Senior Project Designer

Illumina; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Illumina is seeking a Senior Project Designer to lead design and planning for complex projects. This role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams, technical mentoring, and ensuring compliance with building codes. Join us to make a significant impact in genomic technology and health equity.

Benefits

Health/Dental/Vision

Retirement Benefits

Paid Time Off

Access to Genomics Sequencing

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years related experience or equivalent.
• Experience in large-scale industrial projects preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and planning of complex projects.
• Collaborate with project managers and engineers.
• Provide mentorship to junior designers.

Skills

Project Design

Technical Detailing

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Master’s degree

PhD

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

SolidWorks

Primavera P6

Smartsheet

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 Senior Project Designer is responsible for leading the design and planning of complex projects from concept through construction. This role requires a high level of technical expertise, coordination with cross-functional teams, and the ability to oversee and mentor junior designers. The role is responsible for building renovation planning, estimation, scheduling, and resourcing. This person will work closely with consultants and internal stakeholders to create a functional area program, layout, and coordinate infrastructure support needs.

The ideal candidate for this role has proven ability to identify and resolve issues resourcefully and independently and will work to understand key business drivers, applying this knowledge to decision making.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of detailed design drawings to SD Level using, 3D models, and technical documentation using CAD and BIM tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SolidWorks)

• Ensure designs meet client specifications, building codes, safety requirements, and sustainability standards

• Review and validate the technical accuracy and constructability of design deliverables

• Lead feasibility analysis studies, and report project requirements and space planning initiatives related to lab and office renovations and/or new construction

• Partner closely with local site leaders to align the project strategy to support business development plans and initiatives

• Comfort with ambiguity and effectiveness during periods of uncertainty and change

• Able to clearly communicate cross-functionally about complex equipment system concepts with team members, other stakeholders, and third parties

Project Coordination

• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, construction teams, and clients to align design intent with project goals

• Participate in design coordination meetings and multi-discipline reviews

• Ensure timely delivery of design packages in line with project schedules

• Accountable for preliminary budget and schedule creation, resource forecasting

• Schedule project review meetings, review materials and methods, coordinate with project architects, engineers, and construction personnel

Mentorship & Oversight

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior designers and drafters

• Conduct design reviews, redline corrections, and ensure design quality standards are maintained

• Lead troubleshooting efforts on complex design issues during project execution

Documentation & Compliance

• Ensure accurate and complete documentation of all design work

• Maintain compliance with industry standards (e.g., ASME, AISC, NFPA, OSHA) and internal design protocols

• Support the preparation of submittals, shop drawings, and closeout packages

Requirements:

• Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 3 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work experience.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Architecture, Industrial Design, or a related discipline

• 5+ years of experience in project design, with increasing responsibility

• Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit, or similar design software

• Solid knowledge of construction methods, labor planning, and technical detailing

• Strong understanding of building codes, permitting, and engineering standards

• Experience in large-scale industrial or infrastructure projects is preferred

• Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Primavera P6, Smartsheet’s)

• Knowledge of Lean Construction principles or workface planning

The estimated base salary range for the Senior Project Designer role based in the United States of America is: $96,500 - $144,700. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. Compensation decisions are dependent on several factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s qualifications, location where the role is to be performed, internal equity, and alignment with market data. 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.
At Illumina, we strive to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace by cultivating an environment in which everyone contributes to our mission. Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always been rooted in openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative views and 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 demonstrate our collective commitment to diversity and inclusion in the communities we live and work. 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. 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.