Intern - Running Footwear Development

On; Zürich; On-site; CHF 22,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully paid internship position

On product store credits

Job summary

On in Zürich offers a six-month internship designed to integrate you into a dedicated team. You will gain practical experience while contributing to our global expansion and product development efforts.

We seek inquisitive minds ready to drive meaningful change. The internship is fully paid and starts March 1st, with the role fully integrated within a collaborative, engineering‑driven environment.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or recently graduated with a technical degree.
• Fluent in English with strong communication.
• Interest in footwear tech and sports science.

Responsibilities

• Own and grow projects during the 6‑month internship, driving milestones.
• Collaborate with mentors and regional teams across EMEA.
• Help optimize internal processes and documentation standards.
• Present learnings and data insights to leadership.

Skills

Ownership & Growth Mindset

Structured Execution & Organization

Effective Communication & Authenticity

Education

Engineering/Biomed/Biomechanics/Design degree

Job description

In Short

Whether you aim to launch your career or gain practical experience in a new domain, interning at On offers exceptional growth opportunities, immediate impact, and a direct contribution to our global expansion. We seek inquisitive minds and energetic individuals ready to drive meaningful change. Our six-month internship programs fully integrate you within a dedicated team environment.

• Program length: 6 months
• Requirements: Valid work authorization for Switzerland or the EU
• Compensation: Fully paid internship position
• Eligibility note: Meeting these basic criteria is essential for consideration. Please ensure complete accuracy in your responses, as our talent team deeply values transparency.
• Application period: Due to the expected high volume of applications, the role will be open for a limited time.

In Short

Whether you aim to launch your career or gain practical experience in a new domain, interning at On offers exceptional growth opportunities, immediate impact, and a direct contribution to our global expansion. We seek inquisitive minds and energetic individuals ready to drive meaningful change. Our six-month internship programs fully integrate you within a dedicated team environment.

• Program length: 6 months
• Requirements: Valid work authorization for Switzerland or the EU
• Compensation: Fully paid internship position
• Eligibility note: Meeting these basic criteria is essential for consideration. Please ensure complete accuracy in your responses, as our talent team deeply values transparency.
• Application period: Due to the expected high volume of applications, the role will be open for a limited time.

Program Details

• Start date: March 1st
• Program length: 6 months
• Requirements: Valid work authorization for Switzerland or the EU
• Compensation: Fully paid internship position
• Eligibility note: Meeting these basic criteria is essential for consideration. Please ensure complete accuracy in your responses, as our talent team deeply values transparency.
• Application period: Due to the expected high volume of applications, the role will be open for a limited time.

We recommend watching the recording of our careerfairy livestream for our previous cohort in September to hear former interns share their internship experience, get an insider's look at different departments and pick up some tips and tricks from our recruiters to help you ace the application process!

Your Mission

Global Core Expectations

• End-to-End Project Ownership: Take direct accountability for assigned operational workflows and sub-projects, driving tasks from initial onboarding through to measurable business impact over your 6-month tenure.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with mentors, cross-functional peers, and regional stakeholders across EMEA to align on shared milestones and execute business priorities.
• Process Optimization & Standards: Assist with daily team operations, streamline routines, and optimize internal documentation to maintain premium execution standards.
• Strategic Deliverables & Insights: Present project learnings, campaign outcomes, or analytical findings to team leadership using structured storytelling and clear data insights.

Role-Specific Deliverables

• Inline Performance Running Support: Assist Footwear Developers in creating and executing inline Performance Running products, supporting the seasonal development process from creative briefs through to final prototypes.
• Innovation & Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as a collaborative bridge between Inline Development and Innovation by collaborating with Innovation Development Intern on seasonal project
• Benchmarking & Data Management: Manage competitor benchmarking and documentation process
• Systems & Operations Optimization: Oversee accurate data management for footwear quality, pricing, and production lead times within PLM systems, while helping collate development-specific data regarding the sustainability roadmap.

Your Story

Global Core Qualifications

• Ownership & Growth Mindset: Highly self-motivated with a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset; comfortable taking initiative, navigating ambiguity, and driving solutions independently across a 6-month commitment.
• Structured Execution & Organization: Exceptionally organized and detail-oriented, with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and follow through on structured processes.
• Effective Communication & Authentic Connection: Clear verbal and written communication skills in English, with confidence to interact, share updates, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders across levels.

Role-Specific Requirements & Nice-to-Haves

• Academic Background: Currently pursuing or recently graduated with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biomechanics, Sports Science, Design, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience nice-to-have: Sporting Good Retail experience, Run related teammate or coach, or related
• Technical Affinity & Organization: Eager to solve technical footwear challenges with a strong affinity for shoemaking and technology. Highly organized and analytical, able to balance creativity with discipline in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication & Mindset: Fluent in English with the ability to clearly summarize and present technical observations. An adaptable, collaborative team player who brings an entrepreneurial spirit to unexpected challenges.

Your Team

We are an innovative, creative, and science-driven team dedicated to converting cutting-edge ideas into high-performance footwear. Driven by constant curiosity and an unrelenting ambition, we are a collective built to disrupt: constantly breaking the system only to rebuild it as the most innovative brand in running.

Our team combines deep expertise in engineering, development, and product management to create gear that meets rigorous scientific and technical standards. We foster a hands-on, highly collaborative environment where experts work alongside the very best in their respective fields.

Our team fosters an environment where continuous learning, mutual trust, and holistic well-being are championed. We believe in empowering every team member—including our interns—to take ownership, challenge the status quo, and build their best work.

What We Offer

Ready to gear up and move with us? You'll hit the ground running with an onboarding voucher and exclusive On product store credits to gear up in the latest apparel, accessories, and footwear. Because being off is just as important as being on so we cultivate a space where you can rest, recharge and thrive holistically. You will be supported through full access to mental wellbeing counselling and coaching via Kyan Health as well as dedicated internship learning sessions and workshops to supercharge your growth. We also make sure you’re fully protected and supported for the future with comprehensive accident, disability, and income protection coverage.

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.