Senior Software Engineer (Backend)

Illumina; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Resource Groups (ERG)

Job summary

Illumina is seeking a Senior Software Engineer - Backend in Singapore to design, build, and maintain backend subsystems powering our DNA sequencing instruments. You will own features end-to-end, contribute to CI/CD, and mentor junior engineers across the US and Singapore.

You will collaborate with scientists and domain experts to translate complex genomics problems into robust software solutions, ensuring reliability and observability in production environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of related software development experience with a Bachelor's degree.
• Experience delivering industry-grade software products and APIs.
• Experience designing reliable, high-performance systems for embedded, edge, or on-premise environments.
• Experience in biotech, bioinformatics, or scientific instrumentation software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain backend subsystems powering DNA sequencing instruments.
• Own features from design through production and deliver high-quality solutions.
• Contribute to engineering standards, tooling, CI/CD pipelines, and best practices.
• Design for reliability, observability, and performance with deliberate tradeoffs.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a culture of technical excellence.
• Work in project teams across US and Singapore and collaborate with cross-functional partners.

Skills

API design

C#

Python

CI/CD

Kubernetes

AI tools

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

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.

Senior Software Engineer - Backend

What you'll do

• Design, build, and maintain backend subsystems powering our industry-leading DNA sequencing instruments.
• Take ownership of features and components from design through production, delivering high-quality solutions.
• Contribute to engineering standards, tooling, CI/CD pipelines, and development best practices.
• Design for reliability, observability, and performance - making deliberate tradeoffs across architectural attributes.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a culture of technical excellence through technical proposals, reviews and sharing.
• Work in project teams across US and Singapore.
• Collaborate with scientists, domain experts, and cross-functional partners to translate complex genomics problems into robust software solutions.

Tech stack

• ASP.NET Core 8/10
• Python
• PostgreSQL
• RabbitMQ
• React, Next.js
• K3s
• Docker
• Linux Shell

Who you are

• You have strong development experience in designing and building APIs and services, proficient in C# or Python or have a strong willingness and aptitude to learn them.
• You have good working knowledge of containerization and orchestration technologies such as Kubernetes and Docker.
• You leverage AI-assisted development tools to accelerate engineering velocity and improve productivity.
• You prefer simple, well-reasoned solutions over clever or complex ones.
• You communicate technical information clearly and concisely - in design docs, code reviews, and cross-functional discussions.
• You are passionate about raising the engineering capabilities of the team through proactive learning, knowledge sharing, and mentoring.
• You are curious, analytical, and learn quickly - comfortable diving into unfamiliar domains (genomics, bioinformatics, instrument control).
• You collaborate effectively across functions and time zones, and are proactive and team-oriented.

Preferred experience

• Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree.
• Delivered industry-grade software products using modern AI development methods and tools.
• Experience designing systems for reliability and performance in embedded, edge, or on-premise deployment environments is a plus.
• Experience in biotech, bioinformatics, or scientific instrumentation software is a plus.

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.