Software Engineer 2

Illumina; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10% employer pension contribution

Private medical insurance

Flexible benefits

Summer shutdown

Job summary

Illumina in Cambridge is hiring a Software Engineer 2 to join a team delivering cloud-based software that supports critical healthcare applications. You will collaborate with product owners, architects, and engineers to design, develop, and maintain high-quality software across the delivery lifecycle.

The role emphasizes strong Java development skills, modern frameworks like Spring and Hibernate, containerization with Docker, and cloud familiarity (AWS/Kubernetes).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or another technical discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience developing software using Java or a similar high-level programming language.
• Strong understanding of object-oriented analysis and design principles.
• Experience with source control such as Git, SVN, or similar.
• Proven experience with agile development environments (Scrum/Kanban).
• Analytical, curious, and detail-oriented with good communication.
• Customer-focused and collaborative with ownership mindset.
• Experience with relational databases and data persistence.
• Experience with Java frameworks like Spring, Spring Boot, Hibernate, or RabbitMQ.
• Experience with container-based apps using Docker.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms like AWS/Kubernetes.
• Experience with front-end frameworks such as AngularJS/KnockoutJS.
• Nextflow knowledge is a plus.
• Genomics or bioinformatics exposure is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with product owners to design, develop, test, and maintain cloud-based applications in an Agile/Scrum environment.
• Ensure software architecture aligns with business and user needs.
• Implement bug fixes, enhancements, and new features to improve quality and experience.
• Contribute to code reviews and ongoing improvements.
• Provide technical support for escalated production issues when needed.
• Apply best practices to deliver scalable and maintainable solutions.

Skills

Java

Object-oriented design

Git/SVN

Agile (Scrum/Kanban)

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

Frontend basics (AngularJS/KnockoutJS)

Nextflow

Genomics awareness

Communication

Team collaboration

Relational databases

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Spring

Spring Boot

Hibernate

RabbitMQ

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. Job Title: Software Engineer 2 Location: Cambridge - Hybrid Job Type: Full-time

Why Us

We develop a range of software products in areas such as Oncology and Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), creating solutions that truly make a difference to patients around the world. The initial focus of this role will be supporting and enhancing our on-market portfolio, helping laboratories and healthcare providers deliver accurate, timely genetic insights. You will have the opportunity to work with multi-disciplinary teams across software, science, product management, and quality to develop end-to-end solutions that solve complex customer challenges and help advance the future of genomics and precision health.

Why You

As a Software Engineer 2 at Illumina, you will join a highly skilled team delivering cloud-based software solutions that support critical healthcare applications. Guided by our people-first culture and commitment to innovation, collaboration, and integrity, you will contribute to products that make a meaningful difference in areas such as Oncology and NIPT. In this role, you will collaborate closely with product owners, architects, and fellow engineers to design, develop, and maintain high-quality software solutions. You'll bring a strong engineering mindset, contribute to technical discussions, and help deliver scalable, reliable products while continuing to develop your expertise and expand your impact across the team. This is an exciting opportunity for a software engineer who enjoys solving complex problems, working across multidisciplinary teams, and contributing to technology that advances genomics and precision health.

Responsibilities of the role

• Collaborate with product owners and other application developers to design, develop, test, and maintain high-quality cloud-based applications within an agile Scrum environment.
• Work with software teams to ensure architecture aligns with business and user requirements.
• Implement bug fixes, enhancements, and new features that improve product quality and customer experience.
• Contribute to technical discussions, code reviews, and continuous improvement activities.
• Provide technical support and assistance for escalated production issues when required.
• Apply software engineering best practices to deliver reliable, scalable, and maintainable solutions.

Skills and qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or another technical discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience developing software using Java or a similar high-level programming language.
• Strong understanding of object-oriented analysis and design principles.
• Experience working with source control technologies such as Git, SVN, or similar repositories.
• Demonstrated success working within agile software development environments, including Scrum or Kanban.
• Curious, analytical, and detail-oriented, with a proven ability to learn quickly.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Customer-focused, collaborative, and motivated, with the ability to take ownership of assigned work.
• Experience with relational databases and data persistence technologies.
• Experience with Java-based frameworks such as Spring, Spring Boot, Hibernate, or RabbitMQ.
• Experience developing container-based applications using Docker or similar technologies.
• Exposure to cloud platforms and services such as AWS, AWS Lambda, SNS, SQS, or Kubernetes.
• Experience with front-end frameworks such as AngularJS, KnockoutJS, or similar technologies.
• Experience with Nextflow development is beneficial.
• Understanding of genomics, bioinformatics, life sciences, or related scientific disciplines is advantageous.

What can you expect?

Our team members are bright, energetic, and dedicated. They are the driving force behind our innovation and impact. To attract and retain exceptional talent, we offer a competitive benefits package and a culture that supports personal growth, collaboration, and continuous learning. 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. Join us and help create the next generation of solutions that are transforming human health through genomics.

The estimated base salary range for the Software Engineer 2 role based in United Kingdom is GBP 48.100 - 72.100. 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. This salary range applies to the primary posting location listed above. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range will be updated accordingly. Compensation ranges for other locations will differ to reflect local market competitiveness and will be shared with candidates if applicable during the recruitment process. 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 thoughtfully designed benefits package that supports your wellbeing, flexibility, and life beyond work—combining globally differentiated offerings with locally tailored programs. This includes support during important life moments, flexible time off, opportunities to give back, and a weeklong company-wide summer shutdown. In the UK, we also offer flexible benefits, a company contribution of 10% into your pension, and private medical insurance, alongside additional benefits to support you and your family.

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 [e-mail]. 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.

Fraudulent Schemes

Illumina has been made aware of fraudulent schemes in which individuals falsely claim to represent Illumina, our Talent Acquisition team, or our Human Resources organization. Please note:

• All legitimate Illumina career opportunities are posted on the Illumina Careers website.
• Illumina will never ask candidates to pay fees, transfer money, purchase equipment, or provide banking information during the recruitment process.
• Illumina does not extend employment offers without a formal interview process.
• Official recruiting communications will come from authorized Illumina email addresses ([e-mail]).

If you are unsure whether a communication is legitimate, please contact us at [Talent Acquisition Contact Email] before sharing any personal information. Thank you for helping us protect the integrity of the hiring process and your experience.