Supplier Development & Quality Engineer (Welding / Machining)

VAT Vakuumventile AG seeks a Senior Supplier Development & Quality Engineer in Haag, CH, to manage quality and development for global machining and welding suppliers.

The company is looking for a professional to ensure that supplier products and processes for machining and welding meet VAT specifications, standards, and customer needs. This role supports the organization's growth strategy and material stability by driving supplier qualification, industrialization, ramp-up activities, and risk mitigation.

Responsibilities

• Manage the qualification and development of global suppliers specializing in machining and welding.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, process maturity, production capacity, and readiness for serial production.
• Lead supplier development, industrialization, and ramp-up initiatives with clear accountability.
• Assist with supplier relocations, second-source implementation, and qualification projects.
• Train suppliers on VAT requirements, standards, technologies, and process expectations.
• Handle supplier complaints, conduct root cause analysis, and manage corrective actions using the 8D methodology.
• Review and approve ISIR, PPAP, and process qualification documentation.
• Monitor supplier KPIs, process capability, and risk trends; define improvement actions with suppliers and procurement.
• Plan and perform system and process audits for machining, welding, and manufacturing controls.
• Audit CNC turning, milling, grinding, multi-axis machining, TIG, orbital, laser, and vacuum soldering processes.
• Drive closure and effectiveness verification of audit findings.
• Support supplier-related change requests, customer escalations, and shortage prevention with technical risk assessments.
• Lead supplier recovery actions, including capability assessments, material risk assessments, and top management escalation support.
• Define and drive actions to secure material availability in close alignment with Engineering, Operations, and Strategic Sourcing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a similar field.
• 5 to 10+ years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing engineering, or supplier development.
• Strong quality management, engineering, or manufacturing background in machining and welding.
• Experience in supplier audits, process qualification, ramp-up, and corrective action management.
• Practical experience with supplier relocations, second sources, or supplier recovery situations.
• Good understanding of ISO 9001, ISO 3834, and semiconductor customer requirements.
• Ability to work in international matrix organizations with regular supplier travel.
• Strong communication, negotiation, project management, and stakeholder management skills.
• High level of resilience, ownership, and flexibility.
• Fluent German and English skills (written and spoken).

What the company offers

• Join a passionate, international team where your voice is heard, your ideas matter, and your career growth is supported.

About the company

VAT Vakuumventile AG is guided by the passions of integrity, teamwork, customer centricity, and innovation, always working together as #oneVAT. The company welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace.

• Guided by integrity, teamwork, customer centricity, and innovation.
• Working together as #oneVAT.
• Welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
• Dedicated to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace.