Automation Senior Engineer II

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); United States; On-site; USD 124,000 - 186,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Equity awards

Job summary

Vertex is seeking an Automation Engineer to lead control-system upgrades and support for GMP manufacturing equipment. The role involves PLC/HMI configuration, data historian management, network integration, and lifecycle planning.

You will work with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Validation, and vendors to ensure compliant, reliable operations. Qualified candidates have a bachelor’s in engineering and 8+ years in industrial automation, with PLC/HMI experience and GMP/documentation

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Automation, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in industrial automation or manufacturing automation.
• Experience with PLC- and HMI-based control systems in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Support automation upgrades and modifications for data integrity and reliability.
• Configure, troubleshoot, test, and maintain PLCs, HMIs, networks, and automation components.
• Maintain OT asset inventories, software versions, patching records, and lifecycle plans.
• Support validation, change control, commissioning, and documentation activities.
• Coordinate contractor activities and provide technical direction for automation work.
• Escalate risks to engineering leadership.

Skills

Strong troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Allen-Bradley PLCs

HMI applications

Kepware

AVEVA PI Historian

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

Additional Information

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.

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, or contact Talent Acquisition at [e-mail]

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.