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

Your Mission

• 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
• 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

Your story

• 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

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

Just by the banks of the Limmat you’ll find our largest global hub in Zürich West – On Labs – where you can hike up 12 floors through our custom-built spiral trail

What we offer

• 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
• Our full process can last about eight weeks from application to offer, because we care about getting it right. These steps explain how we usually do things

Ready to dig into the details?This second interview will be held with your future manager and will focus on the specifics of the job. Together you’ll delve into your unique skills and experiences and how they could be relevant at On. It's also a time to assess how you might feel working side-by-side. Bring any questions you have about the job, the team or anything else you might like to know – this is an open forum

Are we a good fit?We’ll get together internally to share our feedback and decide if we’re a match. We know that job searching is a big time investment, so it’s not a decision we take lightly. It’s also time for you to reflect on the experience – are we the right place for you?No matter the outcome, we’ll give you meaningful feedback

You'll start by submitting your application to a specific role