Thorsten Chojetzki

R&D Director ∙ Innovation & Smart Systems @ framas

About

I am passionate about computational design, algorithmic modeling, and advanced engineering workflows for product development and manufacturing. My work combines design automation, parametric modeling, and digital manufacturing to create innovative solutions for footwear components, functional surface structures, and laser texture applications. I work extensively with tools such as Grasshopper, Synera, nTop, and NX Algorithmic Modeling to develop scalable and flexible workflows that bridge design, engineering, and production. With a background in plastic engineering and a strong focus on injection molding, I specialize in translating complex geometric and manufacturing challenges into efficient digital processes. I am particularly interested in computational methods for tooling, lattice structures, textured surfaces, and manufacturable geometry generation. In addition, I have a strong focus on additive manufacturing for both polymers and metals, leveraging 3D printing technologies for rapid prototyping, functional testing, and production-oriented innovation.

Country

South Korea

City

Busan

Industry

Apparel & Fashion

Skill

Computational Design, Teamwork, Cross-functional Team Leadership, Footwear, Foam, Robot Programming, International Project Management, Algorithmic Modeling, Innovation Development, Parametric Modeling, Adaptability, Grasshopper 3D, Procedural Design, Generative Design, Implicit Modeling, Modeling and Simulation, Ntop, 3D Prototyping, Rapid Prototyping, Additive Manufacturing

Experience

R&D Director ∙ Innovation & Smart Systems

framas

2024-9 - Present · 2 yrs 1 mo

Busan, Südkorea

‣ Led a five-person engineering team and coordinated six group-level contributors across R&D and technology programs, translating Nike and partner requirements into prioritized engineering initiatives for materials and footwear components. ‣ Led DfM collaboration with Nike and Tier 1 partners, driving Nike footwear projects from early concept through scaled production. ‣ Performed Moldflow simulations and co-developed standardized reporting practices with Nike, improving consistency across analyses, design reviews, and technical communication. ‣ Automated runner design using NX Algorithmic Modeling, reducing engineering time from 90 to 10 minutes, while accelerating Moldflow iterations and FSR production tooling development. ‣ Standardized Siemens NX across five international engineering sites, negotiated group-wide licensing, established an eight-user engineering network, and co-developed footwear-specific workflows with Siemens.

Key Account Project Manager & Team Leader

framas

2016-8 - 2024-8 · 8 yrs 1 mo

Busan, Südkorea

‣ Developed a laser-textured microstructure enabling adhesive-free bonding of injection-molded TPU outsoles to SCF-foamed midsoles, eliminating conventional adhesives and supporting more sustainable footwear manufacturing. ‣ Led the industrialization, IQ/OQ/PQ validation, and scale-up of the Nike FastFit lacing system, transitioning from manual assembly in Vietnam to fully automated production and enabling output of more than two million units. ‣ Designed and deployed a digital mold-tracking system with real-time production monitoring, automated alerts, and interactive dashboards, strengthening traceability and operational control while improving overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) by 20%. ‣ Established a centralized additive-manufacturing framework and led the deployment, commissioning, and optimization of 21 3D-printing systems across six international sites, increasing productivity by 25% while improving print quality and process reliability.

Bioscience Development & Process Engineer

Sony DADC BioSciences GmbH

2013-1 - 2016-7 · 3 yrs 7 mos

Salzburg, Austria

‣ Developed and validated manufacturing processes (Cpk/Ppk) for microfluidic lab-on-a-chip systems, including injection molding, laser joining, solvent bonding, and ultrasonic welding.