Director, Device Operational QA

Vertex Pharmaceuticals LLC; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 277,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a Director of Device Operational QA to lead and develop the Device Operational QA team in support of device programs and operations within Quality. The role requires close partnership with senior Quality leadership on strategic initiatives and risk management, with a minimum of three onsite days per week at the Boston, MA office.

The candidate will drive quality-system execution, manage risks, and advance continuous improvements across device operations,

Qualifications

• Typically requires 12+ years of relevant work experience and 5 years of supervisory/management experience.
• Significant progressive experience in quality assurance, quality systems, operational quality, manufacturing quality, or a related regulated environment.
• Demonstrated experience supporting design control and risk management activities for medical devices and combination products.
• Demonstrated people-management experience, including coaching, performance management, talent development, and team leadership.
• Minimum bachelor’s degree in a scientific, engineering, allied health, or related field; advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the Device Operational QA team; establish clear priorities, performance expectations, and development plans.
• Provide quality oversight for device operational activities and ensure consistent execution of applicable quality-system processes and standards.
• Serve as a key quality partner to cross-functional teams supporting device programs and operations.
• Lead assessment, resolution, communication, and escalation of complex operational quality issues and risks.
• Ensure appropriate oversight of quality events, including deviations, nonconformances, investigations, CAPA, and change control.

Skills

Device Operational QA

Quality-system principles

Regulatory knowledge

Risk management

Audit readiness

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership

Change control

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science/engineering/health field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

General Summary:

The Director, Device Operational QA, is responsible for leading operational quality assurance activities supporting device programs and operations within Quality. This people-management role provides oversight of device quality-system execution, promotes consistent application of quality standards, and serves as a key quality partner to cross-functional stakeholders.

Job Description

General Summary:

The Director, Device Operational QA, is responsible for leading operational quality assurance activities supporting device programs and operations within Quality. This people-management role provides oversight of device quality-system execution, promotes consistent application of quality standards, and serves as a key quality partner to cross-functional stakeholders.

The Director leads and develops the Device Operational QA team, manages quality matters and risks, and drives effective, sustainable quality improvements. The role translates functional quality priorities into operational execution while partnering with senior Quality leadership on strategic initiatives, significant quality risks, and organizational priorities.

This role requires a minimum of 3 days onsite per week at our Boston, MA office.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the Device Operational QA team; establish clear priorities, performance expectations, and development plans.
• Provide quality oversight for device operational activities and ensure consistent execution of applicable quality-system processes and standards.
• Serve as a key quality partner to cross-functional teams supporting device programs and operations.
• Lead assessment, resolution, communication, and escalation of complex operational quality issues and risks.
• Ensure appropriate oversight of quality events, including deviations, nonconformances, investigations, corrective and preventive actions, and change controls, as applicable.
• Provide directions for the review and approval of device-related quality documentation and records that include design controls and risk management, at a minimum.
• Monitor operational quality performance, metrics, trends, and emerging risks; communicate findings and recommendations to Quality leadership and key stakeholders.
• Support and maintain audit and inspection readiness for device operational activities.
• Drive continual improvement of Device Operational QA processes, procedures, tools, and ways of working.
• Promote risk-based decision-making, accountability, collaboration, and a culture of quality across device operations.
• Contribute to functional planning, quality strategy, and capability-building initiatives in partnership with senior Quality leadership.
• Ensure timely execution of quality commitments and appropriate follow-up on actions, decisions, and escalated matters.

Knowledge And Skills

• Strong knowledge of Device Operational QA and quality-system principles.
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory and ISO related requirements for operational quality oversight.
• Knowledge of quality risk management and risk-based decision-making.
• Knowledge of quality-event management, including deviations, nonconformances, investigations, CAPA, and change control.
• Knowledge of quality documentation, record review, and approval practices.
• Knowledge of audit and inspection readiness activities.
• Ability to lead, develop, and motivate teams within a quality organization.
• Ability to assess complex quality matters, identify risks and trends, and appropriately upscale issues.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands and drive execution in a complex operational environment.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to quality, compliance, continuous improvement, accountability, and sound judgment.

Education And Experience

• Typically requires 12+ years of relevant work experience and 5 years of supervisory/management experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience
• Significant progressive experience in quality assurance, quality systems, operational quality, manufacturing quality, or a related regulated environment.
• Demonstrated experience supporting design control and risk management activities for medical devices and combination products.
• Demonstrated people-management experience, including coaching, performance management, talent development, and team leadership.
• Minimum bachelor’s degree in a scientific, engineering, allied health, or related field; advanced degree preferred.

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

$184,600 - $277,000

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

Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status

In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:

• Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
• On-Site: 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]