Sr. Automation Engineer

About 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

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

Pay & Benefits

The salary range for this role is $121,600.00 - $194,500.00. 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.

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

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.

Working Model

We believe 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.

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.