Development Engineer - Advanced Process Control

VAT Vakuumventile AG; Haag; On-site; CHF 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

VAT Group in Haag, Switzerland seeks an Development Engineer - Advanced Process Control to lead development of fast, nonlinear control algorithms for sub-2 nm chip production. You will model, simulate, and validate control strategies on embedded hardware, plan experiments, and collaborate across R&D and with partners, driving innovation in vacuum gas delivery and pressure control systems.

The ideal candidate holds MSc/PhD in engineering with 4+ years in advanced control, and is proficient in

Qualifications

• Engineering degree in a relevant field with strong theoretical background.
• Experience in developing advanced control algorithms for physical or industrial systems.
• Proficiency in model-based and data-driven control methods.

Responsibilities

• Develop novel and differentiating control algorithms for fast and nonlinear processes using model-based, optimization-based and data-driven methods.
• Develop and validate physics-based, data-driven and hybrid dynamic system models using system identification methods.
• Design and simulate control concepts in MATLAB Simulink, deploy on embedded platforms and verify on test setups.
• Plan, execute and document experiments (DoE) and analyze results systematically.
• Take technical ownership of development projects and coordinate with stakeholders.
• Cooperate with cross-functional VAT R&D teams and external partners.
• Occasional on-site support at customer sites.

Skills

Control theory

Dynamic system modelling

System identification

Numerical optimization

MATLAB/Simulink

C/C++

Python

Embedded hardware

Machine learning (ML)

Data-driven control

Analytical problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

MSc/PhD in mechanical/electrical/control/mechatronics

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

C/C++

Python

Job description

Development Engineer - Advanced Process Control

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.

Our team in Haag, Switzerland is looking for you:

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

Our products are key components in any semiconductor processing tool worldwide. To extend our market leadership in advanced pressure control for sub-2 nm chip production we want to strengthen our team with experienced engineers and researchers with passion for control theory, dynamic system modelling and optimization-based control

You will be an integral part of our R&D team to develop industry leading gas control systems for semiconductor manufacturing equipment. You are a great fit for our team if you want to work on advanded control methods on embedded control hardware, enjoy taking initiative and exploring new approaches to intelligent control, and want to validate your ideas hands-on in experimental and industrial environments.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop novel and differentiating control algorithms for fast and nonlinear processes using advanced model-based, optimization-based and data-driven control methods using VAT’s existing gas delivery and pressure control technology

Develop and validate physics-based, data-driven and hybrid dynamic system models using system identification methods

• Design and simulate control concepts in MATLAB Simulink, deploy them on embedded control platforms and verify their performance on on experimental test setups
• Plan, execute and document experiments (DoE) and analyze results in a systematic manner

Take technical ownership of development projects, including requirements and specification alignment with key stakeholders, concept development, rapid prototyping, experimental verification and validation on final products

• Cooperate among cross-functional teams of experts within VAT R&D organization and external technology partners
• Occasional on-site support of newly developed applications/products at customer site.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Engineering Degree (MSc or PhD) in mechanical or electrical engineering, control engineering, mechatronics or similar
• 4+ years’ experience in developing advanced control algorithms for physical or industrial systems
• Strong foundation in control theory, dynamic system modelling, system identification and numerical optimization

Knowledge of machine learning and optimization based control methods for dynamic systems

• Practical experience implementing and deploying control systems on embedded hardware
• Advanced proficiency in MATLAB Simulink
• Practical experience with C/C++ and Python coding
• Knowhow in fluid dynamics and vacuum systems is advantageous
• Hands on and systematic engineering mindset, strong analytical problem-solving and team spirit

You can expect a dynamic and successful company where innovation, courage, fairness, openness and transparency are encouraged and your ideas are welcome.

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 .