Associate Director, Automation Engineering

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); United States; On-site; USD 166,000 - 249,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex’s AMP team seeks a high-impact leader to develop automation for Cell & Genetic Therapies. You will lead a multidisciplinary team across design, qualification, tech transfer, and continuous improvement of manufacturing systems.

The role requires a PhD or MS with extensive life sciences/manufacturing experience and strong leadership, vendor management, and regulatory knowledge. On-site role with significant scope for impact and growth.

Qualifications

• PhD or master's with 5–6+ years in life sciences or manufacturing; 8+ years for Bachelors.
• Experience designing and validating automated equipment for bioprocessing or pharma.
• Strong project leadership and regulatory awareness (GMP/ISO).

Responsibilities

• Lead a interdisciplinary team to design, deploy, and qualify custom automation systems.
• Define automation strategy from concept through deployment and validation.
• Collaborate with vendors for prototypes and production parts; manage budgets.
• Present updates to senior leadership and ensure on-time delivery.

Skills

Automation engineering

Team leadership

Vendor management

V&V / validation

Controls systems

AI tools knowledge

Project management

Problem solving

Education

PhD in mechanical/electrical automation

MS in related field

Bachelor's in mechanical/electrical

Tools

PLC

DeltaV

Vision systems

Robotics

Job description

Job Description General Summary

Vertex’s Automation of Machinery and Processes (AMP) Team is seeking a high-impact leader to develop cutting-edge manufacturing solutions for its Cell & Genetic Therapies programs. This pivotal role is at the forefront of automating complex processes in one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving fields in biotechnology. You will work with a passionate team of engineers, scientists, and innovators united by a shared mission: to push the boundaries of what’s possible in Cell & Genetic Therapy. This critical position will lead an interdisciplinary engineering team in novel equipment & systems development, vendor selection, equipment qualification, technology transfer, and continuous improvement to deliver robust and reliable manufacturing systems.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead a team of equipment and automation engineers involved in the design, development, deployment, and qualification of custom automation equipment and operation technology systems used for the development and manufacture of cell and genetic therapies.


• Lead Equipment, System, and Automaton Projects from concept through execution in a dynamic development environment.


• Ensures user requirements are clearly defined and translated into achievable and testable engineering requirements.


• Manage and execute the development of mechanical, electrical, and controls systems for capital equipment.


• Define automation execution strategy from concept feasibility through commercial deployment.


• Present to senior leadership as required.


• Responsible for active oversight of the equipment / system design and commissioning process.


• Collaborate with vendors to produce prototype and production parts.


• Perform engineering analyses and relevant physical testing on designs.


• Utilize operations simulation tools to identify and quantify automation opportunities.


• Ensures seamless integration of automation control systems into existing enterprise systems.


• Provide hands‑on troubleshooting assistance to manufacturing in support of a rapid development cycle and manufacturing sustainability.


• Collaborate with manufacturing engineering to define, manage, and continuously improve equipment performance, preventative maintenance plans, and spare parts lists/inventory.


• Evaluate and recommend automation upgrades to existing equipment or systems.


• Prioritize projects and assign resources to complete projects on‑time and within budget.


• Review and/or draft Equipment Drawings, Electrical Diagrams, System Manuals, Engineering Protocols and Reports, Validation Documentation, and other Quality System Documentation.


• Develop departmental procedures for development and documentation of automated systems, from specifications through operational procedures.


• Support Deviation Management, CAPA, and Change Control activities, as required.


• Serve as Automation SME to Quality, Manufacturing, and other Functions.


• Support manufacturing investigations, including OOSs, OOTs, RCAs, etc.


• Execute assigned duties on time and within budget; proactively telegraph delays and other issues to relevant stakeholders.


• Comply with all regulatory, corporate, and Quality System policies and complete other projects and/or assignments as required.

Knowledge and Skills

High degree of electromechanical aptitude with prior experience in designing and implementing automated precision manufacturing equipment, including integration of vision systems and robotics, in bioprocessing, medical device, pharmaceutical, automotive, semiconductor, or diagnostic systems. Ability to organize and grow a team through organizational change and personnel development. Experience with automation and equipment business case definition, vendor selection and management, automation and equipment design, development, commissioning, and validation. Experience developing and executing equipment strategy from concept to deployment. Experience working with a variety of automation hardware, software and applications including, but not limited to, custom-fabricated mechanical components and mechanisms, single‑use bioreactors and bioprocessing instruments, vision systems, robotics, AMR and AGV, control systems (PLC, DeltaV, PC), AI‑enabled systems, and related control system components, pneumatics, automated process instrumentation. Proficiency in AI tools and applications with experience developing for lab and manufacturing applications. Experience qualifying/validating/deploying manufacturing equipment and processes is required. Knowledge and experience in utilizing risk‑based approaches to validation process development and validation are highly advantageous. Familiarity with ISO 13485, ISO 14971, 21 CFR 820, 21 CFR 211, and ICH Q7/8/9. Knowledge of global GMP requirements governing device or combination products. Familiarity with equipment safety standards and regulations including OSHA 19 CFR 1910, NFPA 70, NFPA 79, ISO 18849‑1. Strong interpersonal, project management, technical writing and presentation skills required. Sense of urgency, ability to act/escalate promptly, and transparently communicate issues to involved stakeholders and management. Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, multi‑task, and support several projects simultaneously. Knowledge of business applications such as MS Office, Veeva, Coupa. Must demonstrate strong interpersonal, presentation, and teamwork skills.

Education and Experience

PhD in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, automation engineering or related field and 5 years experience in life sciences, manufacturing, or engineering, or Master’s Degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, automation engineering or related field and 6 years experience in life sciences, manufacturing, or engineering, or Bachelor’s Degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, automation engineering or related field and 8 years experience in life sciences, manufacturing, engineering 10-15% domestic & international travel is expected.

Pay Range

$166,000 - $249,000 Disclosure Statement: The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job‑related factors permitted by law. At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market‑leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week‑long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

Flex Designation

On‑Site Designated Flex Eligibility Status: In this On‑Site designated role, you will work five days per week on‑site with ad hoc flexibility. Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non‑discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E‑Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager.

Help Us Achieve Our Mission

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases and conditions. The company has approved therapies for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, transfusion‑dependent beta thalassemia, acute pain and acromegaly, and it continues to advance clinical and research programs in these areas. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including IgA nephropathy, neuropathic pain, APOL1‑mediated kidney disease, primary membranous nephropathy, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, ACTH‑dependent Cushing's syndrome, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes, generalized myasthenia gravis, and myotonic dystrophy type 1. Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston, with international headquarters in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 16 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit www.vrtx.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X. We believe our culture is one of Vertex’s greatest strengths and a key enabler of our ability to deliver transformative medicines for patients who need them. Rooted in innovation, purpose and collaboration, our culture empowers people to take smart risks, challenge conventional thinking and do their best work. The diversity of our people is central to that culture. By bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, we foster an environment where new ideas thrive, better decisions are made and breakthrough innovation is possible. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, included and connected to our shared mission, because we know that our unique culture and the collective strength of our people are what set Vertex apart.