Lead - Footwear Upper Engineer

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Location: Zurich

We are actively seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Inline Footwear Upper Engineer to join our dynamic design and development team. In this multifaceted role, you will be a key contributor to the success of our inline footwear products, responsible for creating and implementing pattern standards and overseeing last creation and management. Your expertise will play a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining consistency, quality, and efficiency in our inline pattern and last development processes, while also supporting the inline development team by up-skilling their technical expertise for footwear creation.

• Pattern Standards Creation:
• Develop and establish comprehensive pattern standards for inline footwear, outlining best practices, construction methods, and quality benchmarks.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with overall product development goals and inline design aesthetics.
• Last Creation and Management:
• Lead the creation and management of footwear lasts, ensuring they complement standardized patterns and contribute to the overall fit, comfort, and aesthetic goals of inline products.
• Collaborate with Design, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to optimize last design for mass production while adhering to industry trends.
• Inline Footwear Pattern Development:
• Implement pattern standards in the development of upper patterns for our inline footwear collections.
• Work closely with inline product designers to integrate standardized pattern elements that align with design vision while ensuring production feasibility.
• Continuous Improvement:
• Conduct regular reviews and assessments of inline footwear patterns and lasts against established standards, identifying areas for improvement and innovation.
• Proactively research and incorporate industry advancements into pattern and last standards to enhance product performance and aesthetics.
• Collaboration with Inline Design Teams:
• Provide guidance and support to inline product designers on adhering to pattern and last standards, fostering collaboration to achieve optimal fit, comfort, and performance in inline products.
• Collaborate seamlessly with cross-functional inline teams, including Upper - - Engineers and Manufacturing, to ensure standardized processes are followed.
• Prototype Refinement:
• Oversee the prototype refinement process, ensuring that standardized patterns and lasts are effectively translated into prototypes.
• Work closely with prototyping teams to address fit or performance concerns, incorporating feedback into the ongoing evolution of pattern and last standards.
• Documentation and Training:
• Create comprehensive documentation outlining pattern and last standards, ensuring clarity in communication across the inline design and development teams.
• Conduct training sessions to educate team members on the implementation of pattern and last standards, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adherence to best practices.
• Pattern Grading:
• Implement and oversee pattern grading processes in accordance with established standards, ensuring scalability across various sizes while maintaining consistent fit and design proportions for inline footwear.

• Bachelor's or higher degree in Footwear Design, Pattern Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in creating and implementing pattern and last standards for inline footwear, demonstrating successful integration into product development processes.
• 3+ years of experience in pattern-making software and CAD tools, with a deep understanding of materials relevant to inline footwear.
• Strong problem-solving skills, particularly in addressing fit and comfort challenges within standardized patterns and lasts.
• Detail-oriented mindset with a commitment to precision in pattern engineering and last creation.
• Effective communication skills, promoting collaboration within the inline team environment.