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 , Switzerland, with manufacturing sites in Switzerland, Malaysia and Romania, as well as sales and service hubs around the world. We 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, ) 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 is preferred (or alternative profile: strong + B1 English)