Robotics Engineer

Biopharma Careers; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 161,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Well-being programs

Family planning benefits

Generous paid time off

Bonus programs and equity awards

Job summary

Moderna is seeking a Robotics Engineer to advance mRNA medicines by developing, testing, and improving engineering solutions for Research teams. This hands-on role covers design, assembly, integration, testing, troubleshooting, and refinement of laboratory instruments and automation-enabled systems.

You will mentor junior team members, collaborate with scientists and engineers, create clear design notes and build records, and identify improvements to reliability, safety, and data quality in a

Qualifications

• BS or higher with 2+ years in electromechanical fields.
• Hands-on experience building, testing, and maintaining electromechanical systems.
• Knowledge of sensors, actuators, motors, wiring, and controls.
• Ability to solve moderate problems using data and judgment.
• Strong attention to design notes, test records, and documentation.
• Ability to mentor teammates and collaborate with researchers.

Responsibilities

• Independently support design, assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and improvement of lab instruments and automation systems.
• Assist mechanical, electrical, and mechatronic design work including wiring and layout.
• Participate in system integration, connecting hardware, controls, and software into workflows.
• Develop and execute experimental test plans, analyze results, and document findings.
• Solve technical problems using analysis of existing solutions and data.
• Provide tech support and guidance for researchers and engineers.
• Create design notes, build records, and operating guidance.
• Identify improvements to reliability, usability, safety, and data quality.
• Work within evolving research engineering practices and broaden system understanding.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote good engineering practices.
• Explain complex info clearly to cross-functional partners.

Skills

Hands-on troubleshooting

Documentation habits

Mentoring juniors

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Explain complex tech

Education

B.S. or higher

Tools

CAD tools

PLCs

Microcontrollers

LabVIEW

Python

Job description

The Role

Joining Moderna offers the opportunity to help advance mRNA medicines by developing, testing, and improving engineering solutions that enable Research teams to explore new scientific questions, prototype new capabilities, and accelerate discovery.

This Robotics Engineer role is a hands‑on research engineering position for someone with expanded conceptual knowledge in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, automation, robotics, or a related technical discipline. You will independently support the design, assembly, integration, testing, troubleshooting, and refinement of laboratory instruments, experimental platforms, fixtures, prototypes, and automation‑enabled research systems. The role requires sound engineering judgment, ownership of moderately complex technical work, the ability to mentor junior team members, and close collaboration with scientists and engineers to translate research needs into reliable, well‑documented technical solutions.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Independently support the design, assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and iterative improvement of laboratory instruments, fixtures, prototypes, and automation‑enabled research systems.
• Assist with mechanical, electrical, and mechatronic design work, including component selection, basic drawings, wiring, panel layout, sensor integration, and equipment modifications.
• Participate in system integration and testing, helping connect instruments, controls, sensors, software, and physical hardware into reliable workflows.
• Develop and execute moderately complex experimental test plans, analyze results using sound engineering judgment, document findings, and recommend next steps based on research objectives and system performance.
• Solve technical problems through analysis of existing solutions, equipment behavior, data, and user feedback, applying practical engineering experience and judgment to select and implement effective solutions.
• Provide technical support and guidance for researchers, engineers, and project teams during design, build, commissioning, experimental use, troubleshooting, and iterative improvement activities.
• Create and maintain clear documentation, including design notes, build records, test data, experimental observations, operating guidance, parts lists, and design change rationale.
• Identify and implement improvements that increase research system reliability, usability, safety, data quality, experimental flexibility, and team effectiveness.
• Work within team guidelines and evolving research engineering practices while broadening understanding of system interactions, related technical disciplines, and user needs.
• Mentor junior engineers or technical team members by sharing practical knowledge, reviewing work, and supporting development of good engineering and documentation practices.
• Explain complex technical information in straightforward situations, check for understanding, and collaborate effectively with cross‑functional research partners.

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

• B.S. or higher with 2+ years or more of relevant experience in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, robotics, automation, research engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience building, testing, troubleshooting, improving, or maintaining electromechanical systems, prototypes, equipment, fixtures, or automated hardware with increasing independence.
• Working knowledge of electrical and/or mechanical fundamentals such as sensors, actuators, motors, wiring, power distribution, controls, mechanical assemblies, CAD, or fabrication methods.
• Ability to use technical experience, data, and engineering judgment to solve moderately complex problems, evaluate options, and recommend practical solutions.
• Strong documentation habits and attention to detail for design notes, test records, experimental observations, build documentation, and operating guidance.
• Ability to explain complex technical information clearly, check for understanding, and collaborate with scientists, engineers, and cross‑functional research partners.
• Ability to mentor junior team members, support good engineering practices, and contribute to the quality and effectiveness of work across the team.
• 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)

• Experience with hands‑on electrical or mechanical fabrication, prototyping, machining, 3D printing, wiring, soldering, panel assembly, or equipment repair.
• Experience with CAD tools, basic electrical schematics, controls hardware, PLCs, microcontrollers, motion systems, sensors, or data acquisition systems.
• Experience supporting laboratory instruments, research prototypes, experimental automation, or hardware development in a biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, medical technology, or life sciences environment with demonstrated ownership of moderately complex technical work.
• Programming or scripting experience in Python, C#, MATLAB, LabVIEW, Arduino, or similar tools for experimental testing, data collection, instrument control, automation support, or data analysis.
• Comfort working directly with equipment, tools, and users in a fast‑paced, experimental environment.
• A desire to make an impact in a mission‑driven organization that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.

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 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 $100,400.00 - $160,700.00. 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.

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.

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] .

Export Control Notice

This position may involve access to technology or data that is subject to U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, employment is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to access export‑controlled information in accordance with U.S. law. Due to the nature of the work and regulatory requirements, only individuals who qualify as U.S. persons (citizens, permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are eligible for this position. For this role Moderna is unable to sponsor non‑U.S. persons to apply for an export control license.