Senior Automation Engineer (Manufacturing Systems)

Moderna Therapeutics; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive healthcare

Well-being resources

Family-building benefits

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Moderna Therapeutics in Melbourne is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to own digital manufacturing systems (DeltaV, MES, PLC/SCADA) and drive lifecycle activities from commissioning through validation and continuous improvement, ensuring compliance and reliable operations.

You will collaborate across Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality and IT/OT, tackle complex integration challenges, and explore emerging technologies such as Generative AI to boost efficiency in a fast-growing

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience designing, implementing and/or supporting manufacturing automation systems.
• Experience in GMP-regulated manufacturing environments is strongly preferred.
• Experience with DeltaV, PLC/SCADA, MES and historian platforms.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of automation and digital manufacturing systems across the Melbourne site.
• Provide hands-on troubleshooting and lifecycle support from commissioning through validation and operation.
• Drive upgrades, system changes and continuous improvement in a regulated environment.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality and IT/OT to resolve complex integration challenges.

Skills

Automation design

DeltaV experience

PLC/SCADA

GMP familiarity

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related

Tools

Emerson DeltaV

Rockwell/Siemens PLC

MES

Job description

Work with advanced platforms and technologies driving the next generation of pharmaceutical manufacturing If you're an automation engineer who enjoys complex systems, modern technology and continuous learning, this is an opportunity to work with some of the most advanced manufacturing platforms in the industry. At Moderna, you'll support and enhance a highly connected digital manufacturing environment spanning Emerson DeltaV, MES, PLC/SCADA systems, historian platforms, OT infrastructure and emerging technologies that are helping redefine how medicines are manufactured around the world. Unlike many automation roles focused primarily on maintaining legacy systems, this position offers exposure across a modern technology ecosystem with opportunities to influence upgrades, solve complex integration challenges, support new technology implementation and contribute to the continued evolution of a growing manufacturing operation. As Moderna continues to expand its global mRNA platform, you'll join a site that combines biotech innovation, advanced automation and digital-first manufacturing, providing the opportunity to deepen your technical expertise while working on systems that have a direct impact on patient outcomes. We're not looking for someone who simply wants to maintain existing systems. We're looking for someone who is excited by complex technology, thrives on solving challenging problems and wants to help build what's next. If you're energized by advanced technology, modern manufacturing and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a growing global biotech company, we'd love to hear from you.

About Moderna

Joining Moderna means helping shape the future of medicine. You'll work alongside exceptional global teams advancing mRNA science while building a career that combines cutting‑edge technology, advanced manufacturing and meaningful impact for patients around the world. Moderna is strengthening Australia's biotech landscape through a long‑term partnership focused on pandemic resilience. Our Melbourne‑based mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility will support rapid response to future health threats while creating skilled jobs and developing local talent. We welcome professionals ready to help advance global health security.

This role sits at the intersection of automation, manufacturing, engineering and digital technology. You'll take ownership of critical GxP automation and digital manufacturing systems, supporting their full lifecycle from implementation and commissioning through validation, operation, maintenance and continuous improvement. Working within a highly automated, technology‑driven manufacturing environment, you'll help sustain reliable and compliant operation across manufacturing equipment, control platforms, manufacturing execution systems, historian platforms and associated digital integrations. You'll also have opportunities to explore emerging technologies, including Generative AI, and how they can be applied within a regulated manufacturing environment.

Here’s What You’ll Do

Take technical ownership of critical automation and digital manufacturing systems across the Moderna Clayton site. Provide hands‑on troubleshooting and operational support to ensure manufacturing reliability, compliance and performance. Act as a Subject Matter Expert for assigned systems, driving technical decisions and lifecycle management activities. Support and enhance platforms including Emerson DeltaV, MES, PLC/SCADA systems, historians and associated OT infrastructure. Design, configure, test and implement system changes using a risk‑based and compliant approach. Drive automation upgrades, system improvements and technology lifecycle initiatives. Solve complex integration challenges across manufacturing equipment, control systems and digital platforms. Contribute to automation projects from design and commissioning through validation and operational handover. Lead technical activities for system modifications, upgrades and continuous improvement initiatives. Support GMP, GAMP and Computer System Validation requirements across assigned systems. Lead or support investigations, deviations, CAPAs and change controls. Collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Validation, IT/OT and external vendors. Share technical expertise and help strengthen automation capability across the site. Explore opportunities to leverage emerging digital technologies and Generative AI to improve engineering, knowledge sharing and operational performance.

