BE GREAT TOGETHER WITH US.

Innovation, Efficiency and Ambition: this is what VAT has stood for over 50 years. 

With this passion, VAT has grown to become the leading international developer, manufacturer and supplier of high-performance high-end vacuum valves and vacuum sealing technology, employing over 2000 people worldwide.  The headquarters are located in Haag (Switzerland), the production centers in Switzerland, Malaysia, Romania and Taiwan.

We are looking for a Supplier Development & Quality Engineer to shape and execute VAT’s strategic sourcing strategy and operational tasks related to supplier development both in quality and operation excellence. 

Reporting directly to Supplier Development & Quality Manager, you will work closely with cross-functional stakeholders across the company to develop suppliers to meet VAT’s standards and ensuring undisrupted supplier continuity with consistent delivery. You must have the ability to work independently and work within diverse multi-functional teams, using deep knowledge of the category to drive improvements in quality, cost, and technological capability of our supplier base. 

The role requires quality centric mind-set to guide the supplier base towards consistent quality output. Success in this role is dependent on critical thinking, continuous process improvement of the supplier base and end customer satisfactions. 

Your responsibilities include, but not limited to: 

• Evaluates and visits new suppliers, collaboration with Category Managers
• Performs supplier assessment, audit, qualification and follow up on gap’s closure
• Develop key suppliers in terms of technology, quality, capability and responsiveness
• Perform supplier situation analysis and define and execute quality improvement plan
• Drive Supplier Quality Management Review based on supplier monitoring and rating
• Analyses suppliers’ existing processes and identifies improvement potentials
• Introduces and train suppliers on VAT-specific processes and standards
• Provides support to buyer and other department in case of crisis
• Develops and maintains supplier relationships
• Develops tools and trainings for supplier qualification
• Pursuit of quality goals and implementation and monitoring of improvement measures
• Support and execute the implementation of supplier quality improvement activities & programmes
• Support of certification and customer audits
• Support various supplier related quality issues and handles supplier non-conformances
• Coordinate containment activities with purging team to ensure no reject part escapee to next process
• Lead NC Cage Management to ensure physical part tally with system record with the support of SDQ Technician
• Reports to the Head of Supplier Development & Quality

Minimum Qualification:

• Degree in Engineering (pref Mechanical/Mechatronic) OR Degree in Physics
• Minimum 8 years of experience in the field of supplier development and quality
• Experience in 8D problem solving as a team member or facilitator
• Experience in Supplier Non Conformance (NC) Management
• Experience in Supplier Auditing (System Audit and Process Audit)

Preferred Qualification   :

• Proficient in Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerance (GD&T) and Datum Referencing.
• Experience in equipment & process enhancement to improve production efficiencies, manufacturing techniques and quality improvement.
• Familiar in handling Aluminium & Stainless Steel.
• Demonstrated technical and analytical ability with high degree of professional acumen. Coupled with the ability to present results clearly and compellingly.
• Demonstrated experience with production line setup/validation, equipment selection/qualification, manufacturing approaches for high/low volume/mix, and working with contract manufacturers.
• Team player who works effectively in team or independent work environments.
• Self-starter with the ability to adapt, critical thinking skills & problem solving.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Knowledge/Experience in Power BI or other analytical tools such as SPC

VAT is an equal opportunity employer. We see ourselves as a responsible and far-sighted employer that offers not only jobs, but also career and personal development opportunities through various training programs. We recognize the value of employee diversity and provide equal employment opportunity for all qualified application that contributes to innovation, improves customer orientation and employee satisfaction. One-step in this direction is to ensure that people are recognized and fairly compensated for their contributions to the company. In 2021, VAT received the Fair-ON-Pay+ certificate as an acknowledgement for our commitment in ensuring equal pay for equal work between men and women.