Systems Support Engineer

Systems Support Engineer 1 – Illumina (San Diego, US)

Position Summary:

As a Systems Support Engineer 1, 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 investigate and resolve system‑level platform issues and support system verification and validation activities for planned platform changes.

• Hands‑on testing and integration of systems: hardware, software, chemistry, and application components.
• Use mechanical, optical, fluidics, electronics, and chemistry knowledge to troubleshoot system‑level sequencing instrument issues.
• Collaborate with 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.
• Laboratory work requires a minimum of 80% time onsite.
• Use Confluence, Jira, MS 365 and other collaborative software for fleet management, allocation, issue tracking, and laboratory administrative tasks.
• Occasional travel to support instrumentation builds and troubleshooting.

• BS/MS in Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related engineering/scientific field OR a BS/MS in an unrelated field with engineering/scientific work experience.

• 0–2 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field; or equivalent work experience.
• Basic laboratory experience.
• Good data analysis skills and logical problem‑solving ability.
• High degree of detail orientation and documentation.
• Root cause analysis methodology and execution.

• Ability to understand and work across multiple disciplines such as engineering, software, and manufacturing.
• Work experience in biotech or medical device field.
• Understanding of sequencing systems and techniques.
• 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).

Estimated base salary: $73,400 – $110,200 (US). Additional variable cash programs and equity may apply. Benefits include genomics sequencing access, family planning, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits, and paid time off.

We are a company deeply rooted in belonging, promoting an inclusive environment. Illumina is 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 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  This 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.