Sr Mechanical Design Engineer

Illumina; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 98,400 - 147,600; Full time

Job summary

Illumina in San Diego, CA, is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to drive new product development in genomics instrumentation. This design‑focused role creates custom mechanisms and precision motion systems, and collaborates with electrical, firmware, and control teams to deliver robust hardware.

You will build and test prototypes, create detailed CAD models and drawings, perform tolerance analyses, select materials, and coordinate with suppliers and manufacturing partners to enable scalable

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of mechanical design experience, particularly with mechanisms.
• Experience developing electromechanical or mechatronic systems, preferably in instrumentation or automation.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo, NX) and familiarity with PDM systems.
• Working knowledge of GD&T, DFM/DFA principles, and common manufacturing processes.
• Hands-on prototyping and testing experience.
• Ability to manage tasks, communicate clearly, and work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field; or equivalent work experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop custom mechanical mechanisms, motion systems, precision assemblies, and fluidic or sample-handling components for genomics instruments.
• Integrate mechanical designs with electrical, firmware, and control systems.
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and supporting documentation.
• Perform mechanical analyses such as tolerance stack‑ups, material selection, and basic structural evaluation.
• Build and evaluate prototypes to verify design intent and system performance.
• Support system testing, troubleshooting, and iterative refinement during development.
• Coordinate with suppliers and manufacturing partners on fabrication and assembly processes.

Skills

Mechanical design

Electromechanical systems

CAD software

GD&T

Prototyping

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

NX

PDM systems

Job description

Job Overview

We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to support new product development in genomics instrumentation. This mechanical design–focused role involves designing custom mechanisms and precision motion systems for genomics instruments, integrating with electrical, firmware, and control systems, and collaborating across cross‑functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop custom mechanical mechanisms, motion systems, precision assemblies, and fluidic or sample‑handling components for genomics instruments.
• Integrate mechanical designs with electrical, firmware, and control systems.
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and supporting documentation.
• Perform mechanical analyses such as tolerance stack‑ups, material selection, and basic structural evaluation.
• Build and evaluate prototypes to verify design intent and system performance.
• Support system testing, troubleshooting, and iterative refinement during development.
• Coordinate with suppliers and manufacturing partners on fabrication and assembly processes.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of mechanical design experience, particularly with mechanisms.
• Experience developing electromechanical or mechatronic systems, preferably in instrumentation or automation.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo, NX) and familiarity with PDM systems.
• Working knowledge of GD&T, DFM/DFA principles, and common manufacturing processes.
• Hands‑on prototyping and testing experience.
• Ability to manage tasks, communicate clearly, and work effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field; or equivalent work experience.

Compensation

The estimated base salary range for the Sr Mechanical Design Engineer role based in the United States of America is: $98,400 - $147,600. The range reflects long‑term growth in the role; most candidates are hired between the minimum and middle of the range. All employees are eligible for variable cash programs and, for eligible roles, equity as part of the compensation package.

Benefits

We offer a range of benefits including health, dental, vision, retirement benefits, paid time off, family planning support, and access to genomics sequencing for employees.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Illumina is a proud 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.