Job Description
Principal Engineer, VaiDA User Experience
Location: Hybrid / On-site
Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. At Vertex, we combine cutting-edge science, technology, and human-centered thinking to solve complex challenges and improve lives. Our digital and AI initiatives help empower employees across the organization with scalable, intuitive tools that accelerate innovation and decision-making.
Role SummaryVertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a Principal User Experience Engineer to shape the future of VaiDA, our enterprise AI platform for employees across Vertex. This role will design and build polished, seamless interfaces for sophisticated AI and multi-agent workflows used by employees across Vertex. The ideal candidate blends strong frontend engineering expertise with exceptional UX and product instincts, translating complex backend capabilities into user experiences that are clear, intuitive, and scalable for 10,000+ employees.
This is a foundational role focused on ensuring VaiDA is not only powerful, but also approachable, efficient, and trusted to use.
Key Responsibilities Design and build high-quality frontend experiences for VaiDA and related AI-driven enterprise workflows
Lead UX engineering strategy and frontend architecture for VaiDA
Own interaction design and prototyping for a wide spectrum of user journeys and multi-agent experiences
Translate sophisticated technical capabilities into clear, intuitive, and scalable interfaces
Create workflow visualizations that improve usability, clarity, and user confidence
Partner closely with product, engineering, AI, and business stakeholders to define user-centered solutions
Develop and refine reusable UI patterns, components, and design standards for enterprise-scale applications
Prototype and validate concepts quickly to inform product direction and implementation
Advocate for usability best practices and help raise the bar for design quality across digital products
Contribute to the overall product vision for VaiDA as a trusted and engaging enterprise AI experience
Mentor engineers and influence UX engineering best practices across teams
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Design, Engineering, or a related field; or equivalent practical experience
Proven experience in frontend engineering, product design engineering, or UX engineering roles
Strong track record of designing and building polished, user-centered interfaces for complex applications
Experience translating technical or data-rich workflows into clear and intuitive user experiences
Demonstrated ability to own interaction design and prototyping from concept through implementation
Strong understanding of usability, accessibility, and responsive design principles
Experience collaborating cross-functionally with product managers, engineers, and stakeholders
Ability to balance user needs, technical constraints, and business goals in a fast-paced environment
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and presentation skills
Technical Skills Required Modern frontend development frameworks such as React, Angular, TypeScript, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS
Interaction design and frontend prototyping
Enterprise UI development and scalable design systems
Experience with design tools such as Figma or similar prototyping platforms
Workflow visualization and complex interface design
Usability and human-centered design practices
Frontend performance optimization
Component-based architecture and reusable UI patterns
Collaboration with backend and AI/agent-based systems
Accessibility standards and inclusive design implementation
Preferred Skills Experience designing for AI-powered products, conversational interfaces, or multi-agent systems
Experience leveraging AI-assisted tools to accelerate frontend prototyping, design exploration, or development workflows
Familiarity with enterprise software and internal platform experiences
Understanding of product strategy and user research methods
Experience building interfaces for data-heavy, workflow-oriented, or highly technical applications
Familiarity with design systems governance and frontend architecture at scale
BenefitsVertex offers a competitive and comprehensive rewards package designed to support employees professionally and personally, which may include:
Competitive salary and performance-based incentives
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
Retirement and savings programs
Paid time off and company holidays
Professional development and career growth opportunities
Inclusive and collaborative work environment
Employee wellness and support programs
The opportunity to help shape innovative AI experiences that make a meaningful impact across Vertex
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Pay Range:
$166,640 - $250,000
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:
Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible
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.
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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