Software Engineer

Illumina, Inc; Hartford; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotechnology company in the UK is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to design and develop operating systems for cutting-edge biotech devices. This hybrid role requires expertise in both Linux and Windows environments, with a focus on automated system configurations and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate will have strong programming skills in C++ or C#, along with experience in Agile practices. Competitive employee benefits are offered.

Benefits

Flexible time off

Private medical insurance

Pension

Employee stock purchasing program

Volunteer time off

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with Linux and Windows OS image design and maintenance.
• Experience in object-oriented programming, ideally in C++ or C#.
• Comfortable using kick-start files and Ansible playbooks.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and test OS and control software.
• Create, verify, and release OS images.
• Troubleshoot OS and hardware issues.

Skills

Object-oriented programming (C++ or C#)

Scripting (Python, Bash)

CI/CD practices

Linux system design

Windows OS image design

Git or SVN

Education

Professional Linux certification

Tools

Ansible

Xilinx FPGA

Job description

Hybrid working available from our Cambridge office or fully remote within the UK. As Senior Software Engineer here at Illumina in the UK, you will be part of the team that powers our industry-leading DNA sequencing and genotyping instruments. Working within Agile scrum teams, you’ll design, implement, and test the operating system (OS) and control software that drives our cutting‑edge biotech devices. This role is pivotal in ensuring the reliability and performance of our instruments across development, manufacturing, and field environments. You’ll collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams and contribute to the full software lifecycle, from requirements gathering to deployment. Illumina's employee benefits are industry‑leading and include flexible time off, private medical insurance, compassion and care time off, leisure travel insurance, pension, employee stock purchasing program, volunteer time off, and much more.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and test OS and control software for Illumina instruments
• Create, verify, and release OS images for use in development, manufacturing, and field deployment
• Troubleshoot OS and hardware issues across environments
• Use kick‑start files and Ansible playbooks to automate system installation and configuration
• Develop and maintain scripts in Python, Bash, and C#
• Participate fully in Agile processes including sprint planning, daily scrums, demos, and code reviews
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure seamless integration and delivery
• Write high‑quality unit tests using mock objects
• Ensure code quality through peer reviews and continuous integration
• Support both Windows and Linux environments
• Engage in inter‑company and cross‑organisational collaboration to drive innovation

Qualifications

You are a passionate technologist with a strong foundation in both Linux and Windows OS image design and maintenance. You bring hands‑on experience with object‑oriented programming—ideally in C++ or C#—and are comfortable using kick‑start files and Ansible playbooks to automate system setup and configuration. Your background includes scripting in Python and Bash, and you thrive in fast‑paced, agile environments. You’re a self‑starter with excellent communication skills and a knack for presenting complex technical concepts clearly. You’ll also be proficient in CI / CD practices, source control tools like Git or SVN, and writing robust unit tests. Experience in biotech or bioinformatics is a plus, as is familiarity with Xilinx FPGA and professional Linux certification. Your collaborative nature and ability to work across teams and organisations will be key to your success.

About Illumina

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.

Our team members are bright, energetic, and dedicated – they are the driving force behind our innovation and impact. To attract the best and brightest, we offer a competitive employee benefits program. We view it as a smart investment in our people, one that recognises the tremendous value they bring to our business every day. At Illumina, we push boundaries. We think beyond the conventional. We dream big. With the energy of so many bright and accomplished people, the opportunities are endless.