Senior Specialist, Packaging & AVI Engineer

Job description

The Role: Joining Moderna means advancing mRNA science to transform medicine. Work with exceptional global teams on a broad pipeline and build a career that makes a real difference for patients. This is a site-based opportunity in Melbourne, where you will play a critical technical role in Moderna’s Drug Product manufacturing operations. The position requires full-time presence at the Melbourne site and is not eligible for remote work. As a sole-contributor engineering SME, you will own the technical expertise for Automated Vision Inspection and Packing equipment and systems supporting primary sterile-filled Drug Product containment. Reporting to the Engineering Director, you will provide deep engineering leadership across the equipment lifecycle—from design, procurement and FAT through installation, commissioning, validation, qualification and ongoing GMP production support. You will combine expertise in automated inspection, packing, controls and aseptic manufacturing with structured problem-solving to improve equipment performance and operational readiness. Importantly, you will also help shape the technical roadmap for vision technologies, including opportunities to implement AI and Generative AI-enabled tools where appropriate, bringing advanced digital capabilities closer to pharmaceutical manufacturing and engineering. Here’s What You’ll Do: Serve as the Melbourne site Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Automated Vision Inspection and Packing systems, including the sterilization platform. Lead the technical lifecycle of vision inspection and packing equipment and systems supporting primary Drug Product filled containment within sterile manufacturing operations. Apply your knowledge of regulatory and performance requirements for process equipment used in the inspection and packaging of sterile-filled pharmaceutical products. Review and approve critical project and engineering documentation, including User Requirement Specifications (URS), functional descriptions, engineering drawings and vendor documentation. Execute Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) at vendor locations and provide hands-on engineering expertise during field commissioning activities. Maintain the timeliness, accuracy and technical thoroughness required throughout the project lifecycle to ensure successful execution of technical and operational-readiness activities associated with AVI&P equipment. Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, EHS, Digital and Validation colleagues to detect, troubleshoot and resolve electrical, mechanical and software-related equipment issues during routine production. Contribute to Moderna’s global organization as an SME in Automated Vision Inspection and Packing systems, developing and gaining alignment on procedures and standards across internal and cross-functional teams. Independently execute and direct others in the design of processes and equipment, applying novel engineering concepts and techniques. Benchmark internally and externally to investigate and recommend new designs and approaches. Support implementation of new vision technologies, including AI, designing and conducting testing to evaluate emerging technologies and equipment changes as part of the technical roadmap. Explore appropriate opportunities to engage with Generative AI and advanced digital tools to accelerate engineering analysis, knowledge and problem-solving. Participate in engineering project teams throughout conceptual and detailed design, equipment procurement, construction, installation, start-up, commissioning, validation and qualification of facilities and/or equipment. Troubleshoot complex equipment failures using structured problem-solving methodologies to identify true root causes and establish effective paths forward. Provide technical input into preventative maintenance plans and support change controls, CAPAs, deviations and continuous-improvement initiatives. Provide technical leadership for new-product implementation and format changes, including management of the required change controls. Drive results across multiple complex assignments simultaneously while reviewing and guiding the work and performance of vendors and contractors. Drive development and maintenance of Engineering Turnover Packages for GMP process equipment, including specifications, component lists, operating manuals and drawings. Bring a bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical or a related engineering discipline, together with a minimum of six years of relevant experience supporting highly automated production equipment. Ideally bring at least four years of experience within a GMP environment, along with experience in pharmaceutical vision and packing systems and working knowledge of aseptic manufacturing and filling. Apply experience programming and supporting a range of vision and PLC/HMI platforms, as well as experience working with ERP platforms such as SAP. Use strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills to present technical work to peers and cross-functional managers, influence decisions and produce high-quality technical documentation. Apply a strong technical background and structured problem-solving approach to complex issues, identifying true root causes and developing effective corrective and preventative actions. Use Excel, Word and PowerPoint effectively; experience with basic statistical analysis techniques is preferred. Work effectively across organizational groups, taking ownership of assignments and driving multiple complex priorities to completion with minimal direction. Represent Moderna’s interests, objectives and policies professionally and responsibly. Work full-time from Moderna’s Melbourne site; this position is site-based and is not eligible for remote work. Participate in pre-employment and periodic medical assessments where applicable, in line with relevant legal and operational requirements and Moderna’s commitment to workplace health and safety. 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 behave like owners. The solutions we’re building go beyond any job description.” Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table: A bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or related Engineering AreaMinimum of 6 years relevant experience supporting highly automated production equipment. Minimum 4 years of experience in a GMP environment is desirable. Experience with vision & packing systems in the pharmaceutical industry. Working knowledge of aseptic manufacturing and filling would be preferred. Experience programming and supporting a range of vision and PLC/HMI platforms. Experience working with ERP platforms such as SAP.Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) are required. Expected to be able to present own work to peers and cross-functional managers and influence decisions. Technical writing skills required. Must be able use technical background to investigate issues using a structured problem-solving approach to determine true root cause and develop effective corrective and preventative actions. Must be able to be able to find true root cause and path forward for complex problems. Familiarity with Excel, Word, and PowerPoint are required, and basic statistical analysis techniques are preferred. Ability to interact well with other groups and must be able to take ownership of and follow through on assignments. Must be able to drive results on multiple complex assignments simultaneously with minimal required direction from his/her supervisor. Ability to represent Moderna’s interests, objectives, and policies in a professional and responsible manner. As part of Moderna’s commitment to workplace health and safety, this role may be subject to pre-employment and periodic medical assessments, in line with relevant legal and operational requirements. Our Working Model As we build our compa