Process Development Engineer Jobs in Somerville, MA

The Role
The Pilot Scale Operations team is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Engineer II to support pilot-scale production of nucleic acid and formulated nucleic acid products. This role is responsible for scaling processes from bench to pilot scale and generating DNA/RNA/LNP/DP for developmental and tox studies, enabling first-time filings and commercial updates.
This position requires both independent execution and cross-functional collaboration to implement robust, scalable processes. The Engineer II will operate with increasing ownership of technical projects, contribute to technology transfer activities, and proactively identify and resolve process challenges in a fast-paced environment.
Here's What You'll Do

• Lead or contribute to technical projects with increasing ownership related to DNA/RNA/LNP/DP processes, including technology transfer, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Lead batch execution, propose troubleshooting in real time to ensure successful outcomes
• Propose and implement solutions to technical challenges, gaps, and process deviations
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Process Development, Analytical, and other teams to support tech transfer and process robustness
• Distill and communicate batch related data to inform process improvements and decision-making
• Author and optimize technical documentation, including SOPs and protocols, and support training of team members
• Provide operational leadership during batches and guidance to junior team members and aligning stakeholders on project goals
• Apply operational excellence principles to improve workflows, lab organization, and execution efficiency
• Identify and mitigate risks, including safety, process, and operational risks; escalate when appropriate
• Maintain compliance with GLP-enabling practices, safety procedures, and environmental regulations

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

• BS in Chemical/Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biology, or related discipline with 2+ years of experience, or MS with relevant experience
• Hands-on experience in process development or operations, including one or more: enzymatic reactions, chromatography, tangential flow filtration, formulation of biologics
• Demonstrated ability to execute and troubleshoot processes independently in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams

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

• BS with 3+ years or MS with 2+ years of industry experience
• Experience with mRNA/DNA synthesis, LNP formulation, and/or drug product processes
• Experience in technology transfer and scaling-up of processes
• Demonstrated ability to own and drive technical projects or workstreams
• Ability to analyze complex datasets and translate findings into actionable improvements
• Proven ability to expand technical skillset and operate across multiple process areas

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 planning benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, 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 salary range for this role is $74,000.00 - $118,400.00. 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.
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.
Our Working Model
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.
Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment.
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 leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.
Export Control NoticeThis 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.