At VAT, we change the world with vacuum solutions. As the world’s leading supplier of high-performance vacuum valves, we have been driving innovation for more than 60 years. With over 3,200 employees worldwide, we operate from our headquarters in Haag, Switzerland, with manufacturing sites in Switzerland, Malaysia and Romania, as well as sales and service hubs around the world. We are guided by our passions: integrity, teamwork, customer centricity, and innovation – always working together as #oneVAT.
Joining us means becoming part of a passionate, international team where your voice is heard, your ideas matter, and your career growth is supported.
MAIN ROLE AND ACTIVITIES
o Lead the development, implementation, validation, and release of new manufacturing equipment, assembly stations, tooling, fixtures, and production technologies.
o Define equipment and process requirements and translate manufacturing needs into technical specifications for internal engineering teams and external suppliers.o Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities by developing manufacturing concepts and industrialization plans for new products and processes.
o Collaborate with global engineering teams to evaluate, standardize, and implement best-in-class manufacturing technologies across VAT Group sites.
o Participate in equipment design reviews to ensure compliance with safety, quality, manufacturability, ergonomics, and operational requirements.
o Plan and execute equipment commissioning, installation, qualification, and production release activities.
o Coordinate Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), and equipment validation activities.
o Define process parameters, equipment settings, acceptance criteria, and operational standards required for production readiness.
o Support production ramp-up activities and ensure stable process performance during equipment introduction.
o Establish maintenance concepts, spare parts strategies, and equipment support requirements together with Maintenance and Production teams.
o Prepare technical specifications, process flows, equipment layouts, and supporting documentation for manufacturing equipment projects.
o Coordinate equipment suppliers throughout design, manufacturing, installation, testing, and acceptance phases.
o Support project planning, budget control, risk assessment, and milestone tracking for capital investment projects.
o Create and maintain manufacturing documentation according to company standards and engineering best practices.
KEY EXPERIENCES
o Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.
o Experience in manufacturing equipment development, industrialization, automation, or production technology implementation.o Experience managing equipment-related projects in a manufacturing environment.
o Experience supporting NPI, equipment commissioning, qualification, and production ramp-up activities.
o Experience working with automation systems, assembly equipment, semi-automated production lines, or robotic applications.
o Experience working with cross-functional and international project teams.
o Experience working with external suppliers, machine builders, and technology providers.
o Experience in cleanroom manufacturing, precision assembly, or vacuum technology is considered an advantage.
o Project management experience is considered an advantage
COMPETENCIES
o Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, assembly technologies, and industrial equipment.
o Knowledge of equipment qualification methodologies (FAT, SAT, IQ, OQ, PQ).o Understanding of machine safety requirements, CE conformity principles, and risk assessment methodologies.
o Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a structured engineering approach.
o Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
o Ability to define technical requirements and evaluate manufacturing equipment solutions.
o Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken; German is an advantage.
o Proactive, organized, solution-oriented, and capable of working independently in a global environment.
We believe in meaningful careers, continuous learning, and equal opportunities for everyone to drive our innovation and success. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. If you have concerns, our compliance channel is available at our website. All reports are handled with strict confidentiality and in accordance with our Code of Conduct.
We change the world with vacuum solutions – that is our purpose as the world’s leading supplier of high-end vacuum valves. The Group reports in two segments: Valves and Global Service. The Valves segment is a global developer, manufacturer and supplier of vacuum valves for the semiconductor, displays, photovoltaics and vacuum coating industries as well as for the industrial and research sector. Global Service provides local expert support to customers and offers genuine spare parts, repairs and upgrades. VAT reported net sales of CHF 942 million in 2024 and employs some 3,200 people worldwide, with representatives in 29 countries and manufacturing sites in Switzerland, Malaysia, and Romania.
