Systems Support Engineer 1

Illumina; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/dental/vision benefits

Paid time off

Equity options

Job summary

Illumina in San Diego seeks a Systems Support Engineer to join a dynamic, lab‑driven environment. You will help improve genomic analysis tools and support system verification and validation for planned platform changes.

You will collaborate with engineering, chemistry development, software, field service, and manufacturing teams, perform testing to gather data, and travel occasionally to assist builds and troubleshooting.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 0-2+ years engineering/scientific work experience.
• Basic laboratory experience.
• Strong data analysis and problem solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on testing and integration of systems in a laboratory environment: hardware, software, chemistry, and application components.
• Troubleshoot system-level sequencing instrument issues using mechanical, optical, fluidics, electronics, and chemistry knowledge.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Chemistry Development, Software, Field Service, Manufacturing, and other teams.
• Provide product support for pre- and post-launch activities.
• Perform testing and troubleshooting to gather data and make technical recommendations.
• Support investigation experiments and design verification test plans.
• Use Confluence, Jira, MS 365 and other collaborative software for fleet management and tasks.
• Occasional travel to support instrumentation builds and troubleshooting.

Skills

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Data analysis

Detail oriented

Root cause analysis

Education

BS or MS in Bioengineering/Mechanical/Systems/Electrical Engineering

Alternative: BS/MS in unrelated field with engineering experience

Tools

Confluence

Jira

Microsoft 365

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.

Position Summary:

As a Systems Support Engineer, you will work in a dynamic, team-oriented environment and help improve genomic analysis tools used in cutting edge research. Working within Illumina’s Systems Engineering and Integration team, you will be responsible for investigating and resolving system-level platform issues and supporting system verification and validation activities for planned platform changes.

Responsibilities:

• Hands-on testing and integration of systems in a laboratory environment: hardware, software, chemistry, and application components
• Use mechanical, optical, fluidics, electronics, and chemistry knowledge to troubleshoot system-level sequencing instrument issues
• Collaborate with all functions within development teams (Engineering, Chemistry Development, Consumables, Software, Field Service, Manufacturing, etc.)
• Provide product support for pre- and post-launch activities
• Perform testing and troubleshooting to gather data and make technical recommendations
• Support investigation experiments and design verification test plans
• Use of Confluence, Jira, MS 365 and other collaborative software to aid in fleet management, allocation, issue tracking, and other laboratory administrative tasks
• Occasional travel to support instrumentation builds and troubleshooting

Required Qualifications & Education:

• BS/MS in Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering/scientific field OR a BS/MS in an unrelated field with engineering/scientific work experience
• 0-2+ years engineering/scientific work experience
• Basic laboratory experience
• Good data analysis skills and a logical approach to problem solving skills
• High degree of detail orientation and documentation
• Root cause analysis methodology and execution

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Demonstrated ability to understand and successfully work across multiple disciplines such as engineering, software, and manufacturing highly desired
• Work experience in biotech or medical device field
• Understanding of sequencing systems and techniques helpful
• Solid communication and writing skills
• Experience with statistical analysis and data analysis programs (JMP, MATLAB, Microsoft Excel)
• Experience working in regulated environments e.g. CLIA, ISO 13485, cGMP/cGLP, IVD

The estimated base salary range for the Systems Support Engineer 1 role based in the United States of America is: $74,900 - $112,300. 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.