Engineer 1 - Process Development

Illumina; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Illumina in San Diego is seeking a Process Development Engineer to own and sustain bonding equipment and processes within Flow Cell Mechanical Operations. You will work with Manufacturing, Quality, and cross‑functional engineering teams to improve equipment performance and support scale‑up of new products and technologies.

The role emphasizes hands‑on troubleshooting, DOE planning, SPC responses, and development of MES models to automate workflows.

Qualifications

• 0–2 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field.

Responsibilities

• Sustain, troubleshoot, and improve bonding equipment and manufacturing systems supporting high-volume production.
• Own day-to-day manufacturing performance, including yield, utilization, throughput, and efficiency.
• Apply materials, mechanical, process, and systems-level knowledge to improve process performance and manufacturability.
• Develop and execute experimental plans, DOEs, SPC responses, and risk assessments for on-market support and new product transfers.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment reliability, throughput, process capability, and process control.
• Develop and maintain Camstar MES models to support automation workflows.
• Create and execute test plans for equipment and software with defined requirements and acceptance criteria.
• Troubleshoot bonding equipment, automation systems, mechanical assemblies, and process-related issues across integrated manufacturing platforms.
• Champion a strong safety culture through participation in safety risk assessments and mitigation activities.
• Support cross-functional and cross-site efforts, including site transfers, equipment qualifications, and remote troubleshooting.
• Document equipment changes, investigations, validations, and process improvements in compliance with regulated manufacturing requirements.

Skills

Bonding equipment troubleshooting

Process development

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Camstar MES

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

DOEs

SPC

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.

As a Process Development Engineer on Illumina’s Flow Cell Technical Operations team, you will own and sustain bonding equipment and processes critical to Flow Cell Mechanical Operations. You will maintain process capability, improve equipment performance, and support day‑to‑day manufacturing execution while enabling the introduction and scale‑up of new products, processes, and technologies.

This role will collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Quality, and cross‑functional engineering teams. You will solve complex technical problems, drive continuous improvement, and ensure bonding equipment and associated automation systems reliably support a growing and increasingly complex product pipeline.

Responsibilities

• Sustain, troubleshoot, and improve bonding equipment and manufacturing systems supporting high-volume production.
• Own day-to-day manufacturing performance, including yield, utilization, throughput, and efficiency.
• Apply materials, mechanical, process, and systems‑level knowledge to improve process performance and manufacturability.
• Develop and execute experimental plans, DOEs, SPC responses, and risk assessments for on‑market support and new product transfers.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment reliability, throughput, process capability, and process control.
• Develop and maintain Camstar MES models to support automation workflows.
• Create and execute test plans for equipment and software with defined requirements and acceptance criteria.
• Troubleshoot bonding equipment, automation systems, mechanical assemblies, and process‑related issues across integrated manufacturing platforms.
• Champion a strong safety culture through participation in safety risk assessments and mitigation activities.
• Support cross‑functional and cross‑site efforts, including site transfers, equipment qualifications, and remote troubleshooting.
• Document equipment changes, investigations, validations, and process improvements in compliance with regulated manufacturing requirements.

Requirements

• Experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, chemical, semiconductor, medical device, or other high‑tech manufacturing environments is a plus.
• Experience sustaining or developing automated manufacturing equipment, bonding equipment, assembly equipment, or precision automation systems is a plus.
• Experience supporting high‑volume manufacturing in regulated or quality‑driven environments preferred.
• Experience with SPC, DOEs, statistical analysis, and data‑driven process improvement is a plus.
• Strong computer skills, including data analysis, automation systems, and manufacturing execution systems.
• Experience with product or process development lifecycles and basic project management is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively across departments.
• Hands‑on experience troubleshooting complex mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, automation, instrumentation, or process systems.
• Camstar MES experience a plus.
• Experience supporting multiple manufacturing sites in a global environment is a plus.

Experience / Education

• 0 to 2 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent work experience.

The estimated base salary range for the Engineer 1 - Process Development role based in the United States of America is: $68,400 - $102,600. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. 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. 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 wide range of benefits as innovative as our work, including access to genomics sequencing, family planning, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits, and paid time off.

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.