Field Application Engineer

VAT GROUP; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

VAT GROUP is seeking a technical interface expert based in San Jose, CA. This role involves identifying and describing technical requirements and driving new business opportunities while ensuring effective collaboration across teams.

The ideal candidate will have experience in vacuum engineering, excellent communication skills, and a degree in a relevant engineering field. Compensation ranges from $130,000 to $180,000 annually, along with a performance-based incentive plan.

Qualifications

• Product development experience at system or subsystem level.
• Hands-on experience with vacuum and/or processing systems.
• Knowledge of VAT product portfolio is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Identify technical requirements for new product developments.
• Provide local customer support during New Product Introduction.
• Monitor competitor landscape and identify VAT’s competitive advantage.

Skills

Experience in vacuum engineering

Strong interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Time-management skills

Fluent in English

Technical skills in customer processes

Education

Degree in Physics, Chemistry, Microelectronics, or related fields

Tools

MS Office suite

Job description

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: San Jose, CA, US

Employment Type: Permanent

This role serves as the primary technical interface between VAT and customers, acting as a trusted expert in processes and applications while proactively identifying challenges, emerging requirements, and future technology trends. It drives new business opportunities and guides customers toward optimized solutions that enhance performance, deepen partnerships, and expand VAT’s strategic footprint. A successful candidate will demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to collaborate effectively across cross‑functional teams, and exceptional organizational and time‑management capabilities to operate in a fast‑paced, customer‑driven environment.

Main Role And Activities (Responsibilities)

• Identify and precisely describe technical requirements for new product developments and existing product improvements.
• Provide local customer support during New Product Introduction (NPI).
• Execute and support product setup, testing, and experiments at customer sites.
• Provide accurate and precise answers to application‑related technical customer requests.
• Reliable technical contributor in projects for both VAT and customers acting as the voice of VAT engineering in customer projects and the voice of customer engineering in VAT product development projects.
• Take technical decisions together with customers based on general BU guidelines.
• Identify customer technical roadmaps and communicate to product management.
• Support Product Managers in defining actual and future product specifications to protect and grow VAT’s share of wallet.
• Support complex technical escalations at OEM customers and end users.
• Support Account Managers in customer acquisition and technical negotiations.
• Proactively drive the product requirements definition process to recommend appropriate solutions.
• Contribute to the VAT application engineering global network.
• Monitor competitor landscape, run competition analyses, and identify VAT’s competitive advantage.

Your profile

• Experience in vacuum engineering, preferably in SEMI / Display / Solar industries.
• Product development experience at system or subsystem level.
• Hands‑on experience with vacuum and/or processing systems in fabs or labs.
• Technical skills in customer processes, valve applications, and/or platforms.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, communication, and time‑management skills.
• Fluent in English (verbal and written).
• Ability to work in a global matrix organization and adapt to a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Knowledge of VAT product portfolio is a plus.
• Degree in Physics, Chemistry, Microelectronics, Mechanical, Electrical, or Semiconductor‑related engineering fields.

Compensation

The expected base salary range for this position is $130,000 – $180,000 annually. In addition, this role participates in a competitive performance‑based incentive plan, as well as comprehensive benefits. Final compensation will depend on experience, qualifications, and overall fit.

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.