Staff Compute HW Engineer

Illumina; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 156,000 - 233,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/dental/vision benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Equity opportunities

Job summary

Illumina is seeking a Staff Compute Hardware Engineer to own subsystem hardware design for edge-deployed DNA sequencing platforms. You will partner with firmware and software teams to address power, thermal, size, and connectivity constraints while guiding design reviews and documentation.

You will define hardware requirements, evaluate CPUs, memory, I/O, and networking, and lead bring-up and DVT activities, ensuring robust long‑term deployments and secure remote capability.

Qualifications

• Experience designing embedded/edge compute platforms with focus on power, thermal and packaging.
• Strong Linux skills including drivers, device tree, networking stack and debugging tools.
• Background in hardware bring-up, DVT, and V&V documentation.

Responsibilities

• Define hardware requirements for subsystems based on workload, power, and environment.
• Evaluate compute components (CPUs, memory, PHYs, switches, storage) and vendor solutions.
• Implement edge networking subsystems (1/2.5/10G Ethernet) and validate performance.
• Debug hardware/firmware/Linux stack across kernels, drivers, and bootloaders.
• Lead board bring-up and contribute to DVT plans covering SI, thermal, power, EMI/EMC.
• Design for remote deployment: secure boot, OTA updates, remote diagnostics, long lifecycles.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and maintain design docs and reviews.

Skills

Embedded/edge compute

x86 CPUs

DDR/LPDDR memory

PCIe

Linux kernel & drivers

Networking fundamentals

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Electrical/Computer Engineering or CS

Tools

U-Boot

UEFI

Device tree

Perf

ftrace

ethtool

tcpdump

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're seeking a Staff Compute Hardware Engineer to help design next-generation DNA sequencers. You'll own subsystem-level hardware design across compute, memory, I/O, and networking for edge-deployed systems with real-world power, thermal, size, and connectivity constraints. Working with senior engineers and partnering closely with firmware and Software teams, you'll drive subsystem ownership and contribute to platform-level decisions through hands‑on technical work.

Responsibilities

• Define hardware requirements and specifications for assigned subsystems based on workload, power, and environmental constraints
• Evaluate and validate compute technologies, components (CPUs, SoMs, memory, PHYs, switches, storage), and vendor solutions
• Implement networking subsystems for edge use cases, including wired Ethernet (1/2.5/10G)
• Debug hardware and hardware/software issues across the Linux kernel, drivers, device tree, firmware, and bootloaders (U-Boot, UEFI); perform root cause analysis
• Lead board bring-up and contribute to DVT plans covering signal integrity, thermal, power, EMI/EMC, and environmental testing
• Design for remote deployment: secure boot, OTA updates, remote diagnostics, and long product lifecycles
• Collaborate with electrical, firmware, and Linux systems teams; maintain design documentation and participate in design reviews

Qualifications

• Typically requires or equivalent work experience: BSc/MS: 8+ years of experience or PhD: 3+ years of experience
• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science highly preferred
• 8+ years designing embedded/edge compute platforms, including x86 CPUs, DDR/LPDDR memory, and PCIe
• Experience with edge networking hardware (Ethernet PHYs/switches, 10GbE) and networking/routing fundamentals
• Strong Linux skills: device drivers, device tree, networking stack, and debug tools (perf, ftrace, ethtool, tcpdump, dmesg, sysfs/procfs)
• Familiarity with bootloaders and firmware (BIOS, U-Boot, UEFI, secure boot, TPM/TEE)
• Solid grounding in PCB/PCA design, high-speed signal integrity, power delivery, and thermal design
• Proven contributions to board bring-up, DVT, and V&V documentation
• Strong root cause analysis across hardware, firmware, and Linux stacks
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative, ownership-driven mindset

#LI-ONSITE The estimated base salary range for the Staff Compute HW Engineer role based in the United States of America is: $155,600 - $233,400. 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.

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.