3D Footwear Engineer

The Bata Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers and retailers of quality footwear. A global company with more than 30,000 employees, over 5,000 stores in more than 70 countries worldwide, Bata has been providing the best shoes at the best value for money, backed by unparalleled service, for more than 120 years. Since its founding in 1894 by Thomas Bata, the Company has consistently demonstrated its commitment to responsible and innovative business models in the belief that capital is not just money, but, above all, people, knowledge and core values. Today, Bata's pioneering principles enable the company to adapt quickly to market changes. It also continues Bata's long tradition of being sensitive to cultural and national differences and enables it to function proudly as an inclusive company in every country in which it operates.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ROLE:

This role will support Bata’s digital product development transformation, with a strong focus on outsole engineering and technical integration. The 3D Footwear Engineer, reporting directly to our Chief Bata Design, will be responsible for outsole construction, tooling preparation, and capable of reverse engineering existing bottom units, footwear components and lasts using STL files.

KEY RESPONSABILITIES:

• Develop and optimize 3D outsole designs for casual footwear categories.
• Prepare production-ready CAD files for tooling and mold manufacturing.
• Reverse engineer existing outsoles using STL files or point cloud scan data.
• Convert scan data into parametric CAD models suitable for industrialization.
• Ensure proper upper/outsole interface geometry in collaboration with 3D Designer.
• Define tolerances, draft angles, and manufacturability parameters.
• Collaborate with tooling suppliers and factories to validate technical feasibility.
• Support cost optimization through geometry simplification and tooling efficiency.
• Implement structured digital workflows for outsole library management.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

We are looking for a candidate who can make a significant impact. The profile should include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 6+ years of footwear engineering experience, preferably in outsole development.
• Advanced proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, Rhino, Siemens NX, Fusion 360, or equivalent).
• Proven experience of reverse engineering STL or POC scan data.
• Strong understanding of injection molding, compression molding, and rubber tooling.
• Experience working directly with outsole mold suppliers.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical and structural problem-solving skills.
• Precision in technical documentation and geometry control.
• Manufacturing-driven mindset.
• Ability to bridge digital modeling and industrial production realities.

LOCATION:

• Limena, Italy (PD)
• Possibility of working in Smart Working for part of the week after an initial on-site training period
• Willingness to travel