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 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.

Lab Development Engineer

Purpose of the role

As a Lab Development Engineer, you will design, develop, and continuously improve automated testing environments that support R&D projects for semiconductor products, working closely with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver reliable and innovative solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement automated testing environments for product verification and validation.
• Develop and maintain PLC-based control systems using the TwinCAT (Beckhoff) environment.
• Define and drive the PLC systems roadmap in alignment with product and technology strategies.
• Collaborate with R&D, Mechatronics, Design, and Quality teams to develop integrated system solutions.
• Execute verification and validation testing in accordance with internal, customer, and industry standards.
• Create and maintain technical documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support product commissioning and provide second-level technical support for customers.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of laboratory infrastructure and testing capabilities.

Qualifications

• Technical qualification as an Automation Technician EFZ (or equivalent).
• Advanced education in Systems Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (HF/FH/University).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience developing software in the TwinCAT (Beckhoff) environment using Structured Text (ST).
• Experience designing electrical circuit diagrams and hardware systems.
• Strong analytical and systematic problem-solving skills.
• Hands-on, proactive mindset with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluent in English; German is considered an advantage.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, SharePoint, MS365, Azure DevOps, and project management software.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken; additional languages are considered an advantage.
• Willingness to travel approximately 5%; experience in vacuum technology or the semiconductor industry is considered a plus.

Our commitment to inclusion, fairness and equal opportunities

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.