Automation Senior Engineer II

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 124,000 - 186,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

PTO (time off)

Education assistance

Commuting subsidy

Charitable donations match

401(k)

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated is seeking an Automation Engineer to support control systems in a GMP manufacturing facility. You will lead upgrades, troubleshoot PLCs/HMIs, and manage network integration and data historian systems, coordinating with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and vendors.

Role requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 8+ years in industrial automation, with strong problem solving and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or manufacturing automation.
• Experience with PLC- and HMI-based control systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with GAMP, 21 CFR Part 11 requirements, validation, change control, and controlled documentation practices.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Support automation upgrades and modifications for data integrity and reliability improvements for manufacturing equipment.
• Configure, troubleshoot, test, and maintain PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, and related automation components.
• Maintain OT asset inventories, software versions, patching records, and equipment lifecycle plans.
• Support vulnerability assessments, backup and recovery, change control, commissioning, and validation activities.
• Integrate equipment systems into the manufacturing network through interface technologies (NATR devices, Kepware).
• Configure and manage the site data historian.
• Prepare and maintain automation documentation (config records, SOPs, work instructions, test records).
• Coordinate contractor activities and provide technical direction for automation work.
• Escalate technical, quality, compliance, and schedule risks to engineering leadership.

Skills

8+ years automation experience

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Quality & compliance awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Automation/related field

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Allen-Bradley PLCs

HMI applications

Industrial networking

Kepware

AVEVA PI Historian

OT asset management & patching

Job description

Job Description

Role Summary

The Automation Engineer supports management and implementation of control systems for equipment in a GMP manufacturing facility. This role supports equipment upgrades, troubleshooting, lifecycle planning, and compliant system operation as well as configuration for network integration and data historian management. The engineer provides day-to-day technical direction to contractors and works closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Validation, and vendors.

Key Responsibilities

• Support automation upgrades and modifications for data integrity and reliability improvements for manufacturing equipment.
• Configure, troubleshoot, test, and maintain PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, and related automation components.
• Maintain OT asset inventories, software versions, patching records, and equipment lifecycle plans.
• Support vulnerability assessments, backup and recovery, change control, commissioning, and validation activities.
• Integrate the equipment systems into the manufacturing network through configuration of interface technologies, such as NATR devices and Kepware.
• Configure and manage the site data historian.
• Prepare and maintain automation documentation, including configuration records, SOPs, work instructions, and test records.
• Coordinate assigned contractor activities and provide technical direction for automation work.
• Escalate technical, quality, compliance, and schedule risks to engineering leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or manufacturing automation.
• Experience with PLC- and HMI-based control systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with GAMP, 21 CFR Part 11 requirements, validation, change control, and controlled documentation practices.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Technical Skills Required

• Siemens and/or Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMI applications
• Industrial networking and control-system integration
• Kepware drivers and connectors
• AVEVA PI Historian
• Automation testing, commissioning, and validation documentation
• OT asset management, patching, and software-version control

At Vertex, we embrace continuous learning and encourage employees to stay informed on advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends. We seek talent who bring an external perspective, demonstrate curiosity and sound judgment, and thoughtfully adopt new capabilities that improve decision-making, drive innovation, increase efficiency, and help deliver better outcomes for patients.

Pay Range

$124,000 - $186,000

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.

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.

• medical, dental and vision benefits
• 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.

#LI-Onsite

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, or contact Talent Acquisition at [e-mail]