Senior Engineer I, Automation

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; Marlborough (MA); On-site; USD 121,600 - 194,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive healthcare

Well-being resources

Fertility/adoption support

Generous paid time off

Retirement savings plan

Location-specific perks

Job summary

Moderna is seeking an automation engineer to support the implementation, optimization, and lifecycle management of process automation systems across our manufacturing network in Marlborough, MA. You will deploy and improve automation platforms, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive AI/ML‑forward approaches in a fast-paced environment.

The role is hands-on, requiring strong technical expertise and a proactive mindset, with on-site duties at Moderna’s Marlborough offices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline.

Responsibilities

• Support implementation and expansion of process automation capabilities across facilities.
• Assist with troubleshooting, optimization, and lifecycle support of automation systems.
• Lead commissioning, startup, FAT/SAT, and system deployment activities as required.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Facilities, MSAT, Quality, IT Infrastructure, and Process Engineering to define requirements.

Skills

Automation design

Cross-functional collaboration

AI/ML mindset

Problem-solving

Fast-paced environment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related

Tools

DeltaV DCS

AB/BR PLCs

SCADA

AVEVA PI DHS

VMware

Kepware OPC servers

Job description

The Role

Moderna is seeking an Individual to support the implementation, optimization, and lifecycle management of process automation systems supporting Individualized Neoantigen Therapies (INT) across Moderna’s manufacturing network.

This role will help deploy and continuously improve automation platforms across both new and existing manufacturing facilities. The engineer will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to deliver scalable, compliant, and integrated automation solutions that advance Moderna’s smart manufacturing initiatives and vision for lights‑out manufacturing.

The ideal candidate is a hands‑on, proactive automation engineer with strong technical expertise, a collaborative mindset, and a passion for learning and implementing new technologies in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

This position is based in Moderna’s Marlborough, MA offices.

Here’s What You’ll Do

Automation Systems Implementation & Support

• Support the implementation and expansion of process automation capabilities across new and existing manufacturing facilities
• Support the development, maintenance, and improvement of DCS (DeltaV), PLCs (AB/B&R), SCADA systems, DHS (AVEVA PI), Robotics, VMware, including adoption of new technologies and future system upgrades
• Assist with troubleshooting, optimization, and lifecycle support of process automation systems
• Participate in commissioning, startup, FAT, SAT, and system deployment activities as required

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Facilities, MSAT, Quality, IT Infrastructure, Process Engineering, and other cross‑functional teams to define business and technical requirements
• Support integration of automation systems with enterprise platforms including Operational Data Hub (ODH), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), VMware, and analytics environments

Standards, Platforms & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to the implementation and maintenance of plant floor Automation Design Guidelines and standards
• Help standardize reusable automation aligned with ISA‑95 and ISA‑88 principles
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, equipment, systems, and infrastructure through operational excellence initiatives and implementation of AI technologies.
• Promote an AI/ML-forward mindset in system design and data utilization

Own Project Delivery & Lifecycle Management

• Lead CAPEX projects from concept through commissioning and transition into OPEX
• Provide ongoing lifecycle support for automation systems across Moderna facilities
• Provide On‑call and floor support

Validation & Compliance

• Coordinate and support validation activities in collaboration with Manufacturing, Engineering, QA, and CQV teams
• Support compliance activities related to cGMP, GAMP, CSV, and regulatory requirements
• Develop and maintain automation documentation including URS, FRS, CDS, SOPs, and validation protocols
• Support risk assessments, testing activities, and changing control processes

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

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline
• Minimum of 5–8 years of experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology
• Understanding of smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 concepts, ISA‑95 and ISA‑88 industry standards
• Strong experience in designing and supporting Emerson DeltaV DCS process control systems including continuous and batch processes
• Experience working with industrial protocols including HART, Ethernet I/P, OPC and classic IO
• Hands‑on experience with middleware tools (e.g., Kepware, OPC servers)
• Familiarity with PLCs, and SCADA systems, Robotics and VMware
• Understanding of RESTful APIs and system integrations
• Working knowledge of cGMP manufacturing operations and practices
• Knowledge of GAMP, Computer System Validation (CSV), and regulatory compliance requirements
• Background in CSV and regulatory compliance (21 CFR Part 11, Annex 11)
• Experience developing automation documentation including URS, FRS, CDS, and validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ)
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills in fast‑paced manufacturing environments

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• Being proactive and self‑motivated
• Motivation to lead projects and drive initiatives to completion
• Motivation and curiosity to learn new technologies and continuously improve
• Creative, analytical, and strong problem‑solving skills
• Ability to work independently and make sound and timely decisions to achieve expected results
• Ability to react under pressure to any given situation that may arise, in a professional manner and with positive results, in support of a multi‑location environment
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Collaborative mindset with a strong commitment to quality and operational excellence
• A desire to make an impact as part of a high‑growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative

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 $121,600.00 – $194,500.00. 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.

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. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day, please apply!

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].

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.

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