System Engineer - Operation

Illumina; Alberta; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in genomic technology is seeking a System Engineer to support the production of genetic sequencing instrumentation. The role involves hands-on technical tasks, system-level debugging, and collaboration with global teams to ensure system integrity and functionality. Candidates should have experience in scientific instrumentation, strong analytical skills, and a willingness to travel for collaboration. Join a team dedicated to transforming human health through innovative technology.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience on electro-opto-mechanical systems.
• Experience with scripting for embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on testing and integration of DNA sequencing instrumentation.
• Conduct root-cause analysis for production issues.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Critical Thinking

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Tools

JMP

JAMA

Job description

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.

Position Summary :

The system engineer will support both the NPI and on-market activities in the production of Illumina’s genetic sequencing instrumentation. They will serve as the main instrument operation interface with the product development teams in Singapore, US, and UK to verify instrument system integrity and functionality. This role involves hands-on technical tasks across all aspects of system engineering, including design review and analysis, testing, integration, characterization, failure analysis, and cost reduction.

Position Responsibilities :

• Hands-on testing and integration of DNA sequencing or microarray instrumentation using standard protocols under ISO certification.
• Deploy test processes and strategies to ensure system-level requirements are met and manage test specification changes throughout the product lifecycle.
• Engage early with the development team to understand system-level design and interactions of components such as optics, fluidics, motion systems, and advanced image sensors / cameras for cutting-edge genetic analysis instruments.
• Perform hands-on system-level debugging and root cause analysis for hardware, firmware, software, and chemistry / reagent problems on complex systems, including optical and fluidic sub-systems.
• Complete non-conformance records based on investigations and facilitate the release of instruments back to production.
• Establish engineering studies to support experiments and data collection efforts.
• Conduct root-cause analysis for complex production issues using systematic problem-solving techniques (e.g., 8D method, fishbone diagrams).
• Write and update work instructions to improve testing procedures.

Position Requirements :

• Minimum 3 years’ experience working on electro-opto-mechanical systems on complex products driven by embedded systems, preferably in scientific instrumentation related to biotech applications.
• Experience with basic scripting for pulling / debugging information from embedded systems with Linux (Oracle) systems.
• Strong analytical skills, statistical analysis fundamentals, and critical thinking, with experience using data analytics to drive decisions.
• Proficiency in statistical tools (e.g., JMP) for data analysis and requirement / test management tools (e.g., JAMA).
• Excellent teamwork, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel to the US for extended periods to learn technology and collaborate with US design teams.
• Possess excellent GDP, ISO, and cGMP experience.
• Experience with FDA-regulated medical device product development is preferred.

All listed requirements are essential functions of this position; however, reasonable accommodations may be made due to business needs.

Preferred Experience / Education / Skills :

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Science, Bio-engineering, or related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in the Life Science Industry (Medical Devices preferred), with knowledge of DNA sequencing, microarray, liquid handling robots, and systems testing—including hardware, firmware, software, and reagents.
• Experience with Linux systems is a plus.

Illumina is committed to diversity and is an equal opportunity employer, providing employment opportunities regardless of sex, race, creed, color, gender, religion, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, citizenship, or genetic information.