2026 Co-Op, Drug Substance

The Role

This is a 5-month Spring Co-Op opportunity in Norwood, MA from January 20, 2026 – June 26, 2026. Applicants must be available for the entire duration of the internship. Start date will be January 20, 2026.

The Drug Substance Organization at Moderna is seeking a Manufacturing Process Engineering Co‑op to support the reliable, safe, and compliant operation of our mRNA manufacturing processes that produce latent vaccines, rare disease and oncology therapeutics, and seasonal vaccines! You will develop hands‑on expertise with critical process equipment and help drive continuous improvement of throughput, quality, and equipment reliability. You’ll own scoped projects end‑to‑end with supervision and support, partner with cross‑functional teams and equipment vendors, and learn how cGMP manufacturing comes together at scale, while interfacing directly with operations that produce life-changing therapeutics.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Develop equipment & process expertise on critical unit operations (e.g., mixing skids, pumps, filtration modules, sensors/instrumentation) associated with drug substance manufacturing across seasonal vaccine, latent vaccine, rare disease and oncology therapies.
• Support proactive risk management for equipment and process systems using HACCP/FMEA (maintain risk registers, identify failure modes, propose/track mitigations).
• Identify and deliver process improvements: analyze performance data (yield, cycle time, alarms, OEE/SPC), build problem statements and business cases, and execute improvement projects through change control with defined success metrics.
• Own end‑to‑end delivery (with supervision): scope, plan, coordinate vendors/SMEs, draft and execute test plans (Recipe verification, IOQ as applicable), implement solutions, verify benefits with before/after data, and close out with a concise report‑out.
• Assist with troubleshooting: participate in root cause investigations and CAPA actions; support on‑the‑floor triage during campaigns and engineering runs as needed.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Manufacturing Operations, Maintenance/Facilities, Automation/IT, MSAT/Tech Ops, Quality (QA/QC), EHS, Supply Chain, and external manufacturing equipment vendors.
• Support tech transfer/commissioning activities (data collection, protocol execution, training materials) to bring improvements into routine use.
• Practice strong cGMP/EHS behaviors: Good Documentation Practices (GDP), safe work permits/LOTO awareness, and adherence to plant procedures and standards.
• Communicate clearly: prepare crisp updates, visuals/dashboards, and formal reports with conclusions and recommended next steps; present progress in cross‑functional forums.

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

• Current junior or senior student pursuing a BS or MS in Mechanical, Chemical, Bio/Biomedical, Industrial/Manufacturing, Electrical/Mechatronics Engineering, or a related field.
• Fundamental engineering skills for evaluating data and systems; comfort reading P&IDs and equipment manuals.
• Hands‑on aptitude with lab or production equipment; willingness to be present on the manufacturing floor.
• Demonstrated problem solving capabilities, working with some ambiguity, and collaborative soft skills
• Ability to analyze data and visualize trends using Excel/Google Sheets; exposure to JMP/Minitab or Python a plus.
• Clear written and verbal communication; organized documentation and follow‑through.
• Strong fundamental scientific and engineering skills for the evaluation of experimental data
• At Moderna, we are focused on delivering on our mission by enabling talent to thrive. For this role, we are currently unable to offer immigration sponsorship. Candidates must already hold work authorization in US and be able to maintain that status without the need for future sponsorship.
• This position is site-based, requiring you to be at Moderna’s site full-time. This position is not eligible for remote work.

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

• GPA of 3 on a 4 scale or equivalent
• Knowledge of basic instrumentation (flow, pressure, temperature) and controls/automation concepts (PLC/SCADA/DCS fundamentals).
• Experience with Lean/Six Sigma (5S, standard work, kaizen), basic CAD, or simple scripting for data wrangling.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently as well as the ability to contribute to high performing teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.

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

• Free premium access to meditation and mindfulness classes
• Subsidized commuter benefits
• Generous paid time off, including:•    Vacation, sick time and holidays•    Volunteer time to participate within your community•    Discretionary year-end shutdown
• Location-specific perks and extras!

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 Notice

This 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.

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