Sr. Automation Engineer

Overview

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. This role is located in Norwood, Massachusetts, at Moderna’s manufacturing campus. The position is site‑based and requires full‑time onsite presence; remote work is not available.

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.

• Lead the development and hardening of automated bioassay workflows, transforming 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 (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.

• We digitize everywhere possible using code to maximize impact.
• We act with urgency; action today compounds lives saved tomorrow.

• BS with 8 years of relevant experience, or MS with 5 years, 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.
• Full‑time onsite commitment to Moderna’s Norwood campus; remote work not available.

• Experience supporting or deploying automation systems into GMP or regulated environments:
  • 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.
• 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.
• Demonstrates strong ownership and accountability; delivers high‑quality, reliable outcomes.
• Collaborates effectively across functions; proactively solves complex problems.

• Salary range: $ – $.
• Best‑in‑class healthcare coverage and voluntary benefit programs.
• Holistic well‑being approach with fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support.
• Family planning benefits (fertility, adoption, surrogacy support).
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary…