Principal Jobs in Boston, MA
Principal jobs in Boston are concentrated in the Back Bay, Longwood Medical Area, and downtown Financial District, with strong demand across education, healthcare, and professional services. Employers currently hiring include Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Merck, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Job Description
General Summary:
The Process Development Engineering Principal Associate responsible for Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) activities for cell therapy products. The candidate will provide cross-functional support in technology development and transfer from Development to Clinical Manufacturing and Process Performance Qualification including internal operations and potentially various CDMOs. They are also responsible for planning and implementing continuous improvement initiatives for life-cycle management working in cross-functional environment.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead triage, investigation, and change control implementation as a Manufacturing Science and Technology functional area assessor and identify improvements, implement changes, and monitor clinical and commercial manufacturing processes.
- Manage the execution of deliverables, both short and long-term, via clearly defined milestones, and timelines. Minimize timeline deviations by clearly identifying program risks and communication of strategies
- Contribute to regulatory submissions (IND, IMPD). Author supporting documents and reports.
- Coordinate and integrate cross-functional activities to ensure alignment in scope, schedule and budget
- Drive continuous improvement activities and operational excellence, including COGS reduction and commercial readiness.
- Support pre-PPQ and PPQ activities.
- Establish robust process performance across all clinical and commercial manufacturing lines, including process development, process improvement, and maintenance of process excellence. Lead process monitoring, continuous improvement, and lifecycle management initiatives guided by risk assessment and mitigation strategies
- Oversee CDMOs activities by providing guidance and support in collaborative manner. Be responsible for the performance, quality and delivery of external collaborators
- Collaborate within departmental teams, actively contribute to deliverables and engage in team discussion on issue resolution.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Excellent communication skills to exchange technical/scientific information to a wide variety of audiences
- Ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team
- Experience working with cell processing, specifically with primary cells. Experience with cell therapy products is preferred
- Knowledge of Design Control and Risk Management, including experience using FMEA analyses.
- Direct industry experience developing early and/or late phase clinical/commercial cell or gene therapies
- Excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail
Education and Experience:
- PhD in Life Sciences, chemical engineering, or related discipline or master’s degree with minimum 2+ years of industry experience or bachelor’s degree with 4+ years of relevant industry experience. Hands on experience with Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) investigation and change management. Experience with cell-gene therapy is preferred.
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:
$86,800 - $130,200Disclosure 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 DesignatedFlex 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 ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com
Job Description
General Summary:
The Process Development Engineering Principal Associate responsible for Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) activities for cell therapy products. The candidate will provide cross-functional support in technology development and transfer from Development to Clinical Manufacturing and Process Performance Qualification including internal operations and potentially various CDMOs. They are also responsible for planning and implementing continuous improvement initiatives for life-cycle management working in cross-functional environment.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead triage, investigation, and change control implementation as a Manufacturing Science and Technology functional area assessor and identify improvements, implement changes, and monitor clinical and commercial manufacturing processes.
- Manage the execution of deliverables, both short and long-term, via clearly defined milestones, and timelines. Minimize timeline deviations by clearly identifying program risks and communication of strategies
- Contribute to regulatory submissions (IND, IMPD). Author supporting documents and reports.
- Coordinate and integrate cross-functional activities to ensure alignment in scope, schedule and budget
- Drive continuous improvement activities and operational excellence, including COGS reduction and commercial readiness.
- Support pre-PPQ and PPQ activities.
- Establish robust process performance across all clinical and commercial manufacturing lines, including process development, process improvement, and maintenance of process excellence. Lead process monitoring, continuous improvement, and lifecycle management initiatives guided by risk assessment and mitigation strategies
- Oversee CDMOs activities by providing guidance and support in collaborative manner. Be responsible for the performance, quality and delivery of external collaborators
- Collaborate within departmental teams, actively contribute to deliverables and engage in team discussion on issue resolution.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Excellent communication skills to exchange technical/scientific information to a wide variety of audiences
- Ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team
- Experience working with cell processing, specifically with primary cells. Experience with cell therapy products is preferred
- Knowledge of Design Control and Risk Management, including experience using FMEA analyses.
- Direct industry experience developing early and/or late phase clinical/commercial cell or gene therapies
- Excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail
Education and Experience:
- PhD in Life Sciences, chemical engineering, or related discipline or master’s degree with minimum 2+ years of industry experience or bachelor’s degree with 4+ years of relevant industry experience. Hands on experience with Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) investigation and change management. Experience with cell-gene therapy is preferred.
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:
$86,800 - $130,200Disclosure 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 DesignatedFlex 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 ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com
See All 207+ Principal Jobs in Boston
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Find Principal JobsPrincipal Job Market in Boston
Who's Hiring
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals31
- Merck18
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts13
- CarGurus9
- Dynatrace9
Top Industries Hiring
- Science & Research
- Technology & Software
Principal Jobs in Boston: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a principal job in Boston?
Landing a principal role in Boston comes down to targeting the right sectors and neighborhoods. Education-focused principals cluster around Roxbury, Dorchester, and the Fenway corridor, while corporate and consulting principals concentrate in the Financial District and Back Bay. Candidates who combine domain expertise with Boston's collaborative, institution-driven culture and a network built through local professional associations tend to move fastest in this market.
Which companies hire principals in Boston?
Companies currently hiring principals in Boston include Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Merck, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Boston's hiring mix tends to run toward large anchor institutions, research-driven organizations, and established professional services firms rather than early-stage startups.
Are there remote principal jobs in Boston?
Yes, though it depends heavily on the type of principal role. Hands-on and site-based positions, such as school principals, are almost entirely on-site, while strategy, consulting, and technology-focused principals see more flexibility. About 96% of principal openings tied to Boston are remote or hybrid as of September 2026. Analytical and client-advisory principal roles in Boston's Financial District tend to offer the most hybrid arrangements.
How can I get a principal job in Boston with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Boston is moving through a senior individual-contributor or team-lead role at one of the city's large institutions before stepping into a principal title. Boston's universities, hospital systems, and consulting firms routinely promote from within and recruit associate or staff-level candidates with strong technical depth. Building visibility through Boston-area professional groups and targeting firms with formal promotion tracks shortens that timeline considerably.
Which industries hire the most principals in Boston?
The sectors hiring the most principals in Boston are Science & Research and Technology & Software, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Boston's concentration of world-class research institutions, a dense financial services corridor, and one of the country's largest biotech clusters drives sustained principal-level demand across all three areas.
Related Jobs in Massachusetts
See All 207+ Principal Jobs in Boston
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