Principal Systems Engineer, Digital Lab Systems

Moderna; Norwood (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Well-being programs

Family planning benefits

Job summary

Moderna in Norwood, MA seeks a Principal Systems Engineer, Digital Lab Systems to lead automation efforts and deploy scalable laboratory workflows. You will drive integration across instruments, LIMS, and enterprise applications, while mentoring teammates in advanced automation practices.

You'll champion GLP/compliance, partner with vendors, and shape the platform strategy for automated sample management and data workflows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in engineering, computer science, biotechnology, robotics, or related field.
• 8+ years in laboratory automation or robotics.
• Experience with liquid handling systems and automation platforms.
• Experience integrating systems using APIs (REST or similar), databases, or middleware technologies.
• Proficient in Python, Java, C++, or similar languages.
• Familiarity with AI/ML applications in laboratory workflows and regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical leader for laboratory automation within QC Laboratory and expand automation capabilities.
• Design, develop, implement, and optimize automated workflows for QC assays using Hamilton systems.
• Lead deployment of integrated automation solutions and dynamic scheduling platforms.
• Translate manual workflows into scalable automated systems to improve efficiency and performance.
• Lead troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and issue resolution across automation platforms.
• Develop data integrations between lab instruments, automation systems, LIMS, and enterprise apps.
• Design and maintain data structures, pipelines, and workflow architectures for automation.
• Develop system integrations using REST APIs, web services, and middleware.
• Contribute to AI-enabled workflows and decision-support capabilities.
• Provide leadership and support for automated workcells like Hamilton CTUs.
• Ensure readiness, reliability, maintenance, and performance of automated storage and biobanking systems.
• Support commissioning, qualification, validation, and lifecycle management for automation platforms.

Skills

Python

Java

C++

APIs

Data structures

AI/ML

Git

Agile

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Robotics, or related field

Tools

Hamilton VENUS

Hamilton BiOS

REST APIs

LIMS integration

Job description

The Role

Moderna is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer, Digital Lab Systems who will serve a key role supporting the delivery and administration of laboratory systems. The individual will assist in configuration and deployment of systems, participate in generating and maintaining necessary procedure. Activities will also include authoring and executing test protocols.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

• Serve as a technical leader for laboratory automation within the QC Laboratory, supporting and expanding automation capabilities across testing and sample management operations.
• Design, develop, implement, and optimize automated workflows for QC assays utilizing advanced liquid handling platforms, including Hamilton technologies and Hamilton VENUS software.
• Lead the deployment of integrated automation solutions, including dynamic scheduling platforms that enable efficient coordination of laboratory processes.
• Translate manual laboratory workflows into scalable, high-throughput, automated systems that improve efficiency, consistency, and operational performance.
• Act as the subject matter expert for complex automation troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and technical issue resolution across automation platforms.
• Develop and implement solutions that enable seamless data integration between laboratory instruments, automation systems, LIMS platforms, and enterprise applications.
• Design, build, and maintain robust data structures, data pipelines, and workflow architectures supporting laboratory automation.
• Develop and support system integrations using REST APIs, web services, middleware technologies, and modern connected laboratory architectures.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of AI-enabled and machine learning-driven laboratory workflows, automation enhancements, and decision-support capabilities.
• Provide technical leadership and operational support for automated workcell platforms, including systems such as Hamilton CTUs.
• Ensure operational readiness, reliability, maintenance, and performance optimization of automated sample storage and biobanking systems.
• Support commissioning, qualification, validation, and lifecycle management activities for automation and sample management platforms.
• Drive improvements in sample tracking, inventory control, storage efficiency, and end-to-end sample management processes.
• Serve as system owner for critical laboratory automation platforms, ensuring reliability, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate, identify, and implement new automation technologies, software solutions, and digital capabilities that support future laboratory needs.
• Lead investigations into automation deviations, system issues, and performance gaps, implementing corrective and preventive actions where required.
• Maintain accurate documentation, technical records, and system configurations in accordance with SOPs, regulatory requirements, and quality standards.
• Ensure automation systems operate in compliance with applicable GLP and GCLP requirements and support validated laboratory operations.
• Interface with vendors and technology partners to support system implementation, optimization, upgrades, and long-term platform strategy.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to colleagues across automation initiatives.
• Deliver training and knowledge transfer to laboratory personnel on automation platforms, workflows, and best practices.

The key Moderna Mindsets you'll need to succeed in the role:

We digitize everywhere possible using the power of code to maximize our impact on patients. We obsess over learning. We don't have to be the smartest, we must learn the fastest.

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

• Bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Robotics, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in laboratory automation or robotics
• Experience with liquid handling systems and automation platforms
• Experience integrating systems using APIs (REST or similar), databases, or middleware technologies
• Programming experience in Python, Java, C++, or similar
• Experience with data structures, database design, and LIMS integration
• Exposure to AI/ML applications in laboratory or automation workflows
• Experience with Hamilton platforms (VENUS, BiOS)
• Familiarity with web services (REST/SOAP) and distributed systems
• Experience in regulated environments (GCP, GLP, ISO standards)
• Knowledge of version control (Git) and Agile methodologies
• Strong troubleshooting and communication skills

Pay & Benefits

• 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 fertilit