Sr. Automation Engineer

Moderna; Norwood (MA); On-site; USD 121,600 - 194,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Paid time off

Family planning benefits

Wellness programs

Job summary

A leading biopharmaceutical company located in Norwood, Massachusetts is seeking a Senior Engineer I to oversee the development of automated bioassay systems. This role requires a Bachelor's degree with extensive experience in relevant fields like Engineering or Biology. Candidates should have a grasp of GMP regulations and hands-on experience with automation solutions. The position is full-time on-site and contributes to the creation of scalable, compliant systems that support biological research and development.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with cell-based bioassays or sample preparation workflows.
• Experience working in regulated laboratory environments (GLP/GMP).
• Experience programming and developing with laboratory automation.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation engineering and bioassay development.
• Collaborate with scientists to create automation solutions.
• Troubleshoot complex issues in biological performance.

Skills

Cell-based bioassays

Laboratory automation software

GMP-compliance

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Education

BS in Engineering, Biology, or related field with 8 years of experience

MS in Engineering, Biology, or related field with 5 years of experience

PhD in Engineering, Biology or related discipline

Tools

Hamilton STAR/Vantage

HighRes Cellario

Thermo CRS Momentum

Job description

Moderna is looking for a Senior Engineer I in Norwood, Massachusetts to lead automation engineering and bioassay development for GMP‑ready systems.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Lead the development and hardening of automated bioassay workflows, transforming early‑stage prototypes into robust, scalable, GMP‑ready systems
• Collaborate with scientists to translate cell‑based bioassays and sample preparation workflows into automation solutions, accounting for biological constraints such as cell health, sterility, and timing sensitivity
• Design and implement automation strategies for cell handling workflows (e.g., maintenance, passaging, transfection, assay execution) to ensure reproducibility and assay integrity at scale
• Own technical execution across projects, including requirements definition, system integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment
• Partner cross‑functionally with Analytical Development, Applied Technologies, Analytical Sciences & Technology, Digital, and QC Operations to enable successful transfer and deployment of systems into regulated environments
• Develop automation solutions that meet GMP expectations, including data integrity, traceability, and audit readiness
• Troubleshoot complex issues across biological performance, liquid handling, and system integration layers, including investigation of assay variability and automation‑induced bias
• Drive standardization and continuous improvement of automation platforms and workflows to support scalability across programs

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 act with urgency; action today compounds the lives saved tomorrow.

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

• BS with 8 years of relevant experience, MS with 5 years of relevant experience, or PhD in Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or related discipline.
• Hands‑on experience supporting or working with cell‑based bioassays or sample preparation workflows.
• Experience working in or supporting regulated laboratory environments (GLP/GMP).
• Experience programming and developing with laboratory automation software/hardware and liquid handlers.
• 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 supporting or deploying automation systems into GMP or regulated environments, including:
• Validation support (IQ/OQ/PQ)
• Change control and lifecycle management
• Documentation aligned with regulatory expectations
• Experience developing and supporting automation for:
• Mammalian cell culture workflows (maintenance, passaging, expansion)
• Transfection or cell treatment processes
• Plate‑based bioassay sample preparation workflows (e.g., ELISA)
• Experience with 3rd‑party automation hardware such as cobot arms, decappers, centrifuges, dispensers, sealers/peelers, etc.
• Direct experience configuring and optimizing Hamilton STAR/Vantage automated liquid handling systems.
• Experience with workcell‑based automation equipment controlled by scheduling software such as HighRes Cellario, Thermo CRS Momentum, etc.
• Success Characteristics
• Demonstrates strong ownership and accountability; delivers high‑quality, reliable outcomes
• Collaborates effectively across functions; proactively solves complex problems

Pay & Benefits

• Best‑in‑class healthcare coverage, 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 investment opportunities 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. The position may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, other incentive compensation, or equity award, subject to company plan eligibility criteria and individual performance.

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. 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

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 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). 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.