At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hands-on automation projects in packaging and drug manufacturing.
- Company: Join Moderna, a leader in vaccine production and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive healthcare, generous time off, and well-being resources.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and digital innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vaccine production and improve manufacturing performance.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and 3+ years in automation engineering required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Overview
As an Automation Engineer at Moderna’s Harwell facility, you will lead hands-on automation work across packaging and drug substance manufacturing.
You’ll implement and optimise automated labelling, packaging lines, and control systems (Delta V, PLCs) while ensuring compliance and continuous improvement.
You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate automation into reliable, validated operations and explore digital innovations.
This role offers meaningful impact in expanding onshore vaccine production and improving manufacturing performance.
- Pay / Benefits
- Competitive healthcare benefits
- Well-being resources (fitness, mindfulness, mental health)
- Family building benefits (fertility, adoption, surrogacy)
- Generous paid time off and holiday entitlements
- Sabbatical and global recharge days
- Savings and investments plans
Responsibilities
- Provide hands-on automation engineering support for packaging and DS manufacturing operations
- Troubleshoot and optimise PLCs, Delta V, HMIs, networks, robotics, vision systems, and related equipment
- Lead introduction and improvement of automated labelling and secondary packaging equipment
- Support line configuration, changeovers, recipe management, and format changes
- Manage end-to-end automation projects from design to FAT, SAT, commissioning, validation, and handover
- Diagnose control-system issues across instrumentation, electricals, and interfaces
- Create and maintain automation lifecycle documentation (URS, FDS, control strategies, SOPs)
- Collaborate with OEMs and system integrators to ensure delivery quality and performance
- Lead investigations and CAPAs for automation failures and downtime
- Analyse data from historians, MES, and CMMS to drive reliability and OEE improvements
- Maintain validated, compliant automation systems within GMP/Gx P regimes
- Troubleshoot OT-IT integration and data exchange for packaging systems
- Contribute to maintenance planning, spare-parts, and obsolescence management
- Explore digital tools and Generative AI-enabled solutions within regulatory bounds
- Collaborate across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Validation, and Digital teams
- Provide on-site, flexible support including occasional off-hours as needed
- Key requirements
- Bachelor of Science in a relevant engineering field
- 3+ years of automation engineering experience in a regulated manufacturing environment
- Experience troubleshooting automated manufacturing or packaging equipment
- GMP/Gx P experience
- Ability to diagnose multi-discipline equipment problems
- Experience with engineering changes through quality processes
- Clear communication skills with diverse stakeholders
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced setting
- Availability for off-hours/holiday/weekend support
- Clear communication
- Collaborative teamwork
- Problem solving
- Proficiency with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell PLCs, HMIs, servo systems
- Experience with Delta V DCS and automation hardware
- Packaging-line equipment knowledge (labelers, cartoners, case packers, serialization)
Automation Engineer – Packaging & Process Automation employer: Moderna Therapeutics
Moderna's Harwell site offers an exceptional work environment for the Pharma GMP Warehouse & Logistics Specialist, where innovation meets compliance in a dynamic setting. Employees benefit from a culture that prioritises growth and development, with access to cutting-edge digital tools and AI workflows that enhance efficiency. The company fosters a collaborative atmosphere, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in advancing healthcare solutions while enjoying a supportive and inclusive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Engineer – Packaging & Process Automation
✨Get Involved in Local Automation Meetups
We can’t stress this enough – getting your face out there in the automation and control systems community can really set you apart. Look for local meetups or workshops where you can chat with industry professionals, learn about what’s trending, and even discover hidden job gems. Who knows, you might meet someone from a company like Moderna Therapeutics!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure you have a portfolio of your work ready to roll. Whether it’s academic projects, internships or personal experiments, showcase how you’ve tackled automation challenges. When you apply for the Automation Engineer – Packaging & Process Automation position at Moderna Therapeutics, linking your portfolio gives your application that extra oomph and demonstrates your practical knowledge.
✨Leverage Your Uni Career Services
If you’re fresh out of uni, don’t forget about your career services! Many universities have established connections with companies in the automation field. They may know when Moderna Therapeutics is looking for fresh talent or even have internships that lead to full-time positions. So, hit them up!
✨Keep an Eye on Industry Certifications
While hunting for roles, consider getting certified in relevant automation technologies. It shows dedication and gives you a leg up in the job market. Plus, many organisations offer job boards or networking events to certified professionals. This might just lead you to that coveted Automation Engineer – Packaging & Process Automation role at Moderna Therapeutics!
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer – Packaging & Process Automation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an automation-control-systems role, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Whether it's your proficiency in programming languages like Python or understanding control systems, make sure your CV showcases these prominently. Don't forget to mention any specific software or tools you're experienced with – that’s music to the ears of hiring managers!
Tailor Your Projects to Automation:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving automation or control systems, make them stand out in your CV. Use a dedicated section to highlight these projects, explaining your role and the impact of your contributions. This could be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tell us why you’re passionate about automation-control-systems! Discuss specific experiences that sparked your interest in this field. Maybe it's a university project or a previous job that truly got you hooked. We love seeing that spark! Make sure to reference how you can contribute to Moderna Therapeutics and its goals.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the world of automation, results matter. When listing your experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you improve system efficiency by a percentage? Did you reduce downtime? Putting numbers to your successes not only demonstrates your impact but also lets us see the tangible outcomes of your efforts. It makes your application pop!
How to prepare for a job interview at Moderna Therapeutics
✨Master Your Technical Knowledge
In the automation control systems field, you need to brush up on your technical know-how. Be prepared to talk about specific control systems you’ve worked with, such as PLCs or SCADA systems, and expect technical questions or even hands-on problem-solving scenarios during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Whether it's freelance projects or your academic work, come ready to showcase your portfolio of automation projects. Bring along any diagrams, code samples, or automation solutions you’ve implemented—these can really set you apart and demonstrate your applied skills to Moderna Therapeutics.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in automation technologies and methodologies, like Industry 4.0 or IIoT. We'll want to discuss how these concepts may affect the role and future projects at Moderna Therapeutics, so showing that you're knowledgeable about current and emerging technologies can give you an edge.
✨Commit to Continuous Learning
As this is a full-time role, it's essential to express your eagerness for continuous improvement and learning. Share how you plan to enhance your skills and keep pace with the evolution of automation in the workforce – companies love candidates who are committed to growth and adaptability.
