Senior Specialist, Packaging & AVI Engineer

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 site-based opportunity in Melbourne, where you will play a critical technical role in Moderna’s Drug Product manufacturing operations. The position requires full-time presence at the Melbourne site and is not eligible for remote work. As a sole-contributor engineering SME, you will own the technical expertise for Automated Vision Inspection and Packing equipment and systems supporting primary sterile-filled Drug Product containment. Reporting to the Engineering Director, you will provide deep engineering leadership across the equipment lifecycle—from design, procurement and FAT through installation, commissioning, validation, qualification and ongoing GMP production support. You will combine expertise in automated inspection, packing, controls and aseptic manufacturing with structured problem-solving to improve equipment performance and operational readiness. Importantly, you will also help shape the technical roadmap for vision technologies, including opportunities to implement AI and Generative AI-enabled tools where appropriate, bringing advanced digital capabilities closer to pharmaceutical manufacturing and engineering.   Here’s What You’ll Do: Serve as the Melbourne site Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Automated Vision Inspection and Packing systems, including the sterilization platform. Lead the technical lifecycle of vision inspection and packing equipment and systems supporting primary Drug Product filled containment within sterile manufacturing operations. Apply your knowledge of regulatory and performance requirements for process equipment used in the inspection and packaging of sterile-filled pharmaceutical products. Review and approve critical project and engineering documentation, including User Requirement Specifications (URS), functional descriptions, engineering drawings and vendor documentation. Execute Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) at vendor locations and provide hands-on engineering expertise during field commissioning activities. Maintain the timeliness, accuracy and technical thoroughness required throughout the project lifecycle to ensure successful execution of technical and operational-readiness activities associated with AVI&P equipment. Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, EHS, Digital and Validation colleagues to detect, troubleshoot and resolve electrical, mechanical and software-related equipment issues during routine production. Contribute to Moderna’s global organization as an SME in Automated Vision Inspection and Packing systems, developing and gaining alignment on procedures and standards across internal and cross-functional teams. Independently execute and direct others in the design of processes and equipment, applying novel engineering concepts and techniques. Benchmark internally and externally to investigate and recommend new designs and approaches. Support implementation of new vision technologies, including AI , designing and conducting testing to evaluate emerging technologies and equipment changes as part of the technical roadmap. Explore appropriate opportunities to engage with Generative AI and advanced digital tools to accelerate engineering analysis, knowledge and problem-solving. Participate in engineering project teams throughout conceptual and detailed design, equipment procurement, construction, installation, start-up, commissioning, validation and qualification of facilities and/or equipment. Troubleshoot complex equipment failures using structured problem-solving methodologies to identify true root causes and establish effective paths forward. Provide technical input into preventative maintenance plans and support change controls, CAPAs, deviations and continuous-improvement initiatives. Provide technical leadership for new-product