Manufacturing Equipment Engineer 1

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

Job summary

Illumina in San Diego is seeking a Manufacturing Equipment Engineer 1 to support the reliability, calibration, and maintenance of manufacturing equipment in a fast-paced GMP environment. You will work with engineers, operations, vendors, and cross-functional teams to sustain production readiness and implement improvements.

The role requires foundational knowledge of optical, mechanical, electrical, and control systems, strong problem-solving, and hands-on capability.

Qualifications

• 0–2 years of professional experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience in high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with GMP and GDP.
• Willingness to travel up to 10%.

Responsibilities

• Completes tasks independently with minimal supervision and reports progress.
• Plans, coordinates and executes calibrations, preventive maintenance, repairs, and project work.
• Supports development and continuous improvement of preventive maintenance procedures.
• Assists engineers in troubleshooting to reduce recurring equipment failures.
• Collaborates with vendors, engineers, operations and cross-functional teams to ensure production readiness.

Skills

Data collection techniques

Troubleshooting

English communication

Analytical skills

Mechanical aptitude

Computer literacy

Schematic interpretation

Tools

PLC/IO

RS232

Instrumentation controls

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.

The Manufacturing Equipment Engineer 1 is an integral member of the Manufacturing Equipment Engineering technical track, providing technical support for Illumina's manufacturing equipment, instrumentation, and production operations at the San Diego headquarters. This role supports equipment reliability, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, calibrations, supplier support, and continuous improvement activities in a fast‑paced, regulated manufacturing environment. Working under established procedures and engineering guidance, the Equipment Engineer 1 applies foundational knowledge of optical, mechanical, electrical, fluidics, computer hardware/software, and instrument control systems to help sustain equipment availability and reduce recurring equipment issues. This individual collaborates with engineers, operations, vendors, and cross‑functional partners to support safe, compliant, reliable, and sustainable manufacturing execution.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates the ability to complete tasks independently with minimal supervision, effectively reporting and tracking progress through a digital ticketing system.
• Appropriately escalates issues to engineers or supervisors and engages in troubleshooting under guidance.
• Independently plans, coordinates, and executes multiple concurrent activities—including calibrations, preventive maintenance, repairs, supplier support, and project work—following established instructions to ensure timely completion as directed by the supervisor.
• Supports the development, execution, and continuous improvement of preventive maintenance procedures to improve manufacturing equipment availability and reliability.
• Assists engineers in troubleshooting and reducing recurring or systematic equipment failures using structured problem‑solving methods, equipment data, maintenance history, and ticketing‑system trends.
• Supports installation, qualification, startup, and modification activities for manufacturing equipment and instrumentation under engineering guidance.
• Partners with vendors, engineers, operations, and cross‑functional teams to resolve equipment issues, improve supportability, and sustain production readiness.
• Assists in monitoring technical performance of equipment and managing spares inventory within assigned areas of responsibility.
• Provides support for computer hardware and software procedures as well as troubleshooting efforts.
• Collaborates within a team environment to enhance equipment reliability, safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• While performing required duties, this position routinely involves standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs or ladders, kneeling, crouching, and wearing safety gear.
• The role regularly requires lifting and/or moving up to 10 pounds, frequently lifting/moving up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lifting/moving up to 50 pounds.

Requirements

• Typically requires 0 to 2 years of previous professional experience.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Proficient in computer and Microsoft Office applications.
• Skilled in data collection techniques with strong hands‑on capabilities.
• Experience working within high‑volume manufacturing environments and spare parts utilized in manufacturing equipment.
• Familiarity with optical, mechanical, electrical, and/or fluidic systems.
• Proficient in interpreting electrical and mechanical schematics.
• Experienced in using engineering troubleshooting tools and structured problem‑solving methods.
• Foundational knowledge of equipment reliability, preventive maintenance, calibration, repair, and spares‑management practices.
• Familiarity with internal instrument communication and control interfaces, such as PLC/IO, RS232, sensors, and related control systems, where applicable.
• Good mathematical and analytical skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Mechanical aptitude.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Documentation Practice (GDP).
• Ability to work a flexible schedule or rotational shifts, including weekends.
• Willingness to travel up to 10%.
• Previous experience in the Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical, or Medical Devices industries is advantageous.
• Listed responsibilities are an essential, but not exhaustive list, of the usual duties associated with the position. Changes to individual responsibilities may occur due to business needs.

The estimated base salary range for the Manufacturing Equipment Engineer 1 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.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

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.