Product Creation Academy - Apparel Innovation Material

Job Description:

Over the course of the program, you will rotate through four connected functions - Material Development, Sourcing Apparel, Apparel & Accessories Development, and Sports Science, building a deep understanding of how innovation materials are developed, tested, sourced, and brought to life within product creation. This journey will set you up for success to start as a true functional expert in the Innovation Material team and fuel your long-term growth journey at On.
The Apparel Textile Innovation team at On develops next-generation textile solutions for high-performance apparel. Combining textile engineering, material innovation, and product creation, we work across the full innovation journey - from early-stage concepts and emerging technologies to scalable commercial applications. Working closely with design, product development, suppliers, and external innovation partners, we create textiles and apparel concepts driven by athlete needs - supporting athletes in pushing beyond their performance limits while enabling freedom of movement, comfort, and confidence in every condition. At the same time, we aim to reshape raw material supply chains by identifying and implementing lower-footprint material solutions without compromising performance or premium quality. Our team explores innovative fibers, and new approaches to circularity, including transforming textile waste into valuable new material streams.
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

Candidate Requirements:

- Preferably you have an educational background in Textile Engineering, Sports Science, Polymer Science, Material Science, or a related discipline. - 1-2 years of previous experience (through internships, academic work, or personal/projects) in textile material development, with curiosity for innovation, performance materials, and sustainability within the sportswear industry. - Well developed understanding of textile manufacturing processes such as knitting, weaving, dyeing, finishing, or material treatments gained through academic projects, internships, personal projects, or research experience. - Exposure to material testing methods and an interest in understanding the chemical, mechanical, and functional performance of sportswear materials. - A curious and forward-thinking mindset, with a passion for learning, experimentation, and challenging the status quo in material innovation. - Demonstrated ability to collaborate within cross-functional or team environments through university projects, internships, extracurricular activities, or research work. - Interest in how consumer insights, sports science, and wear testing can influence future material innovation and product performance. - You resonate with the On spirits, bring a positive and proactive attitude, and are eager to learn and grow in a fast-paced environment. - You communicate clearly and effectively and are fluent in English (written and spoken). Additional language skills are a plus. - You have the right to work in Switzerland or the EU