Head of Automation Engineering for Biotech Manufacturing

MFS Investments; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 166,000 - 249,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals in Boston, MA is seeking an Associate Director of Automation Engineering to lead the AMP team in developing automated manufacturing solutions for Cell & Genetic Therapies. You will guide a talented group of engineers and scientists to design, qualify, and deploy custom automation equipment and OT systems for development and manufacture.

This role requires strong leadership, hands-on problem solving, and a track record of delivering robust, compliant systems.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in relevant field with 5+ years life sciences/engineering experience.
• Strong experience designing and deploying automated manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with validation and regulatory compliance (GMP, ISO 13485, 21 CFR).

Responsibilities

• Lead an interdisciplinary automation team from concept to deployment.
• Define automation strategy and oversee equipment qualification.
• Manage vendor selection and part prototyping.
• Support validation, deviations, CAPA, and change control.
• Coordinate technology transfer to manufacturing.
• Ensure integration with enterprise systems and troubleshooting.

Skills

Electromechanical aptitude

Team leadership

Project management

Technical writing

Communication skills

Problem solving

Presentation skills

Strategic thinking

Education

PhD in chemical engineering, computer science, automation engineering or related field

Master's Degree in chemical engineering, computer science, automation engineering or related field

Bachelor's Degree in chemical engineering, computer science, automation engineering or related field

Tools

PLC (DeltaV)

Vision systems

Robotics

AMR/AGV

Automation software

Control systems

Job description

Vertex Pharmaceuticals in Boston, MA is seeking an Associate Director of Automation Engineering to lead the AMP team in developing automated manufacturing solutions for Cell & Genetic Therapies. You will guide a talented group of engineers and scientists to design, qualify, and deploy custom automation equipment and OT systems for development and manufacture.

This role requires strong leadership, hands-on problem solving, and a track record of delivering robust, compliant systems.