Sr Manufacturing Equipment Engineer

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

Job summary

A leading company in genomics technology seeks a Senior Equipment Engineer to join their Manufacturing Technical Operations team in San Diego. This role involves ensuring equipment reliability and compliance within a cleanroom environment, while leading continuous improvement initiatives. Candidates should possess a strong engineering background and proven troubleshooting skills in automated systems.

Benefits

Access to genomics sequencing

Health/dental/vision benefits

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Expertise in electronics and mechanical systems.
• Experience with cleanroom semiconductor equipment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead maintenance and optimization of manufacturing equipment to maximize uptime.
• Conduct diagnostics and repairs on cleanroom semiconductor equipment.
• Drive root cause analysis for equipment-related issues.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Problem-Solving

Continuous Improvement

Communication

Education

BS or MS degree in Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, or related field

Tools

PLC systems

Automated handling systems

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.

We are seeking a motivated Senior Equipment Engineer to join our Manufacturing Technical Operations (MTO) team. MTO supports high-volume, manufacturing equipment as part of our Consumables Development and Manufacturing process in a cleanroom, cGMP-regulated environment.

The Senior Equipment Engineer leads the maintenance, support, and optimization of manufacturing equipment, ensuring compliance with cGMP standards. This role oversees equipment installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and complex modifications, upgrades, and maintenance activities. The Senior Equipment Engineer evaluates, selects, and qualifies cost-effective equipment solutions while maintaining detailed technical documentation and utilizing performance data to enhance equipment reliability and uptime. This position works frequently with cross-functional teams, including Process Engineering, Manufacturing, Facilities, R&D, Quality, and Validation.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development, execution, and continuous optimization of preventive and predictive maintenance strategies to maximize equipment uptime, reduce mean time between failures (MTBF), and improve mean time to repair (MTTR), driving long-term equipment reliability across multiple instruments.

• Conducts complex diagnostics, repairs, and upgrades of cleanroom semiconductor equipment, guiding junior engineers and technicians in interpreting schematics, manuals, and manufacturer specifications to ensure high-quality execution.

• Drive root cause analysis (RCA) initiatives, leading cross-functional teams in resolving yield and equipment-related issues while implementing robust corrective and preventive actions.

• Develop and implement procedures to improve system reliability by analyzing equipment and process data to identify trends and recurring failures.

• Manage coordination with cross-functional stakeholders—including Facilities, Vendors, Manufacturing, and Engineering leadership—to ensure seamless tool installations, upgrades, and maintenance activities aligned with business priorities.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives and projects, by evaluating new technologies and recommending upgrades or process changes.

• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, including proper handling of chemicals and hazardous materials.

• Mentor junior engineers and production maintenance technicians to enhance technical competencies and implement new maintenance procedures

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.

Requirements:

• Demonstrated troubleshooting skills in electronics and mechanical systems, including schematic reading and diagnosing component-level failures in automated instruments.

• Expertise with PLC- and PC-based systems, including sensor integration (pressure, temperature, flow), motion control (servo motors, drives), safety systems (interlocks, leak detection), as well as pneumatic, thermal, fluidic, and vacuum systems.

• Advanced knowledge of communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, Modbus, SECS/GEM, or MQTT.

• Proven ability to source and evaluate components from non-OEM suppliers to optimize cost and performance, including performing basic reverse engineering when necessary.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to document issues, convey technical solutions, lead meetings, and deliver presentations to moderate-sized audiences.

• Highly adaptable and proactive problem-solver with a strong focus on continuous improvement and driving operational excellence.

• Extensive hands-on experience with automated handling systems and robotic platforms (articulated, SCARA, collaborative robots) is strongly desirable.

• Prior experience as a Field Service or Equipment Engineer with semiconductor equipment, particularly in CMP, CVD, or wet process tools, is preferred.

• Experience with scripting (e.g., Python), PLC programming (IEC 61131-3), and SQL databases is a plus.

Education and Experience:

• BS or MS degree in Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or a related engineering field, with 5+ years of relevant industry experience.

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