Principal Engineer, Robotics Controls

About the role

The Individual is responsible for the design, implementation, and integration of robotics control solutions supporting capital projects and deployment initiatives within Moderna’s manufacturing network, with a primary focus on Individualized Neoantigen Therapy (INT).

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of robotics control solutions (PLC, HMI, SCADA) for projects at both site and global levels
• Define and promote standardized controls architectures to enable scalable robotics deployment across INT and broader CMC
• Proactively identify risks, develop mitigation strategies, and communicate effectively with stakeholders while driving timelines
• Partner with end users and cross-functional teams to propose and implement robotics solutions that enhance efficiency, repeatability, and reliability
• Support FAT, SAT, commissioning, and validation activities in alignment with GAMP and GxP requirements
• Collaborate with Digital teams to ensure a robust, optimized, and integrated data and system landscape (1st/3rd party software and IIoT)
• Develop and deploy innovative solutions that contribute to achieving Moderna’s smart factory and sustainability goals
• Mentor and develop technical expertise within the robotics and automation community
• Apply an operational excellence mindset to identify and implement opportunities to optimize processes through advanced automation technologies
• Ensure safety, compliance, and data integrity are prioritized in the design, delivery, and maintenance of all systems

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• Minimum 10 years of experience designing, implementing, and supporting industrial automation and robotics systems in a GMP environment
• Proven track record in delivering smart factory, automation, or robotics initiatives
• Strong experience in PLC programming (Rockwell/Siemens), HMI, SCADA, and motion control systems
• Experience delivering capital projects as part of a design and execution team
• Experience in fill and finish, packaging, or high-mix/personalized manufacturing environments
• Ability to provide technical direction and oversight to external design firms and system integrators
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations and troubleshooting complex automation systems
• Strong understanding of shop floor equipment, lab systems, utility systems, and IIoT-enabled devices
• Experience with industrial systems such as process control systems, historians, application servers, and cross-platform communication
• Demonstrated ability to define, scope, and manage complex technology initiatives
• Strong knowledge of GAMP, GxP, and data integrity requirements

Qualifications

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth, and highly collaborative environment
• Technical Project Management experience a plus

Skills

• Operational Excellence Mindset
• Advanced Automation Technologies
• Data Integrity
• Process Optimization
• Project Management

Benefits

Best-in-class healthcare coverage, plus voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs
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

Pay & Benefits

The salary range for this role is $158,600.00 - $285,500.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An individual’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, performance, and business or organizational needs.

About Moderna

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.

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.

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.