Welding Engineer

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.

Responsibilities:  

• Manage the welding program for vacuum component and chamber fabrication, ensuring compliance with AWS codes and UHV standards (e.g. AWS D18.1,SEMI F19, ASME Section IX).
• Oversee the development, qualification, and maintenance of Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Procedure Qualification Records (PQR), and welder certifications.
• Supervise manual MIG and orbital TIG welding operations, with a focus on achieving defect-free, full-penetration welds suitable for helium leak testing and vacuum integrity.
• Ensure all welding processes meet internal and customer cleanliness standards, including surface prep, post-weld cleaning, and weld discoloration limits.
• Collaborate with design, quality, and production teams to troubleshoot issues and support new product introductions (NPI).
• Responsible for control of production weld quality.Lead weld defect investigations and implement root cause corrective actions (RCCA) in accordance with ISO and customer-driven quality systems.  
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives around weld consistency, process efficiency, and weld traceability.
• Assist with the tooling and fixturing designs required for weld/fit-up operation. 
• Support or lead internal and customer audits related to welding and cleanliness documentation. 
• Drive training and certification programs to ensure welder readiness, procedural discipline, and compliance with evolving customer requirements.
• Evaluate and maintain welding and purging equipment, ensuring readiness for high-mix, low-defect production.

Requirements:

• Degree in Welding Engineering or a related technical disciplineAWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or Certified Welding Educator (CWE) required.
• Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma certification a plus. 5–10 years of welding experience in precision stainless steel fabrication, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role.
• Strong knowledge of UHV/UHP welding principles, vacuum sealing techniques, and helium leak rate standards.
•  Hands-on experience with TIG/MIG welding and clean fabrication best practices.
• Familiarity with vacuum standards and specifications (e.g., SEMI, ISO 14644, ASME). 
• Excellent communication, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Experience working with OEM customers in semiconductor equipment, aerospace, or research lab environments.
• Knowledge of cleanroom protocols, vacuum-compatible materials, and surface finishing standards (e.g., electropolishing, passivation)

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.