Staff Electrical Engineer

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 are a leader in the development of innovative DNA sequencing instruments that transform the landscape of genomics. Our flagship products, such as the NovaSeq X and 6K series, drive scientific discoveries across healthcare and biotechnology. Join us and bring your expertise to products that make a difference globally.

As a Staff Electrical Engineer in our Lifecycle Management team, you will be a technical leader responsible for overseeing the entire electrical-system lifecycle of our high-performance sequencing products — from New Product Introduction (NPI) through sustaining phases until end-of-life. You will lead and manage technical LCM projects end-to-end, guiding a sub-team of engineers while personally driving the most complex technical investigations.

This role demands a dynamic, fast-learning, and highly flexible engineer who can manage component End-of-Life (EOL), drive supplier and design changes, and lead product improvements — all while adhering to our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions (WIs), and software/PLM platforms. Critically, you must be comfortable owning the High-Performance Compute (HPC) / Compute Engine (CE) server domain, which increasingly defines instrument performance and cost on top of generic CPU/FPGA based electronics. You will have the opportunity to lead, mentor, and grow the team, and to progress toward broader electrical-systems engineering leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

LCM Operation — Technical Project Management

• Lead and own LCM technical projects end-to-end — scoping, planning, execution, risk management, and release — across component EOL/shortage response, redesign, qualification, and documentation. Familiar with instrument PDP and LCM (Life Cycle Management) process.

• Oversee the electrical-system (PCA, cables, sub-systems, modules) lifecycle of flagship sequencers (NovaSeq X, 6K series) from initial development through product end-of-life.

• Proactively address electrical component EOL and supply-shortage issues, manage supplier changes, and execute design modifications to ensure product longevity and continuity of supply.

• Support and provide technical guidance on NC/RMA processing

HPC / Compute Engine (Server) Domain

• Serve as a technical owner for the HPC / Compute Engine server sub-system — leading qualification, validation, DVT setup, peer design review, and release of CE hardware and cost-reduction initiatives.

• Troubleshoot server-class hardware issues (POST/boot behavior, PCIe enumeration, memory training/DIMM & SSD compatibility, BIOS/firmware interactions) and translate findings into sustainable design and sourcing actions.

• Partner with software/firmware, product development, and strategic sourcing to balance sequencing performance against CE cost and supply risk.

Compliance, Quality & Test

• Ensure all engineering activities comply with internal SOPs, WIs, and company software/PLM platforms and infrastructure.

• Champion testing as a quality-control measure; contribute to the design and implementation of test fixtures and related engineering tools.

• Maintain product compliance (EMI/EMC and safety standards) through change events and support certification documentation.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Act as a technical leader and mentor, guiding senior and junior engineers, and lead a sub-team as the organization grows.

• Provide technical direction during investigations, set clear ownership/SME roles, and support the EE team’s leadership-succession plan.

• Maintain strong cross-functional relationships (NPI, Manufacturing, Field Service, Quality, Sourcing), driving product improvements and lifecycle decisions aligned with company goals.

Technical Requirements:

• PCB Design: Proficient in PCB design tools such as Altium Designer or similar, with experience in high-speed, high-density designs. Cable design experience (SolidWorks Electrical) is a plus.

• Microcontrollers, Processors & FPGA: In-depth understanding of MCU, MPU, and FPGA architectures, plus firmware and HDL development.

• HPC / Server Hardware: Working knowledge of x86 server platforms — CPU/memory architecture (DDR4/DDR5 DIMM/SODIMM), NVMe/U.2/U.3 SSDs, PCIe, BIOS/POST, and server boot/enumeration behavior. Ability to fast-learn new server platforms is essential.

• Test Engineering: Solid understanding of test-engineering principles, fixture design, and the purpose of testing within quality assurance.

• Problem Solving: Strong analytical skills to evaluate system-level impacts of component changes, diagnose issues quickly, and implement sustainable solutions.

Qualifications:

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (8+ years experience), Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering (6+ years), or PhD in Electrical Engineering (3+ years).

• Experience: Demonstrated experience leading full-lifecycle management of electronic systems in complex products, including technical project ownership and mentoring.

• Fast-Learning & Flexibility: Proven ability to rapidly acquire new technical domains (e.g., HPC/server hardware) and adapt to company-specific processes and workflows.

• Attributes: Business acumen, sense of urgency, ownership mindset, strong communication, and leadership abilities.

Why Join Us?

• Cutting-Edge Innovation: Work on revolutionary DNA sequencing products that push the boundaries of biotechnology.

• Leadership Opportunities: Influence key lifecycle-management decisions, lead a sub-team, and grow into broader electrical-systems engineering leadership.

• Growth & Development: Expand your skills in a company that values ongoing learning, with access to advanced tools and training.

• Positive Impact: Contribute to technologies that enable breakthroughs in healthcare, research, and beyond.

The estimated base salary range for the Staff Electrical Engineer role based in the United States of America is: $148,500 - $222,700. 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 [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. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.