Systems 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 transform human health through early detection, diagnosis, and new treatment options for patients.

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.

• Lead and drive Instrument Operations procedures for the integration and execution of DNA sequencing runs or microarray 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 provide 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.

• 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 skills, supported by experience using data analytics to drive decision making.
• Experience explaining and presenting complex technical issues to audiences with different backgrounds and providing sound technical recommendations and direction.
• Experience developing scripts to extract/debug information from embedded systems and high‑performing compute systems running Oracle Linux.
• Proficient in statistical analysis tools (e.g., JMP) for test data analysis, and requirement/test management tools (e.g., JAMA).
• Experienced in specification characterization and driving system performance robustness.
• Excellent team player, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Willing to travel to the 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;…