Sr. Automation Engineer

Overview

Joining Moderna means advancing mRNA science to transform medicine. Working at our Norwood, Massachusetts campus, you will operate at the intersection of automation engineering and bioassay development, transforming early‑stage automation into robust, GMP‑ready systems that enable high‑throughput, reliable bioassay execution.

• 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.

• BS with 8 years of relevant experience, MS with 5 years of relevant experience, or PhD in Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a 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 and hardware, and liquid handlers.
• This position is site‑based, requiring full‑time presence at the Moderna site; remote work is not eligible.

• 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 third‑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 High Res 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.

Salary range: $ – $. The exact placement within this range depends on competencies, education, qualifications, experience, skills, performance, and business needs. Eligible candidates may also receive discretionary annual bonuses, incentive compensation, or equity awards subject to company plans.

• Best‑in‑class healthcare coverage, plus voluntary benefit programs.
• Holistic well‑being resources, including fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support.
• Family planning benefits: 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.
• Location‑specific perks and extras.

Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non‑discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants…