The Role:
The Principal Engineer, Process Engineering, Global Engineering Technical Authority will be based in Norwood, MA.
The Principal Engineer, Process Engineering will serve as a global technical leader and Subject Matter Expert (SME) within Moderna's Global Engineering Technical Authority (GETA), providing technical direction, engineering oversight, and lifecycle support for GMP drug substance manufacturing process equipment across Moderna's global manufacturing network.
This individual will collaborate closely with Facilities, Manufacturing, Process Development, and other cross-functional stakeholders to design, evaluate, and implement innovative process technologies and support state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities.
The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise in biopharmaceutical process equipment, particularly pump technologies, process sensors, and instrumentation, along with a demonstrated ability to identify, evaluate, and implement emerging manufacturing technologies. This position will play an important role in advancing manufacturing capabilities, improving process robustness, and enabling the integration of new technologies into GMP manufacturing environments.
The successful candidate will demonstrate deep technical expertise, independent engineering judgment, strong problem-solving capabilities, and a proven ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders, mentor technical talent, and lead complex engineering initiatives.
Here’s What You’ll Do:
- Serve as a global technical leader and Subject Matter Expert within the Global Engineering Technical Authority, providing technical direction, engineering oversight, and lifecycle support for GMP drug substance manufacturing process equipment across Moderna’s global manufacturing network.
- Lead cross-functional teams of subject matter experts responsible for supporting drug substance manufacturing and developing engineering projects. Provide technical guidance, coaching, and work-prioritization support across engineering teams while operating as a senior individual contributor.
- Provide technical leadership and oversight throughout the full capital project lifecycle, including conceptual design, front-end engineering, detailed design, equipment specification and selection, procurement, construction, installation, startup, commissioning, and qualification.
- Ensure capital projects and equipment solutions remain aligned with global engineering standards, operational requirements, user requirements, quality expectations, and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Serve as the global technical SME and Engineering Owner for drug substance process equipment, including ultrafiltration systems, chromatography systems, single-use mixers, Clean-in-Place systems, temperature control units, reaction vessels, and associated equipment.
- Act as Engineering Owner for assigned process equipment, providing technical stewardship from initial design and implementation through operation, optimization, and lifecycle improvement.
- Establish technical direction for the design, optimization, and lifecycle management of drug substance manufacturing unit operations, driving consistent engineering practices, equipment reliability, process robustness, and continuous improvement across Moderna’s global manufacturing network.
- Bring deep technical expertise in pump technologies and process instrumentation, including the evaluation, selection, design integration, troubleshooting, and optimization of pumps, sensors, instrumentation, and associated process-control components used in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Drive the identification, technical evaluation, and strategic implementation of innovative manufacturing technologies that improve process efficiency, equipment reliability, scalability, and operational performance.
- Assess emerging manufacturing technologies through technical feasibility studies, engineering evaluations, and collaboration with equipment and technology suppliers. Develop implementation recommendations based on process requirements, GMP suitability, technical risks, scalability, and operational benefits.
- Partner closely with Research, Process Development, and Manufacturing teams during early stages of process development to evaluate new manufacturing technologies and support the selection of scalable, robust, and GMP-compatible solutions.
- Lead complex engineering evaluations, technical studies, troubleshooting activities, and equipment performance assessments, translating findings into clear technical recommendations and guiding implementation of solutions that strengthen manufacturing capability, reliability, and process performance.
- Provide technical oversight and approval of engineering design documentation, equipment specifications, commissioning strategies, and qualification deliverables within delegated authority.
- Design and optimize single-use consumables, ensuring functional requirements are clearly defined and that supplier selection is aligned with sourcing strategy.
- Collaborate with Facilities, Manufacturing, Process Development, Research, and other cross-functional stakeholders to design, evaluate, and implement innovative process technologies and support state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities.
- Work directly with internal stakeholders and external equipment and technology suppliers to assess equipment capabilities, resolve complex technical challenges, and identify opportunities for manufacturing technology advancement.
- Use strong independent engineering judgment and structured problem-solving to influence technical decisions across functions, mentor technical talent, and lead complex engineering initiatives without direct people-management responsibility.
- Help create an environment in which new technologies can be responsibly integrated into GMP manufacturing, including opportunities to explore how Generative AI and other digital capabilities can support engineering knowledge management, technical assessments, equipment troubleshooting, supplier evaluation, and faster evidence-based decision-making.
The key Moderna Mindsets you’ll need to succeed in the role:
- “We act with dynamic range, driving strategy and execution at the same time at every step.”
- “We question convention because proven models don’t always fuel the future.”
Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)
Education:
- Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Experience & Requirements:
- Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in process engineering or biopharmaceutical manufacturing engineering.
- Experience in a GxP biopharmaceutical operations environment preferred.
- Deep technical expertise in the design, selection, integration, and lifecycle management of bioprocess equipment, including ultrafiltration, chromatography, single-use mixers, buffer preparation vessels, temperature control units, fermenters, reaction vessels, and associated process systems.
- Proven track record of leading the technical evaluation, selection, and implementation of innovative manufacturing technologies, with consideration of process performance, technical feasibility, scalability, and GMP compatibility.
- Demonstrated expertise in pump technologies and process sensors used in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, including equipment selection, performance evaluation, troubleshooting, and integration into manufacturing processes.
- Strong understanding of pump operating principles, process measurement technologies, and their applications in maintaining reliable and consistent manufacturing operations.
- Demonstrated expertise in leading the resolution of complex technical challenges, applying independent engineering judgment, evaluating alternative engineering solutions, and translating technical assessments into practical recommendations and implementation plans.
- Experience with pharmaceutical processing equipment and unit operations.
- Experience with the design and optimization of single-use consumables.
- Comprehensive understanding of regulatory requirements and their application in a cGMP environment.
- Experience with facility, utility, system, and equipment commissioning and qualification.
- Exceptional technical analysis, engineering judgment, problem-solving, and technical communication capabilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Familiarity with statistical analysis techniques is preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to influence and lead cross-functional technical teams, take ownership of assignments, and deliver results on multiple complex projects with minimal supervision.
- Ability to represent Moderna's interests, objectives, and policies in a professional and responsible manner.
- Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
- Proven experience providing technical leadership on complex capital projects from conceptual design through commissioning and qualification.
- Ability to travel up to 25%.
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.
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 $142,500.00 - $256,500.00. 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.
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 leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.
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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