Senior Specialist - LightSpray Footwear Developer

On seeks a Senior Specialist to lead the end-to-end development of Lightspray footwear in Zurich, managing complex projects from concept to production while bridging global hubs.

This position serves as a key driver in the evolution of On’s Lightspray product line. The specialist is responsible for translating visionary concepts into scalable, performance-oriented footwear by mastering technical complexities and managing relationships with key stakeholders across global development teams.

Responsibilities

• Own the complete lifecycle of Standard Model Units (SMUs) and special projects within the creation organization.
• Independently manage Lightspray initiatives from initial strategy and conception through final product approval.
• Create products that align with strategic goals by applying deep knowledge of manufacturing methods, material science, and Lightspray construction techniques.
• Solve technical challenges related to tooling, molding, and assembly, while developing new materials, colorways, and product specifications.
• Serve as the main point of contact between the Zurich and Vietnam global development hubs.
• Work closely with Product Management, Sourcing, and Design teams during regular validation sessions.
• Partner with computational designers, footwear developers, and product managers to ensure SMU seasonal calendars meet business needs.
• Manage project complexity using PLM systems and coordinate with Asia-based partners to meet critical timeline milestones.

Requirements

• At least five years of progressive experience in footwear development, with a strong emphasis on standard inline creation processes.
• Solid understanding of footwear manufacturing techniques, including tooling, molding, injecting, welding, lasting, and assembly.
• Knowledge of factory capabilities, tolerances, and limitations, with the ability to design for scalable replication.
• Deep, demonstrated expertise in advanced footwear materials, their properties, and performance characteristics, including experience with advanced testing and analysis.
• Proven ability to work autonomously, navigating ambiguity and making independent judgments on complex issues.
• Comfortable and proficient with industrial machinery and hands-on prototyping.
• High level of English language proficiency.
• Willingness to travel up to 10-15% of the time.

About the company

The Lightspray Creation team is an agile, interdisciplinary group comprising footwear creation, advanced manufacturing, and future-of-sport experts. As part of the On Innovation Team, members are encouraged to think outside the box, challenge the status quo, and pioneer new footwear innovations that set On apart through athlete-informed technologies.

• The team is an agile, interdisciplinary group of footwear creation, advanced manufacturing, and future-of-sport experts.
• The team drives On's future innovations and athlete-informed technologies that set On footwear apart.
• The team challenges the status quo and pushes boundaries to pioneer footwear innovation.