Lab Development Engineer

About VAT Group

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 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.

Lab Development Engineer 

We at VAT Group AG, headquartered in Switzerland, invite a both talented and passionate Lab Engineer to join our SEMI (Semiconductor ) BU - one of our most valued Business Units. This particular Lab Engineer role is created for our R&D BU within the SEMI. 

You will be responsible for the design, development, execution, and continuous improvement of automated testing environments supporting R&D projects. You will work closely with development, design, and quality teams, as well as in close collaboration with mechatronics engineers to deliver integrated, high-quality system solutions 

WHAT WE OFFER

• Join a global leader at the forefront of semiconductor innovation, we are a globally leading company in the semiconductor industry

• A technologically advanced and innovative working environment with Modern Laboratory and testing facilities

• Thrive in a collaborative, innovative environment that celebrates bold ideas and outstanding execution — where your potential knows no bounds

• Enjoy an exceptional working environment with great amenities at our VAT Group offices in the Swiss canton of St. Gallen

• Receive competitive compensation and benefits aligned with your expertise and contributions

YOUR CHALLENGES

• Design and implement automated testing environments for product verification and validation.

• Develop and drive the PLC-based systems roadmap, ensuring alignment with technological and product strategies.

• Develop and integrate PLC-based control systems, including:

  • Selection and configuration of PLCs, I/O modules, sensors, actuators, and communication interfaces

  • Programming PLCs for process control, motion control, and comprehensive system diagnostics

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to realize complex systems.

• Perform verification and validation testing in accordance with internal standards as well as customer and industry requirements.

• Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation throughout all project phases.

• Provide expert-level customer support, including assistance during product commissioning and reliable second-level technical support delivery.

YOUR COMPETENCIES

• Completed technical qualification as an Automation Technician EFZ (or equivalent).

• Additional advanced education in Systems Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or Electrical Engineering at HF/FH/University level.

• 5+ years of experience in software development using the TwinCAT (Beckhoff) environment with Structured Text (ST).

• Knowledge of designing electrical circuit diagrams and hardware systems.

• Strong analytical and systematic approach to solving engineering challenges.

• Proactive, hands-on mindset with a focus on fast and effective execution.

• Fluent in English; German skills are a plus.

YOUR CHALLENGES

• Design and implement automated testing environments for product verification and validation.

• Develop and drive the PLC-based systems roadmap, ensuring alignment with technological and product strategies.

• Develop and integrate PLC-based control systems, including:

  • Selection and configuration of PLCs, I/O modules, sensors, actuators, and communication interfaces

  • Programming PLCs for process control, motion control, and comprehensive system diagnostics

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to realize complex systems.

• Perform verification and validation testing in accordance with internal standards as well as customer and industry requirements.

• Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation throughout all project phases.

• Provide expert-level customer support, including assistance during product commissioning and reliable second-level technical support delivery.

YOUR COMPETENCIES

• Completed technical qualification as an Automation Technician EFZ (or equivalent).

• Additional advanced education in Systems Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or Electrical Engineering at HF/FH/University level.

• 5+ years of experience in software development using the TwinCAT (Beckhoff) environment with Structured Text (ST).

• Knowledge of designing electrical circuit diagrams and hardware systems.

• Strong analytical and systematic approach to solving engineering challenges.

• Proactive, hands-on mindset with a focus on fast and effective execution.

• Fluent in English; German skills are a plus.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Join a global leader at the forefront of semiconductor innovation, we are a globally leading company in the semiconductor industry

• A technologically advanced and innovative working environment with Modern Laboratory and testing facilities

• Thrive in a collaborative, innovative environment that celebrates bold ideas and outstanding execution — where your potential knows no bounds

• Enjoy an exceptional working environment with great amenities at our VAT Group offices in the Swiss canton of St. Gallen

• Receive competitive compensation and benefits aligned with your expertise and contributions