Senior Control Systems Automation Engineer, Digital
Moderna
The Role
Joining Moderna offers the unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering team that's revolutionizing medicine through mRNA technology, with a diverse pipeline of development programs across various diseases.
As an employee, you'll be part of a continually growing organization, working alongside exceptional colleagues and strategic partners worldwide, contributing to global health initiatives.
Moderna's commitment to advancing the technological frontier of mRNA medicines ensures a challenging and rewarding career experience, with the potential to make a significant impact on patients' lives worldwide.
Moderna is solidifying its footprint in Japan, with our newest site at Shonan Health Innovation Park (Shonan iPark), a premier hub for life sciences innovation. This strategic location reflects our growing commitment to the Asia-Pacific region and Japan’s vibrant biotech ecosystem. We invite dedicated professionals to join our mission and help shape the future of mRNA science in Japan.
As a Senior Control Systems Automation Engineer in our Digital for Research & Technical Development team, you’ll be at the forefront of designing, implementing, and maintaining state-of-the-art automation systems at our Moderna Enzymatics facility in Fujisawa, Japan. This role offers the opportunity to work hands-on with SCADA, BMS, DCS, and MES platforms, ensuring seamless IT/OT convergence and enabling secure, compliant, and future-ready infrastructure that accelerates mRNA innovation.
You’ll collaborate across local and global functions to support both scientific discovery and manufacturing excellence, ensuring digital and automation systems contribute directly to Moderna’s transformative mission. This role also offers close proximity to Generative AI tools and digital innovation, driving new possibilities in how we monitor, scale, and optimize operations.
Here’s What You’ll Do
Your key responsibilities will be:
Designing and implementing scalable automation solutions based on complex equipment and data integration requirements, adhering to ISA standards.
Leading the entire lifecycle of automation and control systems, including design, development, validation, maintenance, and upgrades.
Enabling seamless communication across automation platforms (PLC, SCADA, DCS, BMS) and enterprise-level systems like MES, Data Historians, and Analytics Platforms.
Your responsibilities will also include:
Partnering with global IT and cybersecurity teams to ensure secure, high-performance operational connectivity and regulatory compliance.
Supporting cross-functional teams—including Manufacturing, R&D, and Digital Engineering—in deploying validated, scalable automation systems.
Identifying automation bottlenecks and driving continuous improvement through standardization and innovative enhancements.
Applying cybersecurity and network design best practices to maintain system reliability and data integrity.
The key Moderna Mindsets you’ll need to succeed in the role:
“We digitize everywhere possible using the power of code to maximize our impact on patients.”
This role embodies our digitization mindset, as you’ll architect and evolve high-impact control systems that accelerate R&D and manufacturing efficiency.“We behave like owners. The solutions we’re building go beyond any job description.”
As a site-based individual contributor, your ownership over systems, standards, and performance will directly shape the quality and scalability of operations at the Shonan facility.
Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)
Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, computer Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Proficiency in English and Japanese (verbal and/or written) required due to global collaboration needs.
5–8 years of hands-on experience in automation systems within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
Strong expertise in SCADA, DCS, and BMS platforms, including configuration, troubleshooting, and integration.
Proven experience applying ISA-95 and ISA-88 frameworks, connecting PLC/HMI systems through DCS and MES layers.
Deep understanding of IT and OT infrastructure, including virtualization, networking, cybersecurity, and system architecture for both batch and continuous processes.
Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (Fieldbus, HART, Ethernet/IP, Modbus, OPC/OPC UA) and middleware tools (Kepware, MQTT, REST API).
Experience in Computer System Validation (CSV), IQ/OQ/PQ, and GxP compliance.
Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)
Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Professional composure under pressure, with a results-oriented mindset and collaborative attitude.
Excellent interpersonal skills to build productive relationships across cross-functional and cross-cultural teams.
A growth mindset—driven to innovate and contribute to a 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 global benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.
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
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 leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.
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