The posting
What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know? Or all of humanity?
At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realize health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients.
Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible.
Summary
The Senior Systems Test Engineer will lead system-level engineering verification activities for complex sequencing platforms from early development through product launch. This role is responsible for developing verification strategies, executing system and thermal performance testing, identifying technical risks, and ensuring products meet performance, reliability, and quality objectives. The position partners closely with cross-functional engineering teams to evaluate integrated system behavior, drive data-based decisions, and establish verification best practices across product development programs.
Responsibilities
- Lead system-level engineering verification and test activities for next-generation sequencing platforms from development through product launch.
- Develop verification strategies, test plans, methodologies, and execution approaches aligned with product requirements and risk profiles.
- Design and execute testing to evaluate system performance, reliability, and robustness across normal, boundary, stress, fault, and worst-case conditions.
- Lead characterization and verification of thermal management and temperature-control systems, including performance, stability, and operating margin assessments.
- Conduct data-driven investigations using statistical analysis, design of experiments (DOE), and root cause analysis to identify and resolve technical issues.
- Partner with Systems, Hardware, Software, Controls, Quality, Manufacturing, and Operations teams to define requirements, troubleshoot issues, and drive product readiness.
- Drive continuous improvement through test automation, standardized methodologies, reusable test infrastructure, and data analytics.
- Communicate test results, technical risks, and recommendations to stakeholders and leadership, while providing technical mentorship and guidance to engineering teams.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 3 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work experience.
- Experience developing and executing system-level verification and validation strategies for complex systems.
- Experience with engineering verification, requirements traceability, test planning, and risk-based testing methodologies.
- Experience testing thermal management systems, including TEC/Peltier-based control systems or comparable temperature-control technologies.
- Experience with DOE, statistical analysis, margin characterization, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis.
- Experience developing test methods, fixtures, instrumentation, and data analysis approaches for complex systems.
- Proven ability to work effectively across multiple engineering disciplines and influence technical decisions without direct authority.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical findings to a variety of audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
- Experience with DNA sequencing systems or other high-throughput analytical or life science instrumentation.
- Familiarity with next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms, sequencing workflows, or related technologies.
- Experience with thermal control of flow cells, reagent systems, or other precision temperature-controlled processes.
- Experience developing automated test systems and analysis tools using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar platforms.
- Experience with Jira, requirements management tools, test management systems, and engineering data platforms.
- Experience with reliability engineering, accelerated life testing, environmental testing, and failure analysis.
- Familiarity with Design Controls, Design Verification processes, and regulated product development environments.
- Experience leading technical initiatives, driving cross-functional projects, or mentoring engineers.
The estimated base salary range for the Sr Systems Test Engineer role based in the United States of America is: $98,400 - $147,600. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. The range reflects long‑term growth in the role; therefore, most candidates are hired between the minimum and middle of the range. Placement depends on experience, skills, location, and internal equity. Additionally, all employees are eligible for one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package. We offer a wide range of benefits as innovative as our work, including access to genomics sequencing, family planning, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits, and paid time off.
We are a company deeply rooted in belonging, promoting an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission. Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always prioritized openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative perspectives to propel innovation in genomics. We are proud to confirm a zero-net gap in pay, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race. We also have several Employee Resource Groups (ERG) that deliver career development experiences, increase cultural awareness, and offer opportunities to engage in social responsibility. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, creed, color, gender, religion, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and genetic information. Illumina conducts background checks on applicants for whom a conditional offer of employment has been made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. Background check results may potentially result in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. The background check process and any decisions made as a result shall be made in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Illumina prohibits the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the application and interview process. If you require accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact [email protected]. To learn more, visit: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. The position will be posted until a final candidate is selected or the requisition has a sufficient number of qualified applicants. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
