Footwear Engineer

Diadora has been in the market for over 70 years and has helped write some of the greatest stories in the history of sport.

Located in the footwear district of Montebelluna, internationally renowned for expertly crafted sports shoes and home to some exceptional niche products, it has made craftsmanship, innovation and authenticity the key values at the heart of its sports and lifestyle collections.

Today, Diadora is present in more than 60 markets worldwide and continues to expand thanks to a vast array of cutting-edge performance-focused products, with its running, football and tennis lines and fashion products, with its premium Heritage and Sportswear line

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.