Development Engineer - Automation and Control

VAT Group, the world’s leading supplier of high‑performance vacuum valves, is looking for a Development Engineer – Automation and Control to join its permanent team in Haag, St. Gallen, Switzerland. The company, with more than 3,200 employees and a 60‑year history of innovation, designs vacuum solutions that are essential for semiconductor manufacturing and operates globally from its headquarters and several production sites. In this role you will define concepts and build automation systems for research‑and‑development test rigs and laboratory equipment. You will create data‑acquisition and experiment‑automation tools to evaluate gas‑sensing and control technologies, and design sophisticated control algorithms for high‑speed gas‑control applications. The job also involves planning, executing and documenting design‑of‑experiments in a structured manner, collaborating with cross‑functional R&D experts and external partners, and occasionally providing on‑site support for newly launched products at customer locations. The position requires an MSc or PhD in mechanical, electrical, control engineering, mechatronics or a related discipline, together with solid knowledge of control‑system theory and industrial automation. Candidates need at least three years of industry experience designing semi‑ or fully‑automated test setups, proficiency in PLC programming (such as Beckhoff or Siemens), familiarity with industrial communication protocols, and programming ability in Matlab Simulink or Python. A systematic, hands‑on approach, creative problem‑solving and strong teamwork are also essential. Experience in vacuum technology or semiconductor environments and a background in system engineering are considered advantageous. Working at VAT means becoming part of an international, inclusive team that values each voice, supports career development, and operates under the guiding principles of integrity, teamwork, customer centricity and innovation.