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Vacuum Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VAT Group AG

Field Application Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

About VAT Group At VAT, we change the world with vacuum solutions. As the world's leading supplier ... Experience in vacuum engineering, preferably in SEMI / Display / Solar industries. * Product ...

Doncasters

Vacuum Melter

Groton, CT · On-site

Whether you're developing precision-engineered components, running world-class manufacturing ... In this hands-on role, you'll operate powerful vacuum furnaces, prepare materials for melting, and ...

Doncasters

Vacuum Melter

Groton, CT · On-site

Whether you're developing precision-engineered components, running world-class manufacturing ... In this hands-on role, you'll operate powerful vacuum furnaces, prepare materials for melting, and ...

IDEX Corporation

Lead Equipment Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

Vacuum Systems: Deep knowledge of leak detection, mass spectrometry, and gas delivery. * Experience installing, commissioning, configuring, and troubleshooting manufacturing equipment. * Experience ...

IDEX

Lead Equipment Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

Vacuum Systems: Deep knowledge of leak detection, mass spectrometry, and gas delivery. * Experience installing, commissioning, configuring, and troubleshooting manufacturing equipment. * Experience ...

Caltech

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world ... Each detector operates within a 10 million-liter ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) system, the largest in ...

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Vacuum Engineer information

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$21K

$76.8K

$158.5K

How much do vacuum engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for vacuum engineer in the United States is $76,774.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges a Vacuum Engineer faces in their daily work?

Vacuum Engineers often encounter challenges such as identifying and fixing leaks in complex systems, maintaining ultra-high vacuum conditions, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions under tight timelines. They must also balance precision and safety while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, including scientists, technicians, and project managers. Staying current with evolving technology and best practices is another key aspect of the role. Overcoming these challenges requires technical expertise, adaptability, and strong teamwork, making the work both demanding and rewarding.

Which field of engineering is the highest paid?

In general, petroleum engineering tends to be the highest-paid engineering field, followed by computer and aerospace engineering. Salary levels depend on experience, location, and industry, with specialized skills and certifications often leading to higher pay for engineers, including vacuum engineers working in advanced or niche environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Vacuum Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Vacuum Engineer, you need a strong background in physics or engineering, with expertise in vacuum systems, materials science, and mechanical design, often supported by a relevant degree. Experience with vacuum pumps, gauges, leak detection equipment, and familiarity with ISO standards and cleanroom protocols is highly valued, and additional certifications such as ASNT for leak detection can be beneficial. Problem-solving skills, meticulous attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operation and maintenance of vacuum systems crucial to industries like semiconductor manufacturing, scientific research, and aerospace.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and working in high-demand industries or managerial capacities.

What does a vacuum engineer do?

A vacuum engineer designs, develops, and maintains vacuum systems used in various industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, and scientific research. They work with specialized equipment, troubleshoot system issues, and ensure vacuum environments meet specific performance standards, often requiring knowledge of physics, engineering principles, and relevant tools. The role may also involve testing, calibration, and compliance with safety regulations.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership roles or working in high-paying industries.

What does a Vacuum Engineer do?

A Vacuum Engineer designs, develops, and maintains vacuum systems used in various industries, such as semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, and scientific research. They work with high and ultra-high vacuum technologies to control pressure and prevent contamination in sensitive environments. Their responsibilities include system testing, troubleshooting leaks, selecting appropriate vacuum pumps and materials, and ensuring efficiency in vacuum processes. Vacuum Engineers collaborate with scientists, engineers, and technicians to optimize performance and reliability in applications requiring precise low-pressure conditions.

More about Vacuum Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Vacuum Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Vacuum Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Vacuum Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Vacuum Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Vacuum Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Vacuum Engineer jobs are:
Vacuum Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vacuum Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,774 per year, or $36.9 per hour.

Field Application Engineer

VAT Group AG

San Jose, CA • On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

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.
Joining us means becoming part of a passionate, international team where your voice is heard, your ideas matter, and your career growth is supported.
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.

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