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Lead - Robotics and PLC Engineer

On Running

Zurichfull-timeOtherHybrid

Posted 28 July 2026

About this role

In short

Take the leap and redefine the future of sports goods production with us. Lead groundbreaking projects to develop and scale cutting-edge processes and products. Invent, optimize, automate and develop machines, to shape the future of manufacturing. Beside concept development and prototyping of new manufacturing technologies on a lab scale, you will lead the technology engineering, development scale up towards commercial production.

As a robotics and PLC engineer you will work closely on the development of new footwear manufacturing machines. You realize early concepts and help to develop them to production by programming and deploying new procedures and routines. You act as a link between computational design and machine engineering. You introduce new robot routines, program PLC's but also help troubleshoot and identify improvements to be applied.

Your mission

- Robot Programming & Integration: Act as the subject matter expert for industrial manipulators. You will introduce new routines, update controllers, and integrate new hardware into the manufacturing ecosystem.
- PLC Innovation: Beyond standard logic, you will leverage CODESYS and various communication protocols. You’ll find creative ways to bridge PLC systems with high-level languages like Python to unlock new capabilities.
- Digital Twin Facilitation: Serve as the critical link between software engineering and physical hardware. You will manage digital twin environments and ensure precise calibration across systems.
- Kinematic Simulation: Conduct reachability studies on parametrized models to guide hardware design and ensure mechanical optimization before a single part is built.
- Knowledge Leadership: Act as a technical mentor and consultant for designers and operators, ensuring the team has the support needed to navigate complex automated systems.

Your story

- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field.
- 6+ years of professional experience in industrial automation or a related innovation-focused environment.
- Proven expertise in programming and deploying industrial robots.
- Demonstrated success in implementing robust, scalable workflows for novel or first-of-their-kind applications.
- Strong understanding of how quality standards and precision engineering impact the final product.
- Ability to thrive in innovation-driven environments with demanding timelines and high-quality standards.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to bridge software development and mechanical engineering teams.
- Availability to travel up to 20% of the time.
- Proven track record of creating reliable, scalable operating procedures for pioneering applications.
- Experience with ABB Robotics is highly valued.
- Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

Meet the team

As a member of the Innovation Technology team, you will join a multidisciplinary collective of experts redefining the future of sports goods manufacturing. We bridge the gap between digital theory and physical reality by building bespoke machinery, processing novel materials, and leveraging advanced modeling and simulation. Our mission is to unlock the potential of next-generation manufacturing, developing the custom software and engineering workflows needed to scale high-performance products

What we offer

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.

About On Running

On Running logo
Hybridenterprise (1000+)87 open roles

Swiss running shoe and clothing brand based in Zurich, built around a patented cushioning system that activates during the landing phase of a stride.

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