Director, Site Engineering Lead

Overview

Joining Moderna offers the opportunity to be part of a pioneering team revolutionizing medicine through mRNA technology, with a diverse pipeline of development programs across various diseases. As an employee, you’ll contribute to global health initiatives and work with exceptional colleagues and strategic partners worldwide. Moderna’s commitment to advancing the technological frontier of mRNA medicines supports a challenging and rewarding career with potential to impact patients’ lives globally. Moderna is establishing its presence in Harwell, Oxfordshire, as part of a long-term commitment to onshore mRNA vaccine production and innovation in the UK. At Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre (MITC), we are building a highly skilled team to deliver technical excellence, manufacturing leadership, and scientific advancement.

We are inviting global experts to join us in transforming medicine and shaping the future of mRNA therapeutics from our newest state-of-the-art facility in the UK.

Responsibilities

This is a critical leadership opportunity for a forward-thinking engineering expert to shape Moderna’s UK operations. As Site Engineering Lead at MITC in Harwell, you will be a key member of the Site Leadership Team, reporting to the Site Head with a dotted line to the SVP of Global Engineering. You will lead the strategic and operational direction of Engineering and Automation across GMP Drug Substance manufacturing operations and co-located R&D laboratory facilities.

Your role demands exceptional process engineering expertise and the ability to deliver both steady-state performance and future-readiness. You will drive the implementation of new technologies, manage technical compliance, build organizational capabilities, and lead engineering excellence aligned with Moderna’s global vision. You will collaborate with internal global functions and influence international engineering strategy to advance the impact of mRNA science.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the Engineering & Automation function for MITC, encompassing process engineering, automation, utilities, maintenance, and metrology.
• Represent Engineering & Automation on the Site Leadership Team, participating in site-level strategic and operational decision-making.
• Develop and mentor a multidisciplinary technical team, fostering reliability engineering, technical problem-solving, and advanced process technologies.
• Provide strategic leadership and hands-on oversight for engineering initiatives that support routine operations and the introduction of new platforms.
• Ensure site systems are inspection-ready and compliant with MHRA, EMA, FDA, and internal quality standards.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement focused on process robustness, cost optimization, and equipment lifecycle performance.
• Guide implementation of preventive and predictive maintenance programs to improve uptime and asset reliability.
• Support future growth by enabling deployment of new technologies and integrating digital systems aligned with network strategies.

Additional Responsibilities

• Drive lifecycle management of technical systems ensuring safety, quality, and operational standards are met.
• Oversee GMP documentation activities: change controls, SOPs, engineering records, deviations, CAPAs, and investigations.
• Act as the site’s primary technical interface with Global Engineering, MS&T, and Technical Development functions.
• Collaborate with Quality, Manufacturing, Digital, and EHS teams to ensure readiness and alignment of engineering initiatives.
• Contribute to global forums to share best practices and influence Moderna’s global engineering strategy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, or related field) required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 12+ years of experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or other regulated GMP manufacturing environments.
• 5+ years of engineering leadership experience, including management of multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Demonstrated expertise in process engineering with hands-on experience in process introduction, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Proven experience in technology transfer, equipment commissioning, and implementation of new manufacturing technologies.
• Familiarity with regulatory expectations (MHRA, EMA, FDA) and experience supporting inspections and audits.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence across global, matrixed organizations.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills.

Benefits

• Quality healthcare and insurance benefits
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts to support well-being
• Free premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes
• Family planning and adoption benefits
• Generous paid time off, including vacations, holidays, volunteer days, sabbatical, and global recharge days
• Savings and investments options
• Location-specific perks and extras

The benefits offered may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Moderna and the country where you work.

About Moderna

Since 2010, Moderna aspires to build the leading mRNA technology platform and the infrastructure to reimagine how medicines are created and delivered. 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. We are building a culture of belonging and a company that cares for our patients, our employees, the environment, and our communities. We are 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.

We emphasize in-person collaboration and operate with a 70/30 work model. This structure supports innovation, teamwork, and mentorship.

If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine, please consider Moderna’s career opportunities and visit our careers page for more information.

Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment. Moderna is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination. We welcome applicants regardless of 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 protected characteristic. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during the hiring process, please contact the Accommodations and Adjustments team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.

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