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.
Value and Cost Engineer
Responsibilities
- Lead cost estimation activities including should‑cost, cost modelling, and top‑down/bottom‑up analyses for engineered products
- Conduct detailed cost analyses and validate supplier cost breakdowns and manufacturing processes
- Support sourcing activities for Design‑to‑Cost projects to ensure cost‑effective outcomes
- Identify and support Value Added/Value Engineering (VA/VE) opportunities to optimize total product cost
- Analyze tools and part costs for mechanical and electronic components and maintain cost databases
Provide analytical input for supplier negotiations through fact‑based insights and benchmarks
Conduct cost audits to validate accuracy, transparency, and compliance with expected cost structures
Identify cost‑reduction opportunities and efficiency improvements at suppliers
Develop cost models to support product design early in development (Design‑to‑Cost, DfM, DfSC)
Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (Engineering, Procurement, Sales) to gather data and assess risks
Provide regular reporting on cost saving initiatives and support central decision‑making (target costing, benchmarking, make‑or‑buy analysis, budgeting)
Qualifications
Technical background in mechanics, mechanical engineering, production engineering, or similar
Degree in Mechanical Engineering HF/FH or equivalent
Over 5 years of experience in cost engineering, development, value engineering, or strategic procurement
Demonstrated experience with cost modelling and supplier cost analysis
Experience working in complex global organizational environments
Background in machinery, vacuum technology or semiconductor‑related production is beneficial
Experience coordinating cross‑functional or category‑focused teams
Solid project management experience
Strong skills in Microsoft Excel; PowerBI is an advantage
Strong analytical and problem‑solving mindset
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to influence outcomes through expertise (without direct authority)
Ability to manage multiple priorities
Strong risk‑based analytical approach
Effective collaboration and stakeholder management
Fluent in English; good German is preferred (or alternative profile: strong German + B1 English)
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.
