Illumina

Engineer 2 - Process Development

US - Bay Area - Hayward Full time
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.

If you’re passionate about solving complex technical challenges and making an impact on human health, this role might be your next big move.

As an Engineer 2 – Process Development, you’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring the quality, performance, and reliability of Illumina’s products. This hands‑on position sits at the intersection of manufacturing, design, and quality, with a strong focus on supporting complex fluidic processes across high‑volume production environments.

You’ll work closely with our production floor teams and contribute directly to Illumina’s mission: advancing human health by delivering reliable, scalable genomic platforms to customers worldwide.

Key Responsibilities:

Manufacturing Support

  • Provide hands‑on engineering support for production lines, subassemblies, and integrated instrument systems.

Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis

  • Lead structured root cause investigations using systematic problem solving  methodologies such as 5 Why’s, Fishbone diagrams, and data‑driven analysis.

  • Develop, validate, and implement corrective and preventive actions to prevent recurrence and improve long‑term process robustness.

Process Optimization

  • Identify and implement opportunities to improve customer experience, cycle time, reduce variation, and increase first‑pass yield.

  • Collaborate with LCM, Quality and sustaining engineering teams to prevent issue recurrence and ensure risk documentation meet manufacturability, testability, and reliability requirements.

  • Work with supplier to provide manufacturing feedback on hardware components to improve build quality.

  • Develop MES capabilities and support MES workflow updates related to Engineering Change and process improvements

Documentation and Change Management

  • Create and maintain engineering documentation including assembly work instructions, test procedures and engineering reports.

  • Execute Engineering Change ,Update Bills of Materials (BOMs), work instructions, and manufacturing documentation to reflect approved changes.

Continuous Improvement

  • Participate in Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance manufacturing efficiency, reduce scrap, and lower cost of goods.

Education & Experience:

Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field

  • 2–4 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably supporting fluidic systems or complex electromechanical assemblies

Preferred:

  • Experience troubleshooting fluidics in high‑volume or regulated manufacturing environments

  • Familiarity with Lean principles and Six Sigma tools

Skills

  • Strong fundamentals in fluid mechanics and reagent delivery

  • Hands‑on experience with fluidic assembly, testing, and troubleshooting

  • Knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and change control

  • Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and drive evidence‑based decisions

  • Strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills

  • Expected daily on‑site presence to provide hands‑on manufacturing and production floor support

The estimated base salary range for the Engineer 2 - Process Development role based in the United States of America is: $94,600 - $142,000. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. Compensation decisions are dependent on several factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s qualifications, location where the role is to be performed, internal equity, and alignment with market data. 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 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.