Senior Mechanical Engineer II

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 126,000 - 188,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer II for onsite work in San Diego. You will design complex electromechanical systems, own designs from concept through deployment, and deliver production-ready instruments.

You will collaborate across teams, document designs for procurement, and mentor colleagues while reporting project status. Requires a BS+ in Mechanical Engineering and 8+ years in precision electromechanical or opto-mechanical design; SolidWorks is preferred.

Qualifications

• BS or higher in Mechanical Engineering.
• 8+ years designing precision electromechanical and/or opto-mechanical systems.
• Track record delivering commercial products from concept through manufacture and deployment.
• Ability to develop multiple concepts, make sound technical tradeoffs, and execute practical solution.
• Passion for science and engineering and for improving the lives of patients.

Responsibilities

• Design complex precision electromechanical and opto-mechanical systems.
• Own mechanical designs from concept through deployment; accountable for quality and manufacturability.
• Develop robust, production-ready scientific instruments meeting requirements.
• Prepare clear design documentation for procurement and manufacturing.
• Partner with stakeholders to define requirements and timelines.
• Present designs to department and senior leaders.
• Mentor and support team members.
• Apply engineering judgment to optimize tradeoffs and deliver solutions.

Skills

Precision electromechanical design

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentor teammates

Strong ownership

Design-for-manufacture

Education

BS or higher in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Job Description The Engineering and Applied Physics team at Vertex, San Diego, is looking to add a top-notch Senior Mechanical Engineer II to our elite team of engineers and physicists. From advanced robotics and automation to microfluidics and cutting-edge microscopy, this unique in-house team develops a wide array of performance-focused technological solutions for the toughest challenges in drug discovery. Where commercial options don’t exist, the team collaborates directly with Vertex scientists to create innovative solutions that enable ground-breaking science and discovery of life-saving medicines. The Senior Mechanical Engineer II plays a key role, helping us translate ideas into design, design into hardware, and hardware into meaningful technological impact. This is an onsite position at our San Diego research site.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Design complex precision electromechanical and opto-mechanical systems
• Own mechanical designs from concept through deployment; accountable for quality, documentation, manufacturability, and technical execution
• Develop robust, manufacturable, production-ready scientific instruments meeting functional, reliability, safety, and performance requirements
• Prepare clear design documentation for procurement and manufacturing
• Partner with stakeholders to define requirements and timelines and report project status
• Present designs to department, cross-functional, and senior leaders
• Mentor and support team members
• Use sound engineering judgment to assess tradeoffs and deliver creative, effective solutions to challenging problems

Knowledge and Skills:

• Advanced CAD and PDM skills; SolidWorks preferred
• Broad machine-design experience delivering high-quality, production-ready scientific instrumentation
• Strong ownership and accountability; independently drive complex designs to completion
• Solve complex design problems independently and contribute effectively on cross-functional teams
• Experience with pneumatic, fluidic, and motion-control components: cylinders, valves, pumps, servo/stepper motors, controllers/amplifiers, encoders, ball screws, belts, guides, and gears
• Enclosure design experience: sheet metal, extruded/welded frames, thermal management, and safety
• Design-for-manufacture experience: CNC machining, 3D printing, sheet-metal fabrication, and injection molding
• Strong understanding of relationship between mechanical design, system performance, manufacturability, assembly, integration, and testing
• Generalist mindset; willing to explore new methods, materials, and technologies
• Strong organization, communication, and time management; clearly explain technical decisions, status, and tradeoffs to diverse audiences
• Detail-oriented, self-driven problem solver with a record of innovative solutions
• Hand and power tool experience; basic mill/lathe skills a plus

Education and Experience:

• BS or higher in Mechanical Engineering
• 8+ years designing precision electromechanical and/or opto-mechanical systems
• Track record delivering commercial products from concept through manufacture and deployment
• Experience advancing complex mechanical designs through detailed design, build, test, and deployment
• Ability to develop multiple concepts, make sound technical tradeoffs, and execute practical solution
• Passion for science and engineering and for improving the lives of patients with serious diseases.

#LI-KM1 #LI-Onsite 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: $125,600 - $188,400 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: 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] 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.