Business Engagement & Technology Principal Analyst - Manufacturing Systems

Job Description

General Summary:

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. The Digital, Technology and Engineering (DTE) Research, Pre-Clinical, Manufacturing and Supply (RPMS) group's mission is to improve the lives of patients through digital, data, and technology innovation.

Vertex is in a transformational period where we are accelerating our capabilities, technology and data to augment our scientific mission and enable Vertex to grow in scale; ensuring we remain on the forefront of science, medicine and technology.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Principal Analyst - Manufacturing Systems to join our team and support scale-up and scale-out of our internal manufacturing operations and implement accompanying digital tools and advanced automation technologies.

The Principal Analyst - Manufacturing Systems is a key role within the CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls) function of the DTE RPMS group. This role will lead the development, implementation, and optimization of data and technology solutions to support internal manufacturing operations with real-time data flow, ensuring alignment with Vertex's strategic goals and compliance with industry standards. This position requires a strong balance between technical acumen and relationship development within a complex data and technology environment to ensure delivery of innovative technological solutions in the internal manufacturing function.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Vision and Strategy

• Implement and support data and technology solutions to be deployed within Vertex internal manufacturing, in collaboration with vendor and integration partners, ensuring they meet Vertex's quality, security, regulatory and compliance standards.
• Deliver scale-up and scale-out solutions to internal manufacturing, leveraging innovative technologies to accelerate manufacturing capabilities.
• Support no-code, low-code, and AI-driven platforms used to organize internal manufacturing work and automate operational activities.
• Support digital transformation initiatives to enhance data-driven decision-making across the organization, ensuring Vertex remains at the forefront of technological advancements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the internal and external manufacturing data and technology strategy supports broader organizational objectives and regulatory requirements.

Operational Execution

• Implementation and management of data and technology solutions across the Vertex internal manufacturing network, including integration of Manufacturing Execution Systems/Electronic Batch Records, Process Analytical Technology, SCADA, manufacturing equipment/instrumentation, low- and no-code platforms, LIMS, QMS, CMMS, Finite Scheduling and Data Historian Systems to enable manufacturing operations, ensuring products are manufactured on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Lead installation, configuration and troubleshooting processes for manufacturing equipment and instrument network connectivity. Support integrated manufacturing applications.
• Specify and coordinate the implementation of cloud and on-premise high availability computing environments (servers, databases, network, port/firewall configuration, single-sign on, user group and application-level cybersecurity). Manage SSL and server certificate processes. Oversee disaster recovery failover procedures, test planning, and execution.
• Guide integration of manufacturing system data flows through mapping exercises and technical task execution. Conduct data quality assessments for integration project databases.
• Establish connectivity to enable data cataloging, reporting and integration (Collibra, Tibco/PowerBI and Informatica iPaaS). Support data management and governance initiatives working collaboratively on data cataloging and normalization efforts.
• Interact with offshore support, application development, and system support teams to ensure a secure, and properly configured application environment meeting the 7x24 availability needs of manufacturing.
• Support digital transformation initiatives such as predictive scheduling and control, digital AI/ML-driven process optimization and automation, and predictive analytics for improved manufacturing and quality control.
• Ensure data and technology solutions are developed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Support adoption of cloud-based solutions, IoT-enabled manufacturing, and automation technologies improve efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements by implementing secure, validated digital systems.
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies to enhance Vertex decision-making prior to, during and after manufacturing.

Leadership

• Coordinate a team of implementation partners and managed service providers, fostering a culture of delivery, innovation, collaboration, and accountability.
• Communicate effectively with senior leadership and stakeholders to align on project progress, and the delivery of data initiatives.
• Represent RPMS in cross-functional meetings and initiatives, delivering data-driven solutions, ensuring alignment with broader organizational goals.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Deep understanding and experience of designing and implementing data and technology solutions in clinical and commercial manufacturing environments and across a manufacturing network.
• Proficiency in data management, automation principles and methodologies.
• Proficiency in rapidly adopting and implementing emerging technology (e.g. Industry 4.0, AI/ML, agentic).
• Proficiency in manufacturing software and tools and strong understanding of manufacturing processes and technology.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to inform decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to a variety of audiences.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree; Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field preferred
• Typically requires 7 years of experience in manufacturing or automation management, within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven track record of implementing and optimizing digital manufacturing control systems and data flows across multiple companies.
• Experience with regulatory requirements and industry standards, including GMP.
• Experience with the manufacturing processes of small molecule, cell therapy, gene therapy and other modalities.
• Willingness to travel as needed (up to 30%) to support business objectives.
• Experience with enabling advanced technologies, such as AI and machine learning, and delivery of data engineering strategies is highly desirable.
• Advanced certifications in product, agile, software engineering, cloud technologies, or leadership preferred.

Flex Designation:

In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:
1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
2. 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.

Pay Range:

Disclosure Statement:

Flex Designation:

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:
1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
2. 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 ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com