Engineering Manager

Engineering Manager

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to deliver innovative vacuum solutions and drive market expansion.
  • Company: Join VAT, the global leader in high-performance vacuum valves with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a permanent role with opportunities for continuous learning and career growth.
  • Other info: We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the vacuum industry while leading a high-performing team.
  • Qualifications: 8+ years in the vacuum industry and a relevant engineering degree required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

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 for integrity, teamwork, customer centricity, and innovation – always working together as #oneVAT.

Location: Warwickshire, GB; Burkau, DE. Employment Type: Permanent.

Lead and manage regional growth initiatives by coordinating a team of application engineers and collaborating closely with key account managers. Your mission is to deliver innovative solutions to both existing and new VAT customers, driving technical excellence and market expansion.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and develop a high-performing team of Field Application Engineers across the EU and RoW region, fostering technical excellence and customer focus.
  • Drive cross-functional collaboration between engineering, sales, and product teams to align regional strategies with global business objectives.
  • Provide expert technical support for VAT's products and their applications to enable sales growth across the region.
  • Develop and manage technical specifications and strategies for VAT's products.
  • Identify and pursue revenue growth opportunities in both VAT core and adjacent markets.
  • Support and guide field sales engineers in developing effective account penetration strategies.
  • Monitor competitor activities and customer trends, delivering actionable business intelligence to VAT leadership.
  • Ensure all customer interactions and insights are accurately documented in the VAT CRM system.
  • Actively contribute to the sales pipeline by supporting field sales engineers in customer engagements and opportunity development.

Qualifications

  • Minimum 8 years of experience in the vacuum industry.
  • Degree in Microelectronics, Instrumentation, Applied Optics, or Engineering Physics (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Dual Degree, or PhD from a top-tier institution).
  • Additional qualifications in Business Administration or strong business acumen are highly desirable.
  • Proven experience in customer development and technical sales support.
  • Hands‑on experience in semiconductor fabrication, with detailed knowledge of layer‑wise materials, process technologies, and performance optimisation.
  • Strong communication skills in English (written and spoken); German language proficiency is an advantage.
  • Formal training in negotiation, leadership, and team management is a plus.

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.

Engineering Manager employer: VAT GROUP

At VAT Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work environment. As a Customer Support Specialist, you will be part of a dynamic international team in Haag, Switzerland, where your contributions are valued, and your professional development is actively encouraged. With a strong focus on integrity and customer centricity, we offer competitive benefits and opportunities for growth, making VAT an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.

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Contact Details:

VAT GROUP Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Engineering Manager

✨Join Engineering Meetups!

Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Engineering Manager role you’re after at VAT GROUP.

✨Show Off Your Projects!

Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at VAT GROUP a taste of what you can bring to the table!

✨Engage with Online Communities

Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at VAT GROUP.

✨Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Engineering Manager at VAT GROUP, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.

We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Manager

Team Leadership
Technical Support
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Customer Development
Technical Sales Support
Market Expansion
Business Intelligence

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Engineering Manager, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.

Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at VAT GROUP a clear picture of the value you can bring.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to VAT GROUP specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.

How to prepare for a job interview at VAT GROUP

✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with VAT GROUP, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!

✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.

✨Relate Your Experience to the Role

In a full-time role, employers like VAT GROUP want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.

✨Know Your Tools and Software

Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.