Principal Engineer, Robotics Controls

The Role
The Individual is responsible for the design, implementation, and integration of robotics control solutions supporting capital projects and deployment initiatives within Moderna’s manufacturing network, with a primary focus on Individualized Neoantigen Therapy (INT).

The candidate should have strong knowledge of the application of robotics and automation in the life sciences industry, with the ability to generate, review, and approve project documentation such as functional specifications, machine layout drawings, and logic diagrams, as well as execute Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) at vendor locations, Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and support commissioning activities.

The incumbent will be expected to learn and understand manufacturing processes and apply automation technologies to increase the level of robotics and controls integration, resulting in more efficient, repeatable, and reliable processing. Prior experience in GMP fill and finish, personalized medicine, or high-mix manufacturing environments is highly desirable.

This role extends beyond traditional capital project execution to support the development of standardized, scalable robotics control architectures across sites. The PE-RC will maintain timeliness, accuracy, and thoroughness throughout the project lifecycle while supporting multiple concurrent initiatives.

The candidate will work closely with vendors, system integrators, Digital teams, and internal stakeholders to deliver robust, compliant, and integrated robotics control solutions. Travel to support global project execution could be up to 25% during critical phases.

This individual may serve as the overall project lead or technical lead depending on project scope and will be expected to manage multiple contractors and a portfolio of technical projects simultaneously.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Lead the design and implementation of robotics control solutions (PLC, HMI, SCADA) for projects at both site and global levels

• Define and promote standardized controls architectures to enable scalable robotics deployment across INT and broader CMC

• Proactively identify risks, develop mitigation strategies, and communicate effectively with stakeholders while driving timelines

• Partner with end users and cross-functional teams to propose and implement robotics solutions that enhance efficiency, repeatability, and reliability

• Support FAT, SAT, commissioning, and validation activities in alignment with GAMP and GxP requirements

• Collaborate with Digital teams to ensure a robust, optimized, and integrated data and system landscape (1st/3rd party software and IIoT)

• Develop and deploy innovative solutions that contribute to achieving Moderna’s smart factory and sustainability goals

• Establish and provide technical support services for issue resolution and system optimization

• Mentor and develop technical expertise within the robotics and automation community

• Apply an operational excellence mindset to identify and implement opportunities to optimize processes through advanced automation technologies

• Ensure safety, compliance, and data integrity are prioritized in the design, delivery, and maintenance of all systems

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

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

• Minimum 10 years of experience designing, implementing, and supporting industrial automation and robotics systems in a GMP environment

• Proven track record in delivering smart factory, automation, or robotics initiatives

• Strong experience in PLC programming (Rockwell/Siemens), HMI, SCADA, and motion control systems

• Experience delivering capital projects as part of a design and execution team

• Experience in fill and finish, packaging, or high-mix/personalized manufacturing environments

• Ability to provide technical direction and oversight to external design firms and system integrators

• Experience supporting manufacturing operations and troubleshooting complex automation systems

• Strong understanding of shop floor equipment, lab systems, utility systems, and IIoT-enabled devices

• Experience with industrial systems such as process control systems, historians, application servers, and cross-platform communication

• Experience evaluating, selecting, and integrating digital systems and automation technologies

• Demonstrated ability to define, scope, and manage complex technology initiatives

• Strong knowledge of GAMP, GxP, and data integrity requirements

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth, and highly collaborative environment

• Technical Project Management experience a plus

• This position is site-based, requiring you to be at Moderna’s site full-time. This position is not eligible for remote work

Pay & Benefits

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work.  That’s why our US benefits and global well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• 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 $158,600.00 - $285,500.00. 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 [email protected]. 

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. #LI-KH1

-