologies and fit-data insights.

Requirements

• Over 8 years of hands-on experience in last engineering for high-performance running and fashion/lifestyle footwear.
• Strong knowledge of dynamic fit, foot anatomy, and biomechanics, with the ability to balance aesthetic demands with commercial fit standards.
• Demonstrated success in managing comprehensive last development programs for sports or performance footwear brands.
• Exceptional organizational abilities to maintain extensive digital and physical last libraries while managing multiple development timelines from concept to mass production.
• Practical experience with physical last manufacturing and digitizing equipment, including 3D scanners and milling machines, for creating, reverse-engineering, and modifying physical models.
• Advanced proficiency in 3D CAD software for last design and modification (e.g., Romans CAD, Rhino, or similar footwear-specific tools).
• Deep understanding of footwear manufacturing processes, tooling, and grading principles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to translate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and external suppliers.

About the company

The Footwear Engineering team at On Holding AG is a specialized group of Pattern Engineers, Tooling Engineers, and Last Engineers responsible for the fit, feel, and ride of every On shoe. Rooted in Swiss engineering heritage, the team focuses on meticulous attention to detail to create high-performance products for athletes and everyday users. The environment is fast-paced and collaborative, driven by data and a commitment to human movement.

• Highly specialized team of Pattern, Tooling, and Last Engineers dedicated to optimizing shoe fit and performance.
• Strong heritage of Swiss engineering with a focus on precision and meticulous attention to detail.
• Fast-paced, collaborative environment driven by data and a commitment to human movement.