Director Of Sports Science And Sports Engineering
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Full time
- Competitive
- 3rd September 2025
Full Description
In short
Join On's Innovation team as the Director of Sports Science & Engineering, leading a dynamic, interdisciplinary group of scientists and engineers. You will drive cutting-edge advancements in sports performance by merging deep scientific understanding with advanced engineering principles. This role encompasses directing Sports Science, focusing on athlete-focused physiological and biomechanical research, and Sports Engineering, centered on developing revolutionary bottom unit systems through CAE and emerging technologies. You'll be pivotal in translating scientific insights into groundbreaking product innovations, pushing the boundaries of athletic performance.
Your Mission
As a visionary Director of Sports Science & Engineering to lead our interdisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers within the Innovation department. This role is crucial in driving the scientific foundation and engineering execution behind our next generation of performance footwear. You will be responsible for defining and executing the strategic vision for both Sports Science and Sports Engineering, ensuring seamless collaboration and integration to deliver groundbreaking product innovations.
Strategic Leadership:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for Sports Science and Sports Engineering, aligning with On's overall innovation goals.
- Lead and mentor two distinct teams: Sports Science and Sports Engineering, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence guided by our spirits.
Sports Science Leadership:
- Direct and oversee research programs in physiology and biomechanics, leveraging academic collaborations and advanced scientific testing. Generate actionable athlete-focused insights that inform product development and innovation.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with leading academic institutions and research partners.
- Oversee the collection and analysis of athlete performance data, translating findings into product requirements.
Sports Engineering Leadership:
- Lead the conceptualization and development of novel bottom unit systems for various sports applications.
- Drive the integration of scientific insights, functional know-how, and CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) into the product development process.
- Explore and implement emerging technologies and materials in novel concepts to enhance product performance.
- Democratize CAE by improving workflows and making it accessible to the wider product organization.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Collaborate closely with the full product organization and marketing to ensure seamless integration of scientific and engineering insights into product development and storytelling.
- Communicate complex scientific and engineering concepts effectively to diverse audiences.
- Manage budgets and resources effectively, ensuring optimal utilization.
Your story
- Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Sports Science, Biomechanics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- Proven track record of leadership for +10 years in a sports science and/or engineering environment, preferably within the sportswear industry.
- Extensive experience in physiological and biomechanical research, with a strong understanding of athlete performance.
- Strong understanding of CAE, material science, and product development processes.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire interdisciplinary teams.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Passion for sports and a deep understanding of athletic performance.
- Experience with data analysis tools and software.
- Experience in managing external research and collaboration projects.
What to expect
We want to set everyone up for success, so here’s the lowdown on how we hire. Our process is a two-way street – bringing you into our culture, while helping us learn how you think.
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.
Before you get started, feel free to consider if you want to work with us. Strange question? Well, we give people a lot of space to navigate their day-to-day and that style isn't for everyone. We want you to be passionate about what you do and be sure this is the right fit. Because when skills and passion combine – it creates that 'Wow' moment.
Step One
It starts with you...
You'll start by submitting your application to a specific role. We try to keep this step as simple as possible. We do get a lot of applications, but we review them all. We ask that you allow around 14 days for us to come back to you with a response. If you are a good fit to the role, someone will follow up with you within that window. If you didn't receive a reply, or were unsuccessful this time around, we encourage you to look for other possible matches at On.
Step Two
Interview with a recruiter
What ignites your spirit? This is where we’ll start getting to know all about you and what makes you tick – and it’s your first chance to get a feel for our culture. Chatting with a member of our talent team, you’ll learn more about On and how we work. We’ll learn about what motivates you and what you could bring to the team.
Step Three
Interview with a hiring manager
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.
Step Four
The Case Study
What's your style? This task will help us understand how you think, face a challenge and give insight into your novel ideas. Designed to give everyone their best shot, your case study is based on something you might typically experience on the job. This is your chance to show us what you’ve got. So express yourself. Be you.
Step Five
The Experience Day
Your first taste of the Oniverse. This is a time to meet some of the people you'll be working closest with. In person or virtually, you'll get a feel for the day-to-day at On and the people who make it happen. You'll chat with a few potential teammates - the conversations will be as equally driven by the role and your experience as by our values. We believe how you do things is just as important as what you do.
Step Six
The Result
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.
Step One:
It starts with you...
You'll start by submitting your application to a specific role.
We try to keep this step as simple as possible. We do get a lot of applications, but we review them all. We ask that you allow around 14 days for us to come back to you with a response. If you are a good fit to the role, someone will follow up with you within that window. If you didn't receive a reply, or were unsuccessful this time around, we encourage you to look for other possible matches at On.
The organisation
- Sporting Goods & Apparel
- Zurich, Switzerland
- 2000+ employees
- Website
Ignite the human spirit through movement
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