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 committed to enhancing Australia's biotech landscape through a long-term partnership that focuses on strengthening pandemic resilience. Our Melbourne-based large-scale mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility will be a cornerstone in Australia's ability to respond to future health threats efficiently. This collaboration not only brings cutting-edge medical technology to the forefront but also emphasizes job creation and local talent development. We're inviting visionary professionals to be part of this transformative journey, making a tangible impact on global health security.
This role, based at Moderna’s new GMP Manufacturing facility in Clayton, Melbourne, is central to the reliability and performance of our process and support equipment in a 24/7 manufacturing environment. Reporting to the Plant Engineering Manager, the Maintenance Engineer will own the front-line maintenance response and ongoing performance of GMP and non-GMP systems. You will be the first responder to equipment issues, actively executing or coordinating the needed resolution to keep production moving. This hands-on, individual contributor role blends preventative and corrective maintenance, technical troubleshooting, documentation, and contractor oversight. You’ll also support investigations, contribute to reliability improvement, and play a critical role in upholding GMP standards. This is a dynamic opportunity to embed yourself within advanced mRNA manufacturing operations while influencing the deployment of innovative technologies — including Generative AI tools — to optimize maintenance strategies and documentation workflows.
Here’s What You’ll Do:
Your key responsibilities will be:
Execute preventive and corrective maintenance on GMP and non-GMP process and support equipment, in accordance with schedule and approved practices.
Lead troubleshooting of equipment and system malfunctions, identify root causes, and develop remediation strategies in collaboration with equipment owners and vendors.
Support investigations and drive improvements in reliability engineering practices.
Respond as the first-line technician to equipment issues, ensuring resolution through direct action or by coordinating service providers.
Your responsibilities will also include:
Maintain cGMP-compliant documentation, both paper-based and electronic, for all maintenance activities.
Provide operational and maintenance subject matter expertise for systems such as autoclaves, washers, isolators, TFF, chromatography skids, filling lines, mixers, and stainless-steel tanks.
Supervise external contractors performing routine and non-routine work, ensuring compliance with GMP and site safety protocols.
Deliver On Job Training (OJT) as a Qualified Trainer for maintenance-related activities.
Administer and perform tasks safely in accordance with EHS requirements, including LOTO, hot work permits, and working at heights.
Provide on-call support on a rotating basis, ensuring rapid response during off-hours or weekends.
Participate in small-scale projects and continuous improvement initiatives as assigned.
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.”
You will be the go-to person for resolving urgent equipment issues on-site — taking initiative and accountability is vital. This mindset will empower you to operate with autonomy and ensure that the site’s high standards are upheld at every turn.
“We digitize everywhere possible using the power of code to maximize our impact on patients.”
As part of a next-generation manufacturing facility, you'll have the opportunity to work within an environment increasingly shaped by digital tools, including Generative AI-powered systems for maintenance tracking and reliability optimization — supporting Moderna's mission to modernize every facet of manufacturing.
Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table:
Trade qualification – Certificate 3.
Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical, Mechatronics) or similar will be considered pending hands-on experience.
3 to 5 years relevant experience working in a regulated (cGMP preferred) environment. Experience working in sterile manufacturing is highly desirable.
Hands on mechanical experience working on a range of mechanical drive and process systems.
Understanding of automated process equipment (PLC controls) for simple troubleshooting is required.
Understanding and experience with pneumatic and vacuum systems.
Understanding of process equipment (pumps, valves, heat exchangers, mixing vessels etc)
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 leadership decisions. Technical writing skills required.
Must have a customer service mindset. Ability to manage competing priorities is critical.
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 find true root cause and path forward for complex problems.
Ability to identify and drive improvements to preventative maintenance tasks and strategy.
Demonstrated ability to learn new equipment/systems.
Familiarity with Excel, Word, and PowerPoint are required.
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.
This position is site-based, requiring you to be at Moderna’s site full-time. This position is not eligible for remote work.
As part of Moderna’s commitment to workplace health and safety, this role may be subject to pre-employment and periodic medical assessments, in line with relevant legal and operational requirements.
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 [email protected] .
