Principal Systems Engineer, Digital Lab Systems

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

Job summary

Moderna Therapeutics is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer, Digital Lab Systems to lead automation initiatives in the QC Laboratory. You will design and deploy automated workflows, integrate data across instruments and LIMS, and mentor junior engineers.

The role requires 8+ years in laboratory automation, expertise with Hamilton platforms, and strong programming skills (Python/Java/C++). Regulatory experience and excellent troubleshooting are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, CS, biotech, 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 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 (GxP, GLP, ISO).
• 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.
• Design, develop, implement, and optimize automated workflows for QC assays using Hamilton platforms.
• Lead deployment of integrated automation solutions and dynamic scheduling platforms.
• Translate manual workflows into high-throughput automated systems for efficiency and consistency.
• Act as SME for automation troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Develop data integration between instruments, automation systems, LIMS, and enterprise apps.
• Build data structures, data pipelines, and workflow architectures for automation.
• Develop and support system integrations using REST APIs and middleware.
• Contribute to AI-enabled and ML-driven laboratory workflows and decision-support.
• Provide leadership and support for automated workcell platforms like Hamilton CTUs.
• Ensure operational readiness and maintenance of automation systems.
• Support commissioning, qualification, validation, and lifecycle activities.
• Drive improvements in sample tracking, storage, and end-to-end processes.
• Interface with vendors for implementation and upgrades.
• Mentor engineers and deliver training on platforms and best practices.

Skills

Python

Java

C++

REST APIs

LIMS integration

AI/ML exposure

Hamilton VENUS

Git

Agile methodologies

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree

Tools

Hamilton VENUS

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

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.

If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine, we invite you to visit modernatx.com/careers to learn more about our current opportunities.

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]. #LI-AG2

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.

Third Party Staffing Agencies

Moderna does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates. For the protection of all parties involved in the recruiting process, resumes will only be accepted from recruiters/agencies if a signed agreement is in place at the inception of the recruiting effort and authorized for a specified position. Unsolicited resumes sent to Moderna from recruiters/agencies do not constitute any type of relationship between the recruiter/agency and Moderna and do not obligate Moderna to pay fees if we hire from those resumes.

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.