The Key Moderna Mindsets You’ll Need to Succeed

“We act with dynamic range, driving strategy and execution at the same time at every step.” “We digitize everywhere possible using the power of code to maximize our impact on patients.”

Who Thrives at Moderna?

• Love solving complex technical problems.
• Enjoy learning new technologies and expanding your expertise.
• Want exposure across automation, digital manufacturing and integrated production systems.
• Prefer building and improving systems rather than simply maintaining them.
• Are curious about how manufacturing equipment, control systems, data platforms and digital technologies work together.
• Enjoy collaborating across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Validation and Digital teams.
• Take ownership, drive solutions and see challenges through to completion.
• Are excited by the opportunity to influence a growing manufacturing operation and help shape its future.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science or a related technical discipline.
• 7+ years of experience designing, implementing and/or supporting manufacturing automation systems.
• Experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device or other GMP‑regulated manufacturing environments is strongly preferred.
• Experience from highly automated advanced manufacturing environments will also be considered.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience with Emerson DeltaV DCS.
• Strong experience with PLC and SCADA platforms such as Rockwell, Siemens, FactoryTalk, Wonderware, iFix or similar technologies.
• Experience supporting MES, historian platforms and system integrations within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of cGMP, GAMP and Computer System Validation (CSV) requirements.
• Demonstrated capability in complex troubleshooting, root cause analysis and resolution of automation and integration issues.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across technical and operational stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies and adapt to changing business priorities.
• Demonstrated commitment to Moderna's values of Bold, Collaborative, Curious and Relentless.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Syncade MES, PI Historian or similar digital manufacturing platforms.
• Experience with IT/OT networking, virtualization, Active Directory and SQL environments.
• Understanding of industrial automation protocols including EtherNet/IP, Modbus and OPC.
• Programming experience using Structured Text, Function Block Diagram, Sequential Function Chart or Ladder Logic.
• Experience supporting serialization, track‑and‑trace, robotics, vision systems, batch management or related technologies.
• Experience with FAT, SAT, CQV, validation and regulated system lifecycle activities.
• Understanding of biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes and equipment, including fill‑finish or drug product manufacturing technologies.

As part of Moderna's commitment to workplace health and safety, this role may be subject to pre‑employment and periodic medical assessments, in line with relevant legal and operational requirements.

Our Working Model

As we build our company, we have always believed that an in‑person culture is critical to our success. This role is 100% onsite, reflecting the importance of being physically present to support the work, collaborate closely with colleagues, and contribute to our site‑based operations. Working onsite enables real‑time collaboration, strong team connections, direct mentorship, and the hands‑on partnership needed to deliver our mission. Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute and make a meaningful impact.

Pay & Benefits

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work. That’s why our benefits and well‑being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• Competitive healthcare, 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 building benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, bank holidays, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year‑end shutdown
• Savings and investments to help you plan for the future
• Location‑specific perks and extras

The benefits offered may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Moderna and the country where you work.

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.

Moderna is committed to equal opportunity in employment 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. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. We’re 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 accommodation or adjustments to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation or adjustment 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 and Adjustments team at [e-mail].

Reasonable Accommodation Notice Moderna will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. Please inform the company's personnel representative by calling 617-460-9346 or emailing [e-mail] if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

Our Mission and Vision

At Moderna we are pioneering the development of a new class of drugs made of messenger RNA (mRNA). This novel drug platform builds on the discovery that modified mRNA can direct the body’s cellular machinery to produce nearly any protein of interest, from native proteins to antibodies and other entirely novel protein constructs that can have therapeutic activity inside and outside of cells. We have a clear mission to propel the field of mRNA science forward and deliver new medicines to patients and a unique vision for how to achieve this mission. Our Mission: To deliver on the promise of transformative messenger RNA (mRNA) science to bring new medicines to patients. Our Vision: To unlock the potential of mRNA by establishing an ecosystem of teams and partners that will work together to develop the broadest possible array of drugs, across diverse therapeutic areas and routes of administration, for serious diseases that are not treatable today.