Principal Software Engineer - Research and Chemistry Applications

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 144,000 - 216,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotech company in Boston seeks a Principal Software Engineer to develop transformative solutions in research and chemistry applications. The role involves building scalable APIs and mentoring engineers while collaborating with scientists on innovative treatments. This position offers a hybrid work model and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Educational Assistance

Qualifications

• Typically 6+ years in complex software engineering roles.
• Experience with pharmaceutical applications, especially in chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain cloud-hosted REST APIs and microservices.
• Mentor the engineering team on best practices and code standards.

Skills

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science

Tools

AWS

Docker

CloudFormation

Job description

Principal Software Engineer - Research and Chemistry Applications

Principal Software Engineer - Research and Chemistry Applications

Apply locations Boston, MA | Full time | Posted 2 Days Ago | Job Requisition ID: REQ-25414

Job Description

General Summary:

Vertex is an established, innovative biotech focused on developing lifesaving treatments for patients around the world. Our Data and Knowledge Management team operates at the intersection of science, data, and technology to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases.

Software engineers in our Data and Knowledge Management team focus on building complex full-stack web applications, APIs, and microservices that support research, clinical, and business operations at Vertex. We are passionate about delivering elastic, scalable, and highly available serverless solutions utilizing the latest cloud technologies. We maintain and develop a robust API environment, design systems, and set standards for modern software development. Our tech stack includes Python, Typescript, JavaScript, and tools like CI/CD pipelines with SAM, CloudFormation, Git, among others. We work in an agile environment with diverse partners.

How you will make a difference

• Design, build, and maintain cloud-hosted REST APIs, serverless applications, and microservices supporting research and lab initiatives.
• Write code to empower scientists working on genomics, biology, and chemistry innovations.
• Mentor the engineering team on best practices, code standards, and reuse.
• Participate in code reviews and provide constructive feedback.
• Engage with senior business leaders to develop innovative software solutions that advance research at Vertex.
• Contribute to the strategic vision of the Software Engineering team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain cloud-hosted REST APIs, serverless applications, and microservices.
• Collaborate with scientists on innovative treatments in genomics, biology, and chemistry.
• Mentor team members on best practices and code standards.
• Participate in code reviews.
• Work with senior leaders to drive research-focused software solutions.
• Help shape the long-term vision of the engineering team.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience with pharmaceutical applications, especially in chemistry.
• Strong experience designing REST APIs.
• Proficiency in Python, Flask, or similar frameworks.
• Experience with AWS services like Lambda, EC2, API Gateway.
• Knowledge of container services such as Docker, ECS, Fargate.
• Familiarity with relational and NoSQL databases.
• Understanding of CI/CD processes.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
• Experience with infrastructure as code (CloudFormation, Terraform) is a plus.
• Experience with API management systems and database optimization is a plus.
• Knowledge of JavaScript, TypeScript, Angular is a plus.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
• Typically 6+ years in complex software engineering roles.
• Experience or education in biology or chemistry is a plus.

Pay Range: $144,000 - $216,000

Disclosure Statement:

The salary range is an estimate and may vary based on skills, experience, and other factors. The role is eligible for bonuses and equity awards. Overtime eligibility may apply.

Vertex offers comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, educational assistance, and more.

Flex Designation: Hybrid-Eligible or On-Site Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status: You may work up to two days remotely or five days on-site with flexibility. Policies may change.

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotech company committed to innovation and diversity. We are an equal opportunity employer and provide accommodations for applicants with disabilities.