Senior System Integration Engineer (Automation Integration)

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 Description

Illumina develops the world’s leading next generation DNA sequencing (NGS) and microarray platforms which are revolutionizing industries such as healthcare, life sciences, forensics, agriculture, and clinical research.

To support the growth of Illumina, we are looking for a Senior System Integration Engineer to join the Array System Integration Team within Illumina Product Development. You will participate in the development of high quality, robust microarray products through the integration of hardware, instrument, software, chemistry components and workflows. This position focuses mainly on the integration of microarray assay workflows with robot automation. This position also requires hand-on execution of test plans, optimization of the workflow/automation steps and to perform data analysis and interpretation for performance evaluation.

Position Responsibilities:

Job Duties include but are not limited to:

• Design automation layout and program robot automation scripts to automate assay/library preparation workflow steps.
• Hands-on testing and optimization of the automated assay/library preparation workflow.
• Function as the robot automation development representative in the project team.
• Develop test and teaching protocol for the liquid handling robot systems to ensure the volume and positional accuracy/precision.
• Develop the appropriate hardware, software or workflow configurations for the system or prototype to be used in V&V studies for automated workflow/liquid handling hardware design.
• Contribute to the draft of the automation robot related docs. (e.g. robot hardware risk assessment, setup and teaching guides, automated workflow instructions etc.)
• DOE and execution of the experiment for workflow integration and assay performance testing.
• Create and Execute Design Verification Test (DVT) and engineering study protocols to verify end-to-end workflows. Responsible for data analysis, results interpretation and report drafting.
• Regularly contributes to the investigation and resolution of system/sub-system level technical problems. Set technical goals with minimal guidance, foster efficiency in experimental planning and execution across departments.

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.

Position Requirements:

• Demonstrate understanding of Array/Sequencing systems and technology.
• Demonstrate technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others and independent thought.
• Experience on programming automation scripts and optimizing assay/library preparation workflow on liquid handling robots (Tecan, Hamilton, Beckman etc.) with automation development software (EvoWare, Fluent Control, Venus, Biomek etc.).
• Demonstrate understanding of the functionality of different hardware components and subunits of the liquid handling robots.
• Hands-on experience for planning and execution of DOE for problem solving/root cause investigation.
• Experience writing and executing test plans/protocols to validate/verify product performance and robustness.
• Experience of using advanced analysis tools. Competent and comfortable with management and analysis of large data sets.
• Competent IT knowledge and computer skills.
• Solid communication, presentation and writing skills.
• A desire to be a part of a fast paced, multidisciplinary, and dynamic environment.
• Detail oriented and highly motivated.
• Work effectively with cross-functional project team.

All listed requirements are deemed as essential functions to this position; however, business conditions may require reasonable accommodation for additional task and responsibilities.

Preferred Experience/Education/Skills:

• Typically requires 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree; or a PhD with 0 - 3 years’ experience in Biomedical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or related disciplines.

Additional Experiences That Are Desired, But Not Mandatory.

• Previous experience using Python or other programming tools for the analysis of large data sets.
• Previous development experience on microarray, sequencing or other molecular biology products or workflows.

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 accommodations@illumina.com. 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.