Staff Systems Engineer

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Position Summary:                    

The Staff Systems Engineer is responsible for ensuring system-level integrity, functionality, and robustness of genetic sequencing instruments by understanding end-to-end system interactions across hardware, software, and fluidics. The role involves diagnosing, triaging, and testing complex system behavior to resolve performance issues and drive continuous improvements. This position supports both New Product Introduction (NPI) and on-market activities within Instrument Operations and serves as a key interface with product development teams in Singapore and the US. The role performs hands-on technical tasks including system failure analysis, characterization, capability transfer, and improvement. The role collaborates cross-functionally to drive product and process enhancements, cost optimization, and operational excellence, enabling smooth transition from design to production, and sustaining high-performance standards throughout the product lifecycle.

Position Responsibilities:

• Lead and drive Instrument Operations procedures for the integration and execution of DNA Sequencing runs or Micro Array Instrumentation using standard protocols in ISO-certified environments.
• Lead and drive the deployment and continuous improvement of test processes and strategies to ensure system level requirements are met, including managing test specification changes throughout the product lifecycle.
• Represent Instrument Operations and engage early with development teams to understand system level design and interactions across optics, fluidics, motion system, and advanced image sensors/cameras for cutting-edge genetic analysis instruments.
• Lead and coach system-level debugging and drive root cause analysis for hardware, firmware, software, and chemistry/reagent related issues on complex systems (e.g. Instruments with optical & fluidics sub-systems) and provides technical recommendations.
• Diagnose system level issues and develop hypotheses based on observed failures.
• Perform and coach structured root-cause analysis for complex production issues using systematic problem-solving methodologies (FMEA, DOE, and statistical analysis).
• Complete Non-conformance Records based on investigation outcomes and drive release of instruments back into production.
• Establish engineering studies to support various experiments and data collection efforts.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence programs.
• Write and update work instructions as needed to improve test 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.

Position Requirements:

• Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s Degree; or 6 years and a Master’s Degree; or a PhD with 3 years’ experience; or equivalent experience
• Strong analytical foundation with solid understanding of statistical analysis and critical thinking skill, supported by experience using data analytics to drive decision making.
• Experience in explaining and presenting complex technical issues to audiences with different backgrounds and provide sound technical recommendation and direction.
• Experience developing scripts to extract/debug information from embedded systems and high-performing compute system running Oracle Linux.
• Proficient in statistical analysis tools (i.e: JMP) for test data analysis, and requirement/test management tools (i.e: JAMA).
• Experienced in specification characterization and driving system performance robustness.
• Excellent team player, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Willing to travel to US for extended periods to learn the technology and collaborate with the US design teams.
• Strong working knowledge of GDP, ISO & cGMP practices.
• Experience with FDA regulated medical device product development preferred.
• Experience in life science–related projects or internships is advantageous; exposure to medical device environments is preferred. Familiarity with DNA sequencing, microarray platforms, liquid handling robotics, and system-level testing (hardware, firmware, software, and chemistry/reagents) is highly desirable.
• Experience with Linux system will be a plus.

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

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 [email protected]. 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.