Associate Director, GxP Operations Support Manufacturing Systems
Vertex Pharmaceuticals · Boston, MA
- Level
- Director+
- Team
- Production
- Base pay
- $162k–$242k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 8+ years
- Industry
- Pharma & life sciences
- Posted
- Recently
The role in 30 seconds
A director-level production role at Vertex Pharmaceuticals (pharma & life sciences) in Boston, MA. In this On-Site designated role, you will work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.
- They ask for
- 8+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- FDA / GMP, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), PLC, Automation, MES
- Base pay
- $162k–$242k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Production Engineer roles in Massachusetts: typical posted base $155k–$205k. This one lists $162k–$242k.
Median of the low and high ends of 9 live postings that list pay, out of 26 production engineer openings in Massachusetts, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Massachusetts plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 25 other live production postings in Massachusetts.
- Experience asked
- Typical (8+ years)
Similar roles usually ask 8+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Root cause 31%
- ✓ Automation 31%
- Lean 31%
- New product launch 27%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for PLC, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Production team at Vertex Pharmaceuticals
We found 7 people at this company and state: 5 in this kind of role, 2 leaders, plus 1 likely hiring manager. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
Write to Kelly → (free) - 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Vertex Pharmaceuticals in Boston
16 other open roles at this site · 7 people we found in production roles at Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
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- Operational Excellence & Business Analytics Associate Director · Lean / CI · Director+
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- Associate Director, GMP Operational Quality (Biologics and Devices) · Quality · Director+
Full description from Vertex PharmaceuticalsAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆Develop and execute the strategic roadmap for MES and manufacturing digitalization initiatives supporting clinical and commercial manufacturing operations.
- ◆Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, IT, and Engineering stakeholders to identify, plan, prioritize and implement business process improvements through digital system capabilities.
- ◆Brings deep knowledge of foundational automation engineering concepts to guide MES strategy and solution design including modular builds, workflow orchestration, equipment integration, electronic data capture, analytics, and reporting.
- ◆Drive standardization and best practices to improve reliability, scalability, and supportability.
- ◆Ensure deployment and lifecycle management through system administration, configuration management, cybersecurity assurance, and backup and recovery planning.
- ◆Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure system performance, adoption, reliability, and business value.
- ◆Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement among MES team members, end users and the network of stakeholders.
- ◆Provide technical coaching and leadership to support team member development, complex project execution, and operational excellence.
requirements
including GMP, GAMP, Data Integrity, and 21 CFR Part 11 standards.
- ✓Facilitate continuous improvement of procedures, documentation, training programs, and support models
responsibilities
in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Education and Experience
- ✓Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Biotechnology, or a related technical discipline. Advanced degree preferred.
- ✓Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in manufacturing, automation, MES implementation, or manufacturing systems engineering within a GMP pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical industry.
- ✓Proven track record leading cross-functional initiatives and delivering business-critical system implementations.
- ✓Strong knowledge of GMP regulations, Computer Software Assurance, Data Integrity principles, and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.
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.
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Job Description
General Summary
The Associate Director, GxP Operations Support Manufacturing Systems will provide strategic leadership for the design, delivery, administration, and continuous improvement of the site Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and manufacturing control system platforms supporting commercial and clinical operations. This role serves as a key business and technical leader responsible for advancing agile digital manufacturing capabilities.
The Associate Director will partner across Manufacturing, Quality, Validation, Information Technology, and Engineering organizations to ensure compliant, reliable, and scalable manufacturing systems. The role will also support lifecycle management of manufacturing systems including data integrity, industrial networking, historian platform integration, and cybersecurity.
Quality and Compliance
- •Support and oversee validation activities, periodic reviews, change controls, deviations, CAPAs, and audit readiness activities.
- •Ensure systems remain compliant with applicable regulatory
Technical Skills
- •Expertise in Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) platforms and electronic batch record solutions, particularly POMSnet MES.
- •Knowledge of industrial automation systems including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and equipment integration architectures.
- •Experience with historian platforms, manufacturing data infrastructure, and analytics solutions.
- •Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and organizational leadership skills.
- •Ability to balance strategic initiatives with operational support
Pay Range
$161,500 - $242,300
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.
Company Information
Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.
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