Footwear Engineer

Diadora; Caerano di San Marco; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Diadora is seeking an experienced Footwear Engineer to bridge Design, Product Development and Production within the Operations department. You will translate concepts into scalable, high-performance products that meet cost and quality targets, from prototype to production launch.

This role emphasizes technical development, industrialization, costing, quality assurance and field support, with travel to production sites (7–8 trips/year) to collaborate with Far East partners.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in a similar footwear/ sports role.
• Deep knowledge of footwear manufacturing processes and pattern-making techniques.
• Ability to evaluate technical materials and interpret lab test results.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (advanced Excel) and familiarity with PLM systems.
• Native Italian with advanced English for international collaboration.
• Willingness to travel ~7–8 business trips per year (15 days each) to Far East partners.

Responsibilities

• Act as the technical bridge between Design, Product Development, and Production.
• Verify and fine-tune prototypes, analyze last, construction, functionality, and aesthetics.
• Coordinate with teams in the Far East and suppliers on industrialization matters.
• Validate tech packs/spec sheets for production completeness and accuracy.
• Apply Value Engineering to optimize material use and cost differentials.
• Assess project risks and propose alternative technical solutions.
• Verify sample compliance with quality standards and support QC on the line.
• Provide technical support for pro athlete products and customization projects.
• Collaborate on new materials/technologies and validate through tests.

Skills

Italian (native)

English (B2+)

Footwear manufacturing processes

Pattern-making techniques

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Tools

Excel

PLM

Job description

Main Responsibilities

We are looking for an experienced and dynamic Footwear Engineer, ready to become the technical bridge between Design, Product Development, and Production.

Based within the Operations department, you will play a cross-functional and strategic role: working closely with the Product, Quality, and Innovation teams to turn creative concepts into scalable, high-performance products that meet cost and quality targets. You will be the guardian of the shoe's technical integrity, from the initial prototype right through to the launch of production

Your objective will be to drive product engineering, ensuring that every model meets Diadora's standards of excellence. Specifically, you will be responsible for:

• Technical Development & Industrialization:
• Verifying and fine-tuning prototypes of new models, analyzing their last, construction, functionality, and aesthetics.
• Managing relations and coordination with the team in the Far East and suppliers on industrialization matters.
• Validating technical tech packs/spec sheets, ensuring their completeness and accuracy for production.
• Engineering for Costing & Quality:
• Applying "Value Engineering" logic to optimize material consumption and manage differential costs of construction solutions, maintaining a focus on cost control.
• Proactively analyzing project risks (scalability, durability, comfort) and proposing alternative technical solutions.
• Quality Assurance & Field Support:
• Verifying sample compliance with company quality standards.
• Monitoring the achievement of standards on the finished product, supporting Quality Control (QC) also through production line visits.
• Providing technical support for the development of products intended for professional athletes and for customization projects.
• Collaborating on the research of new materials and technologies, validating their technical requirements through laboratory and field tests.

Key Requirements

• Experience: At least 5 years of experience in a similar role, preferably in the sports industry (running/outdoor/sneakers).
• Technical Skills:
• Deep knowledge of footwear manufacturing processes and pattern-making techniques.
• Ability to evaluate technical materials (active sports vs. lifestyle) and interpret laboratory test results.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (advanced Excel) and familiarity with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems.
• Languages: Native Italian speaker, with intermediate/advanced written and spoken English (essential for daily interaction with international partners).
• Willingness to Travel: This role requires an active presence at production sites. Willingness to undertake approximately 7–8 business trips per year, lasting about 15 days each, to our partners in the Far East (China and Vietnam).

Soft Skills:

• Excellent problem-solving skills and decision‑making autonomy to manage unexpected issues directly on the factory floor.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Flexibility, determination, and a proactive approach.

Compensation & Classification

The final offer and classification level may vary based on objective and gender‑neutral criteria, such as the candidate's skills, seniority, professional background, and job qualifications.

Why work with us?

This is an incredible opportunity to become part of a dynamic company that will spark interest, inspire and offer an extraordinary experience in sports and lifestyle through its passion and technological innovation and the pinnacle of traditional craftsmanship. You will get the opportunity to learn, think and grow, while expressing your personality and talent.

We firmly believe that diversity in all its forms – gender, colour, age, race, nationality, culture, religious belief, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability – enriches the workplace. This is why we strive to create a diverse workforce.

As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their background.