Senior Manager, Packaging Engineering

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 unique opportunity to lead the implementation of a brand-new Label and Secondary Packaging operation at our Harwell site. You will provide the technical leadership required to establish the operation from the ground up before transitioning into developing a high-performing maintenance and engineering function that delivers long-term operational excellence.

Working across engineering, manufacturing and global teams, you will combine technical expertise, strategic thinking and hands-on execution to ensure compliant, reliable and efficient packaging operations. You'll also have opportunities to work alongside advanced digital technologies and Generative AI-enabled tools that support engineering, maintenance planning and operational excellence across Moderna.

Here's What You'll Do:

• Lead the development and implementation of labeling and secondary packaging equipment for the Harwell site.

• Serve as the technical engineering lead for the introduction of a new labeling and packaging operation, taking the operation through to full effectiveness.

• Provide engineering input into User Requirements Specifications (URS), design specifications, process parameters and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA).

• Participate in every phase of capital projects, from conceptual design through commissioning, qualification and validation.

• Troubleshoot equipment failures and provide technical expertise to resolve complex engineering issues.

• Develop preventative maintenance strategies and support maintenance excellence initiatives across the facility.

• Assess engineering change controls and drive continuous improvement activities.

• Review, guide and manage the work delivered by external vendors and engineering consultants while balancing multiple complex assignments.

• Develop and maintain Engineering Turnover Packages, including equipment specifications, component lists, operating manuals and engineering drawings for GMP process equipment.

• Ensure all engineering systems and services comply with Environmental, Health & Safety requirements and GxP regulations.

• Deliver maintenance and engineering activities across the facility by effectively coordinating internal teams and external service providers.

• Develop a site Maintenance Strategy using maintenance excellence principles, including maintenance plans, spare parts strategies and equipment criticality assessments.

• Partner with Global Maintenance and Engineering teams to implement maintenance strategies and develop maintenance job plans for all in-scope systems.

• Lead site improvement projects while ensuring compliance with quality, safety, timeline and cost objectives.

• Contribute to major engineering initiatives including site shutdowns, CAPEX projects and engineering business process improvements.

• Foster clear, timely communication with site teams to identify operational issues and implement sustainable improvements.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that support Moderna's growth and the effective management of facility operations.

• Maintain an inspection-ready environment by ensuring regulatory, statutory and compliance activities are completed accurately and on time.

• Build and develop the maintenance capability and team required to support the long-term success of the new operation.

The key Moderna Mindsets you'll need to succeed in the role:

• We behave like owners. The solutions we’re building go beyond any job description.

• We act with dynamic range, driving strategy and execution at the same time at every step.

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

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree preferably in Packaging, Mechanical or Automation Engineering. Other engineering degrees will be considered.

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience as a Packaging Engineer

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

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a GMP environment

• A technical and regulatory background in labeling and secondary packaging requirement in pharmaceutical/Biotech industry.

• Experience in large capital/expansion programs with direct design responsibility

• Experience with a Thermoforming, Heat Sealing, Plunger Insertion Side Load and Top Load Cartoning, Flexible Packaging Line Design, Vision Inspection Systems, Serialization and on-line barcode printing and verification and coding,

• Working knowledge of, Automatic Inspection and Clinical Packaging Operations would be preferred.

• 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 his/her 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.

• A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.

Pay & Benefits

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work.  That’s why our benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• Competitive 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

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

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. 

As we build our company, we have always believed an in-person culture is critical to our success. Moderna champions the significant benefits of in-office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 work model. This 70% in-office structure helps to foster a culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship. Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute, and make a meaningful impact. 

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. 

Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment. 

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 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. 

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 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 at [email protected]. 

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