Supplier Development and Quality 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.

We are looking for a Supplier Development & Quality Engineer to drive operational excellence in supplier quality management through effective Non-Conformance (NC) management, supplier coordination, and continuous reduction of NC backlog and inventory value.

Reporting directly to the Supplier Development & Quality Manager, you will work closely with cross-functional stakeholders including Production, IQC, Warehouse, Procurement, and suppliers to ensure timely disposition and closure of supplier-related non-conformances. You will be responsible for managing daily NC Cage operations, coordinating supplier containment and sorting activities, and driving material disposition to support uninterrupted production. In addition, you will lead a team of SDQ Technicians operating on shift to ensure efficient execution of NC processing and containment activities.

The role requires a strong quality mindset, sense of urgency, and excellent coordination skills to drive timely resolution of supplier quality issues. Success in this role depends on effective stakeholder management, disciplined follow-up, data-driven decision-making, and the ability to reduce NC cycle time, backlog, and inventory value while maintaining production continuity. Ultimately, you will contribute to improved supplier quality performance, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Own and manage supplier-related Non-Conformance (NC) cases to ensure timely disposition and closure within established targets.
• Lead the daily operation of the NC Cage, ensuring proper segregation, traceability, disposition, and closure of non-conforming materials.
• Drive NC backlog reduction and NC inventory value reduction through effective prioritization, follow-up, and issue resolution.
• Manage and supervise SDQ Technicians operating on shift to ensure timely processing of NC materials and execution of containment activities.
• Coordinate sorting, rework, replacement, and containment activities with suppliers to minimize production impact.
• Work closely with Buyers, Warehouse, Production, and suppliers to ensure timely return, replacement, or disposal of non-conforming materials.
• Monitor NC aging, supplier responsiveness, and action status, escalating overdue cases to ensure closure within defined timelines.
• Maintain accurate records and performance reporting on NC backlog, cycle time, aging, inventory value, and supplier quality performance.

Minimum Qualification:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Quality Engineering, or related discipline.
• Diploma holders with minimum 5 years of relevant experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, or Quality Engineering are also encouraged to apply.
• Experience in handling supplier quality issues, non-conformance management, and corrective action processes.

Preferred Qualification:

• Experience in managing supplier quality issues within high-mix, low-volume precision manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of machining processes including CNC Turning, Milling, Multi-Axis Machining, and precision measurement techniques.
• Familiarity with GD&T interpretation and engineering drawing requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to drive root cause investigations.
• Experience coordinating supplier sorting, rework, containment, and recovery plans.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and/or IATF 16949 quality management systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Self-starter with strong ownership, urgency, and customer-focused mindset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and quality reporting tools.
• Good communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• Team player who works effectively in cross-functional teams and independently when required.

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.