Robotics Engineer

Moderna; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Moderna is seeking a Robotics Engineer to design, assemble, test, and refine laboratory instruments and automation-enabled research systems. You will collaborate across mechanical, electrical, and software domains to translate research needs into robust technical solutions.

You will mentor junior engineers, document design decisions, and contribute to the reliability and usability of research platforms in a fast-paced biotech environment.

Qualifications

• B.S. or higher in relevant engineering with 2+ years experience.
• Hands-on experience building/testing electromechanical systems.
• Knowledge of sensors, actuators, motors, wiring, power distribution, controls.
• Ability to use data and judgment to solve problems.
• Strong documentation habits.

Responsibilities

• 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, document findings, and recommend next steps.
• Solve technical problems through analysis of existing solutions, data, and user feedback.
• Provide technical support for researchers, engineers, and project teams during design, build, commissioning, and iteration.
• Create and maintain design notes, build records, test data, and operating guidance.
• Identify and implement improvements to increase reliability, usability, safety, and data quality.
• Mentor junior engineers and share practical knowledge.
• Explain complex technical information clearly and collaborate with cross-functional partners.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Mechanical engineering

Mechatronics

Robotics

Automation

Research engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CAD

Electrical schematics

PLC

Microcontrollers

Sensors

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 e