Senior Specialist - Footwear Design Performance (Team Sports) in Zurich

Keywords

• Footwear Design
• Performance
• Team Sports
• 3D Design
• On
• Zurich

Summary

Join On's design team in Zurich to develop next-generation performance footwear for team sports. You will translate athlete insights and biomechanical data into innovative design solutions using advanced digital workflows.

Job Description

On is looking for a Senior Specialist in Footwear Design to join the Performance Team Sports vertical in Zurich. In this role, you will help shape the future of performance footwear by combining sport science, computational design, and advanced manufacturing. You will operate in a fast-paced environment where the full design process is driven by performance, precision, and speed.

Your tasks

• Own projects across the full design process, from initial research and concept creation to final commercialization.
• Translate athlete insights, biomechanical analysis, and sport-specific movement patterns into meaningful design solutions.
• Develop concepts, mockups, visuals, and high-quality 2D and 3D assets to support rapid iteration.
• Leverage advanced digital workflows, including 3D design, computational tools, and AI-driven ideation.
• Collaborate with sports engineering, biomechanics, and testing teams to validate performance hypotheses.
• Work with development partners in Vietnam, traveling two to four times per year to finalize prototypes.

Your profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, or a related field.
• Proven experience in performance footwear design (5+ years), preferably in team sports.
• Strong understanding of athlete needs, movement patterns, and performance requirements.
• Expert skills in sketching, storytelling, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Advanced knowledge of 3D design tools such as Maya, ZBrush, Blender, or Rhino.
• Experience with AI-enabled creative tools and generative design workflows.
• Understanding of footwear construction, materials, and industrial manufacturing processes.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken).