Principal Systems Engineer, Digital Lab Systems

BioSpace; Norwood (MA); On-site; USD 146,000 - 234,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive healthcare

Well-being resources

Family planning benefits

Generous paid time off

Savings and investments

Location-specific perks

Job summary

Moderna seeks a Principal Systems Engineer, Digital Lab Systems to support delivery and administration of laboratory systems, including configuration, deployment, test protocol execution, and user training.

You will lead automation across QC labs, design automated workflows with Hamilton systems, and drive data integration with LIMS and enterprise apps while ensuring GLP/GCLP compliance and lifecycle management.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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 Hamilton technologies and VENUS software.
• Lead deployment of integrated automation solutions and dynamic scheduling platforms.
• Translate manual workflows into scalable automated systems to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Act as SME for complex automation troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and issue resolution.
• Develop and implement data integration between laboratory instruments, automation systems, LIMS, and enterprise apps.
• Design, build, and maintain data structures, pipelines, and workflow architectures.
• Develop and support system integrations using REST APIs, web services, middleware, and connected lab architectures.
• Contribute to AI-enabled and ML-driven workflows and decision-support capabilities.
• Provide leadership and support for automated workcell platforms like Hamilton CTUs.
• Ensure operational readiness, reliability, maintenance, and performance of automated storage and biobanking systems.
• Support commissioning, qualification, validation, and lifecycle management for automation platforms.
• Drive improvements in sample tracking, inventory control, and end-to-end processes.
• Serve as system owner for critical automation platforms, ensuring reliability and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate and implement new automation tech and digital capabilities.
• Lead investigations into deviations and performance gaps with CAPA actions.
• Maintain documentation and configurations per SOPs and quality standards.
• Ensure automation systems comply with GLP and GCLP requirements.
• Interface with vendors to support implementation, optimization, upgrades, and long-term strategy.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide guidance on automation initiatives.
• Deliver training and knowledge transfer to lab personnel.

Skills

Python

Java

C++

APIs (REST/SOAP)

LIMS integration

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Git/version control

Agile methodologies

Regulated environments

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering or computer science

Tools

Hamilton VENUS

Hamilton BiOS

REST APIs

Job description

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

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 $145,900.00 - $234,200.00. 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 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.

Our Working Model

As we build our company, we have always believed 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. Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute, and make a meaningful impact.

Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment.

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. Moderna is a place where everyone can grow.

Moderna is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Accommodations

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 accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation 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 team at [e-mail].