Senior Automation Engineer I, Drug Product Equipment Support

The Role

The Senior Automation Engineer, Drug Product Equipment Support, is a critical technical and project role responsible for supporting the design, development, startup, and lifecycle of a state-of-the-art cGMP Drug Product (Fill Finish) manufacturing facility. This individual provides essential support, maintenance, and continuous improvement for automation systems that monitor and control drug product operations.

The engineer will act as the Automation System Owner for filling, inspection, and packaging equipment and related digital systems, ensuring they are compliant, reliable, and optimized for both clinical and commercial production. This role requires strong collaboration with cross-functional teams, vendors, and OEMs to enable seamless equipment integration and operational readiness.

This role involves 24/7 support coverage as needed and active participation in facility start-up and routine operations, contributing directly to Moderna’s mission of delivering mRNA therapies to patients.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

Automation System Ownership & Maintenance

• Serve as the Digital/Automation owner for drug product filling, inspection, and packaging equipment.

• Manage regular maintenance and system updates to meet cGMP and industry standards.

• Serve as the Automation System Owner for equipment systems and hardware.

Troubleshooting, Technical Expertise & Documentation

• Troubleshoot complex issues across manufacturing systems (Allen Bradley PLCs, Siemens PLCs, AVEVA Wonderware, AVEVA Historian).

• Interpret PFDs, P&IDs, blueprints, and system diagrams.

• Maintain and update automation specifications and related documentation.

• Lead the development of automation-related SOPs, training content, and guides.

System Design, Integration & Qualification

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure proper integration of automation systems.

• Support equipment and facility startup, including debugging and system verification.

• Participate in system validations and ensure qualification efforts align with operations.

Change Control, Compliance & Audit Support

• Ensure validation and change control procedures are followed for automation-related modifications.

• Support audits as an SME on automation systems and procedures.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Lead automation-related improvement projects (scoping, budgeting, execution).

• Stay up to date on automation technology trends and propose facility upgrades.

Training & Support

• Provide technical training to engineering and operations teams.

• Participate in the 24/7 on-call support rotation as needed.

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

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in automation engineering within the pharmaceutical or biotech sector, preferably drug product manufacturing.

• Strong hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and digital manufacturing systems.

• Proficient in cGMP, FDA regulations, and cleanroom operations.

• Experience with MES, process historians, and system integration.

Key Skills & Attributes:

• Strong coding/debugging abilities (PLC, SCADA).

• Knowledge of control systems, wiring, and electronics.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong project management and cross-functional leadership skills.

• Analytical mindset and commitment to quality and safety.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects with tight timelines.

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

• Experience with Optima filling lines.

• Familiarity with serialization/track-and-trace systems (H2Compute).

• Experience with Cognex vision systems.

• Working knowledge of Emerson DeltaV, batch reporting.

• Robotics experience (B&R, FANUC, ABB, Panasonic).

• Familiarity with power electronics, PCB design, material science, and circuit analysis.

This is a full-time, exempt position that may require off-hours and on-call support. The Senior Automation Engineer must be fully dedicated to ensuring the success, reliability, and performance of drug product automation systems at the Norwood manufacturing site.

At Moder