
Vaccines
Where
extraordinary minds
help protect half a billion people
Principal Engineer Process Engineering and Innovation Lead- Vaccines
Who we are
Every day, 2.5 million Sanofi vaccine doses reach patients worldwide - powered by bold ideas, cutting-edge science, and passionate people like you. Across every stage — from discovery to delivery — Sanofians are shaping the future of vaccines. In global R&D hubs, exceptional offices, and state-of-the-art manufacturing sites, we’re reimagining what’s possible. But science alone isn’t enough — it’s the extraordinary minds behind it that truly make the difference.
Job Title: Principal Engineer Process Engineering and Innovation Lead- Vaccines
Location: Waltham, MA
About the Job
Our mRNA Ambition
With its long-standing expertise in developing and commercializing vaccines and other innovative medicines on a global scale, Sanofi has created a Center of Excellence (CoE) to accelerate innovation in the mRNA space.
At Sanofi, we believe that innovative process engineering and technology integration can transform how we develop and manufacture mRNA therapies. To achieve this vision, we need to establish a robust technological foundation that bridges conceptual innovation with practical manufacturability, ensuring our processes are both cutting-edge and scalable.
This role combines process engineering expertise with innovation capabilities to accelerate mRNA process development and manufacturing outcomes. The position will drive the evaluation and integration of new technologies while ensuring they meet the requirements for scale-up and commercial manufacturing.
A key mission of the Process Engineering and Innovation Lead is to serve as a bridge between emerging technologies and practical implementation, ensuring that the mRNA CoE remains at the forefront of manufacturing innovation.
We are an innovative global healthcare company that helps the world stay ahead of infectious diseases by delivering more than 500 million vaccine doses a year. Across different countries, our talented teams are exploring new technologies to protect people and promote healthy communities. We chase the miracles of science every single day, pursuing progress to make a real impact on millions of patients around the world.
Main Responsibilities
Technology Evaluation and Integration
Identify, evaluate, and test emerging technologies that could enhance mRNA process development and manufacturing
Lead proof-of-concept studies to validate new technologies in a laboratory setting
Develop implementation strategies for promising technologies, including risk assessments and resource planning
Create and maintain a technology roadmap aligned with the mRNA platform strategy
Collaborate with external technology providers and academic partners to stay current with industry innovations
Process Intensification
Identify opportunities to improve process efficiency, yield, and quality through innovative approaches
Lead initiatives to reduce process steps, minimize waste, and increase throughput
Develop and implement continuous processing strategies where applicable
Collaborate with Process Development teams to integrate intensification strategies into existing processes
Quantify and document the impact of process intensification efforts on key performance metrics and cost of goods
Manufacturability and Scale-up
Ensure new technologies and process innovations are compatible with scale-up requirements and aligned with commercial assets capabilities and timelines
Develop scale-up models and strategies for transitioning from laboratory to clinical and commercial manufacturing
Collaborate with Manufacturing and Quality teams to ensure GMP compliance of new technologies
Lead technology transfer activities for innovative processes
Identify and mitigate scale-up risks early in the development process
Next-Generation Platform Development
Lead the technical development of next-generation mRNA technology platforms
Establish KPIs and metrics to track platform performance and improvements
Coordinate cross-functional efforts to integrate platform innovations
Document and standardize successful innovations for broader implementation
Contribute to the strategic direction of the mRNA technology platform
About You
Experience:
Minimum requirements (Sr. Engineer level): PhD with 4+ years, MS with 6+ years, or BS with 8+ years of relevant industrial experience in bioprocess engineering or related fields
Demonstrated experience in successfully implementing new technologies in a bioprocess environment
Track record of leading process improvement initiatives with measurable outcomes
Experience in scaling up processes from laboratory to clinical or commercial manufacturing
Technical & Scientific Skills
Strong understanding of bioprocess engineering principles and unit operations
Experience with process development and scale-up close to and in a GMP environment
Knowledge of regulatory requirements for process changes and technology implementation
Ability to translate theoretical concepts into practical applications
Background in modeling, data analysis, or automation is a plus
Soft Skills
Strong problem-solving abilities with an innovative mindset
Excellent project management skills and ability to lead cross-functional teams
Demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority
Strong communication skills to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
Ability to balance innovation with practical implementation requirements
Forward-thinking approach with the ability to anticipate future technological needs
Education
Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or related technical field
Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English language (spoken and written)
French is a plus
Why Choose Us?
Bring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future-focused team.
Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether it’s through a promotion or lateral move, at home or internationally.
Enjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution and amplifies your impact.
Take good care of yourself and your family, with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits including high-quality healthcare, prevention and wellness programs and at least 14 weeks’ gender-neutral parental leave.
Sanofi Inc. and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employers committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.
#GD-SP
#LI-SP
#LI-Onsite
#mRNA
#vhd
All compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs, and additional benefits information can be found here.
Sanofi US endeavors to make our career center accessible to any and all users. If you are experiencing difficulty and need assistance applying online, please click here.
Pursue Progress. Discover Extraordinary.
Join Sanofi and step into a new era of science - where your growth can be just as transformative as the work we do. We invest in you to reach further, think faster, and do what’s never-been-done-before. You’ll help push boundaries, challenge convention, and build smarter solutions that reach the communities we serve. Ready to chase the miracles of science and improve people’s lives? Let’s Pursue Progress and Discover Extraordinary – together.
At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Watch 'One day at Sanofi' and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives at sanofi.com
Find out more about this location

Why work with us
- We’re problem-solvers and pioneers. United by the belief that everyone deserves a healthier future. We create best-in-class vaccines that prevent disease and protect lives.
- Innovation drives us. From AI and mRNA to next-gen science, we push the boundaries to deliver first- and best-in-class vaccines for infectious diseases worldwide.
- Growth happens here. With bold investments in R&D and world-class facilities, Sanofians across the entire vaccine lifecycle are shaping the future of global health.
- We do what’s right. Sustainability and DE&I drive our positive global impact—because the diverse communities Sanofians represent are the patients we serve.
What does it take to protect the world from disease?
For over a century, we’ve been pioneering breakthroughs that help protect millions from diseases like polio, influenza, RSV, and more. And we’re not stopping there.
Powered by groundbreaking technologies - mRNA platforms, recombinant proteins, and AI-driven insights - we’re pushing the boundaries of science.

"I’m immensely proud of the pace of our innovation – the urgency by which our teams are working to transform the practice of medicine."

Thomas Triomphe
Executive Vice President, Vaccines
Discover more

Sanofi’s mRNA Center of Excellence
Step into the future of healthcare with Sanofi’s mRNA Center of Excellence. Discover how a global team is transforming medicine with cutting-edge mRNA technology – and explore the skills, inspirations, and breakthroughs driving this revolution. Ready to shape the future?

About Sanofi Vaccines
Explore our commitment to protecting global health through the power of vaccines. We’re building healthier communities with innovative solutions that save millions of lives each year. Dive into the future of vaccines, discover the diseases we’re tackling, and learn why vaccination is critical at every stage of life.

Join our
talent community
What could we achieve together? Every Sanofian works on projects that truly make a difference to people’s lives.
Sign up today and discover our latest opportunities as soon as they’re available.