Engineer II, CMC Development Operations

Moderna; United States; On-site; USD 74,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

Moderna is seeking an Engineer II to support pilot-scale nucleic acid and formulated nucleic acid operations at the Norwood, MA Technology Center.

You will transfer bench processes to pilot scale, generate DNA/RNA/LNP/DP for development and tox studies, and enable filings. This onsite role requires 2+ years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's or related qualification.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline.
• 2 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree or minimal experience with a Master's degree.

Responsibilities

• Lead or contribute to tech transfer and optimization projects for DNA/RNA/LNP/DP processes.
• Serve as batch lead during execution and troubleshoot in real time.
• Propose and implement solutions to technical challenges and deviations.
• Collaborate with Process Development, Analytical, and other teams to support tech transfer.
• Distill batch data to inform process improvements and decisions.
• Author and optimize SOPs/protocols; assist training of team members.
• Provide operational leadership during batches and mentor junior staff.
• Apply operational excellence to improve workflows and lab organization.
• Identify and mitigate safety, process, and operational risks; escalate as needed.
• Maintain GDP, safety, and environmental compliance.

Skills

DNA/RNA/LNP/DP processes

Technology transfer

Process optimization

Batch leadership

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences/Engineering/C chemistry or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

The Role:

The Operations Science and Technology team is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Engineer II to support pilot-scale nucleic acid and formulated nucleic acid product operations. This role is responsible for transferring processes from bench to pilot scale and generating DNA/RNA/LNP/DP for developmental and tox studiers, enabling first-time filings and commercial updates. This is an onsite role based in Moderna's Technology Center campus in Norwood, MA.

In this role, you will execute independently while partnering cross-functionally to implement robust, scalable processes. You will take increasing ownership of technical projects, contribute to technology transfer activities, and proactively identify and resolve process challenges in a fast-paced environment.

Here's What You'll Do:

• Lead or contribute to technical projects with increasing ownership related to DNA/RNA/LNP/DP processes, including technology transfer, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Serve as a batch lead supporting execution, propose troubleshooting in real time to ensure successful outcomes
• Propose and implement solutions to technical challenges, gaps, and process deviations
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Process Development, Analytical, and other teams to support tech transfer and process robustness
• Distill and communicate batch-related data to inform process improvements and decision-making
• Author and optimize technical documentation, including SOPs and protocols, and support training of team members
• Provide operational leadership during batches, guide junior team members, and align stakeholders on project goals
• Apply operational excellence principles to improve workflows, lab organization, and execution efficiency
• Identify and mitigate risks, including safety, process, and operational risks; escalat
• Maintain compliance with GDP practices, safety procedures, and environmental regulations

Here's What You'll Need (Basic Qualifications)

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related/relevant technical discipline
• Experience: 2 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree or minimal experience with a Master's degree.

This position is site-based, requiring you to be at Moderna's site full-time. This position is not eligible for remote work.

Here's What You'll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• Advanced degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, Data Science, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• 2 to 3 years of relevant experience with a Master's degree, or 3 to 5 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Hands-on experience in process development or operations, including one or more: enzymatic reactions, chromatography, tangential flow filtration, formulation of biologics
• Demonstrated ability to execute and troubleshoot processes independently in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams
• Experience with mRNA/DNA synthesis, LNP formulation, and/or drug product processes
• Experience in technology transfer and scale-up of processes
• Demonstrated ability to own and drive technical projects or workstreams
• Ability to analyze complex datasets and translate findings into actionable improvements
• Proven ability to expand technical skillset and operate across multiple process areas

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 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 investments to help you plan for the future Location-specific perks and extras

The salary range for this role is $74,000.00 - $118,400.00. 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.

The successful candidate may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, other incentive compensation, or equity award, subject to company plan eligibility criteria and individual performance.

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 deliver