CAD/CAM Engineer

VAT Group; Sankt Gallen; On-site; CHF 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

VAT Group, based in Haag (St. Gallen), is seeking a CAD/CAM Engineer to optimize CNC programs, tooling, and machining strategies. You will support new product development and collaborate with Engineering, Production, and Tool Management to achieve high quality and productivity.

The role focuses on improving lead times, cycle times, and process reliability while maintaining cost targets and KPIs across multiple manufacturing departments.

Qualifications

• Completed vocational training as a Polymechanic, Machinist, or equivalent technical qualification.
• Minimum 5 years CAD/CAM programming and tooling experience, preferably in milling and complex mill-turn centers.
• Fluent German, both written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Create CNC programs (TopSolid 7), fixtures, tooling, and work instructions.
• Develop machining processes and select cutting tools and clamping methods.
• Ensure stable and reliable program execution and manufacturing processes.
• Continuously optimize operational production and machining-related processes.
• Calculate manufacturing costs and ensure adherence to cost targets.
• Identify, develop, and continuously improve manufacturing methods and strategies.
• Work closely with various manufacturing departments to reduce downtime and minimize cycle times.

Skills

CAD/CAM programming

Tooling technology

German language

Education

Polymechanic / Machinist training

Tools

TopSolid 7

TS-Shopfloor

Job description

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.

Location:
Haag, St. Gallen, CH
Employment Type: Permanent

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.

Purpose of the Role

The CAD/CAM Engineer ensures an efficient, stable, and cost-effective production environment by creating and optimizing CNC programs, manufacturing processes, and machining strategies. The role supports the development of new products, improves lead times and cycle times, and collaborates closely with Engineering, Production, and Tool Management to achieve the highest standards of quality and productivity.

Responsibilities

• Create CNC programs (TopSolid 7), fixtures, tooling, and work instructions.
• Develop machining processes and select appropriate cutting tools and clamping methods.
• Ensure stable and reliable program execution and manufacturing processes.
• Continuously optimize operational production and machining-related processes.
• Conduct feasibility studies for new products (NPI) and independently resolve drawing and manufacturing issues in collaboration with Engineering.
• Calculate manufacturing costs and ensure adherence to cost targets.
• Participate in process reviews and post-process meetings.
• Optimize lead times, product quality, and process cycle times.
• Identify, develop, and continuously improve manufacturing methods and strategies.
• Increase productivity while maintaining compliance with defined KPIs.
• Work closely with various manufacturing departments to reduce downtime and minimize cycle times.
• Provide support and collaborate closely with Tool Management regarding tool life and cutting parameters.
• Maintain tooling lists and system data using the tool management system (TS-Shopfloor).
• Support and further develop collaboration with global partners.

Qualifications

• Completed vocational training as a Polymechanic, Machinist, or equivalent technical qualification, with extensive experience in machining and metal-cutting manufacturing processes.
• Proven experience (minimum 5 years) in CAD/CAM programming and tooling technology, preferably in milling (4- and 5-axis machining) and complex mill-turn machining centers.
• Experience with HPC (High-Performance Cutting) and HSC (High-Speed Cutting) machining is an advantage.
• Strong communication skills, entrepreneurial mindset, and ability to work effectively within a team.
• High level of quality awareness and reliability.
• Systematic, analytical, and independent working style.
• Fluent German, both written and spoken.

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.