Product Manager - Semiconductors and Control Valves

VAT Vakuumventile AG seeks a Product Manager for Control Valves in Haag, CH. The role focuses on SEMI OEM interfaces, product lifecycle management, and driving global growth through technical roadmap translation.

This position serves as the Product Manager for the Control Valves product line within the SEMI Business Unit. The incumbent is responsible for managing critical technical relationships with SEMI OEM customers and overseeing the entire product lifecycle. By translating OEM roadmaps into concrete product requirements, the role supports VAT’s global expansion and market share growth.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical contact for a major SEMI OEM customer.
• Oversee the complete product lifecycle, including development, phase-in/out, continuous improvement, customization, pricing, forecasting, training, and marketing documentation.
• Analyze OEM technical roadmaps to define product requirements that protect and expand VAT’s global share of wallet.
• Track OEM account profitability and implement strategies to sustain and increase financial performance.
• Lead continuous improvement and value-engineering initiatives, including cost reduction and product relocation projects.
• Assist VAT sales teams in customer acquisition, negotiations, and technical alignment.
• Conduct training for sales engineers and customers in collaboration with field application engineering teams.
• Develop and maintain technical customer documentation, such as manuals and data sheets, ensuring compliance with European machinery directives.
• Coordinate customer-specific requirements across VAT business units and legal entities for engineering and operational implementation.
• Define product and technology roadmaps to integrate advanced technologies into the portfolio.
• Drive the implementation of smart features to enhance control valve capabilities and system integration.
• Collaborate with the mechatronics department to define controller strategies and future development needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, electronic, or mechatronic engineering.
• Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical systems.
• Experience in product management within the vacuum industry.
• Strong knowledge of sales processes for high-tech components in global, highly competitive markets.
• Proven entrepreneurial mindset with strategic thinking and experience in defining product roadmaps.
• Experience managing key accounts and complex stakeholder environments.
• Knowledge of the semiconductor industry and its processes.
• Solid understanding of electronics (hardware and software).
• Experience managing international customers and cross-functional projects.
• Ability to monitor market developments and translate them into product and business requirements.
• Fluent English, with strong negotiation skills in spoken and written communication.

Nice to have

• Master’s degree.
• Additional background in economics or marketing.

What the company offers

• Join a global leader at the forefront of semiconductor innovation.
• Technologically advanced and innovative working environment with Modern Laboratory and testing facilities.
• Collaborative, innovative environment that celebrates bold ideas and outstanding execution.
• Exceptional working environment with great amenities at our VAT Group offices in the Swiss canton of St. Gallen.
• Competitive compensation and benefits aligned with your expertise and contributions.

About the company

VAT Vakuumventile AG is guided by passions: integrity, teamwork, customer centricity, and innovation. The company works together as #oneVAT, fostering a passionate, international team where your voice is heard, your ideas matter, and your career growth is supported. Innovation, courage, fairness and transparency are encouraged and your ideas are welcome.

• Guided by passions: integrity, teamwork, customer centricity, and innovation.
• Works together as #oneVAT.
• Passionate, international team where your voice is heard, your ideas matter, and your career growth is supported.
• Innovation, courage, fairness and transparency are encouraged and your ideas are welcome.