Automation Co-op - Digital Manufacturing & Controls

The Role

This is a winter / spring co-op opportunity in Norwood, MA from January 18, 2027 – June 25, 2027. Applicants must be available for the entire duration of the co-op. Start date will be January 18, 2027.

The Automation, Digital Manufacturing & Controls Co-op will support digital, software, data, automation, controls, and manufacturing systems capabilities that enable Moderna’s manufacturing and operational teams. Will support the digital systems and data capabilities that enable Moderna’s manufacturing operations. This role will provide hands-on exposure to how manufacturing data is generated, managed, integrated, and used within a regulated GMP environment.

The co-op will work alongside Manufacturing, Digital, Automation, Quality, and Engineering teams to support initiatives related to manufacturing data, system integrations, reporting, analytics, data quality, and continuous improvement. Projects may include analyzing manufacturing data, improving data visibility, supporting system and process documentation, troubleshooting data issues, developing dashboards or applications, and helping evaluate opportunities to enable manufacturing operations through software, data, automation, and digital technologies.

This role is designed for a student interested in applying software, data, automation, controls, and digital technologies to real-world manufacturing and operational challenges. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to learn about GMP manufacturing systems, regulated data practices, and the digital technologies that support modern biopharmaceutical manufacturing while contributing to meaningful projects used by operational teams.

This position is site-based, requiring you to be at Moderna’s site full-time. This position is not eligible for remote work.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Work closely with experienced automation engineers and developers to quickly learn automation platforms, tools, and best practices.
• Assist in developing, configuring, integrating, and testing digital, automation, controls, and manufacturing systems such as PCS, MES, data platforms, and PLC-based systems.
• Develop, test, and deploy software applications, data products, APIs, integrations, or automation solutions that address real manufacturing and operational needs.
• Apply appropriate software and engineering practices such as version control, code review, testing, debugging, modular development, and technical documentation to produce reliable and maintainable solutions.
• Build or update dashboards, reports, analytical tools, or data products using platforms such as Power BI, Tableau, Grafana, or other relevant technologies.
• Support troubleshooting data flow issues between manufacturing systems, databases, and reporting tools.
• Assist with testing changes to manufacturing data systems (PCS, MES, DH, PLC, etc), reports, or integrations before deployment.
• Document system configurations, data flows, business processes, troubleshooting steps, and standard work.
• Work with Manufacturing, Automation, Quality, and Digital teams to understand business, operational, and technical needs and translate them into technical requirements.
• Support investigations by gathering system data, logs, timestamps, or other technical information.
• Participate in project meetings, daily team discussions, and technical reviews.
• Assist with user acceptance testing, regression testing, or validation-related activities for GMP computerized systems.
• Review data trends and summarize findings for engineers, manufacturing teams, or project leads.
• Learn the underlying manufacturing process so they can understand the context behind the data they are working with.
• Support GMP documentation, testing, and validation activities.
• Follow and apply industry and GMP standards in pharmaceutical manufacturing environments.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Basic Qualifications)

• Current student enrolled in a Bachelors or Masters program in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Technology, Biotechnology, or a related technical field.
• Basic understanding of one or more relevant technical areas such as programming, databases, APIs, automation, controls, version control, or information systems, gained through coursework, projects, or previous experience.
• Experience analyzing data using at least one tool such as Python, Power BI, Tableau, Grafana, or similar.
• Ability to analyze and troubleshoot problems in a methodical manner.
• Interest in learning about GMP manufacturing and computerized systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and the ability to contribute to cross-functional teams.
• Curiosity about process automation development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• At Moderna, we are focused on delivering on our mission by enabling talent to thrive. For this role, we are currently unable to offer immigration sponsorship. Candidates must already hold work authorization in US and be able to maintain that status without the need for future sponsorship.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• GPA of 3.5 on a 4 scale or equivalent.
• Familiarity with regulated manufacturing concepts such as data integrity, traceability, validation, ISA-95, or change management.
• Demonstrated hands-on technical experience through coursework, personal projects, research, internships, open-source contributions, or an optional code/project portfolio (e.g., GitHub). Prior experience in a GMP environment.
• Exposure to Manufacturing Execution Systems, Process Control Systems, Data Historian Systems, SCADA, SQL, ERP, PCS and PLC-based automation systems.
• Experience completing technical projects involving system integration, automation, or software development.
• A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.

Our Working Model
As we build our company, we have always believed that an in-person culture is critical to our success. This role is 100% onsite, reflecting the importance of being physically present to support the work, collaborate closely with colleagues, and contribute to our site-based operations.

Working onsite enables real-time collaboration, strong team connections, direct mentorship, and the hands-on partnership needed to deliver our mission. 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 co-op benefits are designed to support you during your time with us —at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• Free premium access to meditation and mindfulness classes

• Subsidized commuter benefits

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick time, holidays, volunteer days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown

• Location-specific perks and extras

The salary range for this role is $20.00 - $60.00. 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.

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 [email protected]. 

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.