Job Description

The Role

The Senior Automation Engineer, Drug Product Equipment Support, is a critical technical and project role responsible for supporting the design, development, startup, and lifecycle of a state-of-the-art cGMP Drug Product (Fill Finish) manufacturing facility. This individual provides essential support, maintenance, and continuous improvement for automation systems that monitor and control drug product operations.

The engineer will act as the Automation System Owner for filling, inspection, and packaging equipment and related digital systems, ensuring they are compliant, reliable, and optimized for both clinical and commercial production. This role requires strong collaboration with cross-functional teams, vendors, and OEMs to enable seamless equipment integration and operational readiness.

This role involves 24/7 support coverage as needed and active participation in facility start-up and routine operations, contributing directly to Moderna’s mission of delivering mRNA therapies to patients.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

Automation System Ownership & Maintenance

• Serve as the Digital/Automation owner for drug product filling, inspection, and packaging equipment.

• Manage regular maintenance and system updates to meet cGMP and industry standards.

• Serve as the Automation System Owner for equipment systems and hardware.

Troubleshooting, Technical Expertise & Documentation

• Troubleshoot complex issues across manufacturing systems (Allen Bradley PLCs, Siemens PLCs, AVEVA Wonderware, AVEVA Historian).

• Interpret PFDs, P&IDs, blueprints, and system diagrams.

• Maintain and update automation specifications and related documentation.

• Lead the development of automation-related SOPs, training content, and guides.

System Design, Integration & Qualification

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure proper integration of automation systems.

• Support equipment and facility startup, including debugging and system verification.

• Participate in system validations and ensure qualification efforts align with operations.

Change Control, Compliance & Audit Support

• Ensure validation and change control procedures are followed for automation-related modifications.

• Support audits as an SME on automation systems and procedures.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Lead automation-related improvement projects (scoping, budgeting, execution).

• Stay up to date on automation technology trends and propose facility upgrades.

Training & Support

• Provide technical training to engineering and operations teams.

• Participate in the 24/7 on-call support rotation as needed.

Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications):

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in automation engineering within the pharmaceutical or biotech sector, preferably drug product manufacturing.

• Strong hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and digital manufacturing systems.

• Proficient in cGMP, FDA regulations, and cleanroom operations.

• Experience with MES, process historians, and system integration.

Key Skills & Attributes:

• Strong coding/debugging abilities (PLC, SCADA).

• Knowledge of control systems, wiring, and electronics.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong project management and cross-functional leadership skills.

• Analytical mindset and commitment to quality and safety.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects with tight timelines.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications):

• Experience with Optima filling lines.

• Familiarity with serialization/track-and-trace systems (H2Compute).

• Experience with Cognex vision systems.

• Working knowledge of Emerson DeltaV, batch reporting.

• Robotics experience (B&R, FANUC, ABB, Panasonic).

• Familiarity with power electronics, PCB design, material science, and circuit analysis.

This is a full-time, exempt position that may require off-hours and on-call support. The Senior Automation Engineer must be fully dedicated to ensuring the success, reliability, and performance of drug product automation systems at the Norwood manufacturing site.

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work. That’s why our US benefits and global well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• Best-in-class healthcare coverage, plus a suite of voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs
• A holistic approach to well-being, with access to fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts to personalize your well-being journey
• Family planning and adoption benefits
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
• Savings and investment opportunities
• Location-specific perks and extras

About Moderna

Since our founding in 2010, we have aspired to build the leading mRNA technology platform, the infrastructure to reimagine how medicines are created and delivered, and a world-class team. We believe in giving our people a platform to change medicine and an opportunity to change the world.

By living our mission, values, and mindsets every day, our people are the driving force behind our scientific progress and our culture. Together, we are creating a culture of belonging and building an organization that cares deeply for our patients, our employees, the environment, and our communities.

We are proud to have been recognized as a Science Magazine Top Biopharma Employer, a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators, and a Great Place to Work in the U.S.

If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine, we invite you to visit modernatx.com/careers to learn more about our current opportunities.

Our Working Model

As we build our company, we have always believed an in-person culture is critical to our success. Moderna champions the significant benefits of in-office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 work model. This 70% in-office structure helps to foster a culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship. Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute, and make a meaningful impact.

Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment.

Equal Opportunities

Moderna 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 or citizenship, ethnicity, disability, military or protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable law. Moderna is a place where everyone can grow. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day, please apply!

Moderna is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Accommodations

We’re focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees. By cultivating a workplace that values diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we create an environment where every employee can contribute their best.

Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. 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 contact the Accommodations team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.

Export Control Notice

This position may involve access to technology or data that is subject to U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, employment is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to access export-controlled information in accordance with U.S. law. Due to the nature of the work and regulatory requirements, only individuals who qualify as U.S. persons (citizens, permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are eligible for this position. For this role Moderna is unable to sponsor non-U.S. persons to apply for an export control license.

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