Sr. Automation Engineer
Norwood, MN - USA
Job Summary
The Role:
Joining Moderna means advancing mRNA science to transform medicine. Work with exceptional global teams on a broad pipeline and build a career that makes a real difference for patients.
Moderna is strengthening its presence in Norwood Massachusetts a cornerstone of our manufacturing and operational excellence. Our Norwood campus translates mRNA science into scalable impact supporting the global delivery of our medicines. We welcome talent ready to drive innovation and make a meaningful difference for patients worldwide.
In this role you will operate at the intersection of automation engineering and bioassay development transforming early-stage automation into robust scalable GMP-ready systems that enable high-throughput reliable bioassay execution.
As a Senior Engineer I you will lead the technical execution of automation solutions that preserve biological integrity while meeting stringent regulatory data integrity and operational requirements.
Working as an individual contributor in a 100% onsite environment in Norwood you will collaborate cross-functionally while leveraging advanced digital tools and Generative AI to optimize automation performance enhance traceability and drive scalable assay workflows.
Heres What Youll Do:
Lead the development and hardening of automated bioassay workflows transforming early-stage prototypes into robust scalable GMP-ready systems
Collaborate with scientists to translate cell-based bioassays and sample preparation workflows into automation solutions accounting for biological constraints such as cell health sterility and timing sensitivity
Design and implement automation strategies for cell handling workflows (e.g. maintenance passaging transfection assay execution) to ensure reproducibility and assay integrity at scale
Own technical execution across projects including requirements definition system integration testing deployment and sustainment
Partner cross-functionally with Analytical Development Applied Technologies Analytical Sciences & Technology Digital and QC Operations to enable successful transfer and deployment of systems into regulated environments
Develop automation solutions that meet GMP expectations including data integrity traceability and audit readiness
Troubleshoot complex issues across biological performance liquid handling and system integration layers including investigation of assay variability and automation-induced bias
Drive standardization and continuous improvement of automation platforms and workflows to support scalability across programs
The key Moderna Mindsets youll need to succeed in the role:
We digitize everywhere possible using the power of code to maximize our impact on patients.
We act with urgency; Action today compounds the lives saved tomorrow.
Heres What Youll Bring to the Table (Basic Qualifications)
BS with 8 years of relevant experience MS with 5 years of relevant experience or PhD in Engineering Biology Biochemistry Bioengineering or related discipline.
Hands-on experience supporting or working with cell-based bioassays or sample preparation workflows.
Experience working in or supporting regulated laboratory environments. (GLP/GMP)
Experience programming and developing with laboratory automation software/hardware and liquid handlers.
This position is site-based requiring you to be at Modernas site full-time. This position is not eligible for remote work.
Heres What Youll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)
Experience supporting or deploying automation systems into GMP or regulated environments including:
Validation support (IQ/OQ/PQ)
Change control and lifecycle management
Documentation aligned with regulatory expectations
Experience developing and supporting automation for:
Mammalian cell culture workflows (maintenance passaging expansion)
Transfection or cell treatment processes
Plate-based bioassay sample preparation workflows (e.g. ELISA)
Experience with 3rd party automation hardware such as cobot arms decappers centrifuges dispensers sealers/peelers etc.
Direct experience configuring and optimizing Hamilton STAR/Vantage automated liquid handling systems.
Experience with workcell based automation equipment controlled by scheduling software such as HighRes Cellario Thermo CRS Momentum etc.
Success Characteristics
Demonstrates strong ownership and accountability; delivers high-quality reliable outcomes
Collaborates effectively across functions; proactively solves complex problems
Pay & Benefits
At Moderna we believe that when you feel your best you can do your best work. Thats why our US benefits and global well-being resources are designed to support youat work at home and everywhere in between.
Best-in-class healthcare coverage plus voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs
A holistic approach to well-being with access to fitness mindfulness and mental health support
Family planning benefits including fertility adoption and surrogacy support
Generous paid time off including vacation volunteer days sabbatical global recharge days and a discretionary year-end shutdown
Savings and investment opportunities to help you plan for the future
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 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 persons 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 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
Were 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 .
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 applicants 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. #LI-TR2-
Required Experience:
Senior IC
About Company
Learn how we’re changing the world of medicine. Discover career opportunities, our product pipeline, and browse media resources. Meet Moderna.