Staff Systems Support Engineer

Illumina; Great Abington; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Flexible time off

Summer shutdown

Pension contribution 10%

ERGs and inclusion initiatives

Job summary

Illumina, a leader in genomics, is seeking a Staff Systems Support Engineer in the UK to maintain and optimize sequencing instrument fleets. You will work with R&D across hardware, software, and firmware to enable innovations that shape the future of genomics.

You will troubleshoot complex opto‑electronic systems, collaborate with Chemistry, Software, and Engineering teams, and mentor junior engineers while reporting on performance metrics and timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Engineering, Bioinformatics, Physical Sciences, or related field.
• Significant experience supporting complex opto-electronic systems in commercial or R&D environments.
• Strong troubleshooting across hardware, firmware, and software.
• Coding experience and hands-on Linux proficiency.
• Experience diagnosing PCB-level issues.
• Strong communication to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and resolve issues on sequencing instruments to support R&D.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure instruments are fit‑for‑purpose.
• Implement hardware and software modifications when required.
• Monitor instrument performance and perform preventative maintenance and upgrades.
• Maintain fleet availability with EERD and Systems Integration teams.
• Mentor junior team members and provide technical guidance.
• Develop and communicate KPIs, including failure analysis and Pareto reporting.
• Coordinate with global teams for software, firmware, and hardware upgrades.

Skills

Linux

PCB troubleshooting

Hardware

Firmware

Coding

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/Engineering/Bioinformatics/Physical Sciences

Tools

Jira

Jama

Confluence

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.

Staff Systems Support Engineer Cambridge - Onsite

As a Staff Systems Support Engineer, you will join our Global Lab Management team and play a critical role in supporting the development of next‑generation sequencing technologies. Working at the intersection of hardware, software, engineering, and science, you will help ensure our sequencing instrument fleet operates at the highest standards, empowering R&D teams to deliver the innovations that shape the future of genomics.

Why Illumina?

At Illumina, you'll work alongside experts across disciplines, contribute to meaningful and innovative projects, and continuously grow through new challenges and experiences. Our culture is built on collaboration, curiosity, and a shared commitment to making an impact.

This is an opportunity to:

• Support cutting‑edge sequencing technologies at the forefront of genomics innovation.
• Partner with world‑class Chemistry, Software, Consumables, Engineering, and Integration teams.
• Solve complex technical challenges that directly enable scientific breakthroughs.
• Work in a collaborative, international environment where every contribution matters.
• Build your expertise while helping advance technologies that improve human health.

The Role

As a Staff Systems Support Engineer, you will work closely with Illumina's R&D teams to ensure the sequencing instrument fleet is operational, reliable, and capable of supporting critical development activities. You will leverage your technical expertise across hardware, software, firmware, and systems troubleshooting to maximize instrument performance and enable innovation.

What You'll Do

Troubleshoot and resolve issues on sequencing instruments to support research and development activities.

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure instruments are fit for purpose, including implementing hardware and software modifications where required.

Monitor instrument performance through sequencing data analysis and execute preventative maintenance and upgrade activities.

Partner with EERD and Systems Integration teams to maintain fleet availability and operational excellence.

Support, mentor, and provide technical guidance to junior team members.

Develop and communicate key performance metrics, including failure analysis and Pareto reporting.

Provide timely, clear communication to users regarding investigations, corrective actions, and repair timelines.

Collaborate with global instrument and software development teams, including colleagues in the United States, to support software, firmware, and hardware upgrades.

Represent the engineering support function on project teams requiring sequencing instrument expertise.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Bioinformatics, Physical Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Significant experience supporting complex opto‑electronic systems in a commercial or R&D environment.
• Strong troubleshooting capability across integrated hardware, firmware, and software systems.
• Coding experience and hands‑on experience working with Linux operating systems.
• Experience troubleshooting and diagnosing PCB‑level issues.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to convey technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment and manage competing priorities.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working with sequencing instrumentation or related life science technologies.
• Knowledge of enterprise processes and tools such as Jira, Jama, and Confluence.
• Experience working within cross‑functional and geographically distributed teams.

The estimated base salary range for the Staff Systems Support Engineer role based in United Kingdom is GBP 69,500 – 104,300. 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.

• support during important life moments
• flexible time off
• opportunities to give back
• a weeklong company‑wide summer shutdown
• flexible benefits
• a company contribution of 10% into your pension
• private medical insurance
• 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.

The potential of genomics to change the world is unparalleled. At Illumina, we are leading the way. Our technology empowers researchers and clinicians globally to improve cancer treatments, change the course of diseases, protect the environment, and fight food insecurity.

We are made up of dedicated professionals, all-in on creating a better world – and we need every skill set on our path to making genomics useful for all.

Learn more about life at Illumina.