Senior Manager - Engineering & Maintenance in Harwell

Senior Manager - Engineering & Maintenance in Harwell

Harwell Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Moderna Therapeutics

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead engineering excellence and maintenance for cutting-edge biotech operations.
  • Company: Join Moderna, a leader in mRNA science transforming medicine.
  • Benefits: Top-notch healthcare, generous time off, and unique family support benefits.
  • Other info: Dynamic site-based role with opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on life-saving vaccine production and innovation.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in engineering and 8+ years in biotech or pharma required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

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. Moderna is establishing a leading research, development, and manufacturing facility at Harwell to support onshore mRNA vaccine production for respiratory diseases in the UK. This long‑term investment will create skilled jobs and strengthen collaboration with academic, NHS, and government partners. We welcome experts ready to help expand access to life‑saving vaccines.

Reporting to the Site Engineering Lead, this role sits at the heart of Moderna’s Harwell operations, acting as a critical technical authority across facility, utility, and maintenance systems. You will shape how engineering and maintenance excellence is delivered across both R&D and Manufacturing environments. This is a highly visible individual‑contributor role, driving vendor performance, operational reliability, and continuous improvement across a complex, high‑impact biotech site—with growing exposure to digital and AI‑enabled engineering practices.

Here’s What You’ll Do

  • Provide technical oversight of building infrastructure and grey/black utility systems (Shell and Core), ensuring facility and lab service delivery meets operational needs.
  • Manage and elevate performance of on‑site engineering service vendors through clear expectations and governance frameworks.
  • Review and drive vendor KPIs in alignment with Global Engineering governance standards.
  • Oversee delivery of maintenance and engineering activities using a mix of global planning, local coordination, and internal/external resources.
  • Contribute to key site initiatives including shutdowns, CAPEX projects, and engineering process improvements.
  • Partner with Global Maintenance and Engineering teams to implement maintenance strategies and develop maintenance job plans.
  • Lead smaller site projects and improvements, ensuring quality, compliance, timelines, and cost control.
  • Act as the primary technical contact for operational and service issues across in‑scope systems.
  • Engage proactively with lab and manufacturing teams to identify issues and drive continuous improvements.
  • Ensure all engineering activities align with Moderna procedures and compliance standards.
  • Support vendor onboarding, off‑boarding, and transitions to maintain operational continuity.
  • Leverage digital tools and emerging technologies, including exposure to Generative AI, to enhance maintenance, vendor management, and decision‑making.

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

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering (e.g., Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering) required; Master’s degree preferred.
  • Minimum eight (8) years of facilities and/or engineering experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries.
  • GMP facility experience required.
  • Excellent negotiation, interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written); must be able to present work to peers and cross‑functional managers and influence leadership decisions.
  • Technical writing skills required.
  • Ability to investigate issues using a structured problem‑solving approach to determine true root cause and develop effective corrective and preventative actions.
  • Demonstrates strategic enterprise thinking, finding innovative ways to deliver results and build trust.
  • Outstanding communication, analytical, and problem‑solving skills, plus ability to work with enterprise‑wide information systems for effective stakeholder management and communication.
  • Experience utilizing a CMMS for the planning and execution of a maintenance program; Maximo‑specific experience preferred.
  • Ability to interact well with other groups and take ownership of assignments.
  • Capability to drive results on multiple complex assignments simultaneously with minimal direction.
  • Experience with Delta Controls (Enteliweb) and Siemens (Desigo) systems preferred.
  • Ability to represent Moderna’s interests, objectives, and policies in a professional and responsible manner.

This position is site‑based, requiring you to be at Moderna’s site full‑time. This position is not eligible for remote work. As part of Moderna’s commitment to workplace safety, this role may require an enhanced pre‑employment check.

Pay & Benefits

  • Best‑in‑class 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 building benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support.
  • Generous paid time off, including vacation, bank holidays, 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. Benefits offered may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Moderna and the country where you work.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Moderna is committed to equal opportunity in employment 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. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodation or adjustments to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation or adjustment 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 and Adjustments team.

Senior Manager - Engineering & Maintenance in Harwell employer: Moderna Therapeutics

Moderna is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at its state-of-the-art facility in Harwell, where employees can contribute to groundbreaking mRNA vaccine production. With a strong focus on employee well-being, professional growth opportunities, and a collaborative culture, Moderna empowers its team to make a meaningful impact in the biotechnology field while enjoying comprehensive benefits and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Moderna Therapeutics

Contact Details:

Moderna Therapeutics Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Manager - Engineering & Maintenance in Harwell

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the biotech and engineering fields. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Moderna’s values and recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission of advancing mRNA science. We want to see you shine and demonstrate your passion for making a difference!

Tip Number 3

Practice your technical skills and problem-solving approaches. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past work that showcase your ability to drive results and improve processes. We love candidates who can think on their feet and tackle challenges head-on!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who are eager to contribute to our mission. Let’s make a difference together!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager - Engineering & Maintenance in Harwell

Technical Oversight
Vendor Management
KPI Review
Maintenance Strategy Development
Project Management
GMP Facility Experience
Negotiation Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Manager role. Highlight your engineering background, especially in biotech or pharma, and any relevant projects you've led.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about mRNA science and how your experience can contribute to Moderna's mission. Keep it engaging and personal.

Showcase Your Technical Writing Skills:Since technical writing is key for this role, include examples of reports or documents you've created in previous positions. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Moderna Therapeutics

Know Your Engineering Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your engineering principles, especially in the context of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Be ready to discuss your experience with facility and utility systems, as well as any specific projects you've led that align with the role.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex issues in previous roles. Use a structured approach to explain your thought process and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to drive results, which are crucial for this position.

Communicate Like a Pro

Since this role involves liaising with various teams, practice your communication skills. Be clear and concise when discussing your past experiences, and be prepared to present technical information in an accessible way. This will help you connect with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Familiarise Yourself with Digital Tools

Given the emphasis on digital and AI-enabled engineering practices, make sure you're up to speed with relevant technologies like CMMS and any specific systems mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss how you've used these tools in your previous roles will set you apart.