Sr Systems Test Engineer
Illumina
Summary
The Senior Systems Test Engineer will lead system-level engineering verification activities for complex sequencing platforms from early development through product launch. This role is responsible for developing verification strategies, executing system and thermal performance testing, identifying technical risks, and ensuring products meet performance, reliability, and quality objectives. The position partners closely with cross-functional engineering teams to evaluate integrated system behavior, drive data-based decisions, and establish verification best practices across product development programs.
Job description
Summary
The Senior Systems Test Engineer will lead system-level engineering verification activities for complex sequencing platforms from early development through product launch. This role is responsible for developing verification strategies, executing system and thermal performance testing, identifying technical risks, and ensuring products meet performance, reliability, and quality objectives. The position partners closely with cross-functional engineering teams to evaluate integrated system behavior, drive data-based decisions, and establish verification best practices across product development programs.
Responsibilities
- Lead system-level engineering verification and test activities for next-generation sequencing platforms from development through product launch.
- Develop verification strategies, test plans, methodologies, and execution approaches aligned with product requirements and risk profiles.
- Design and execute testing to evaluate system performance, reliability, and robustness across normal, boundary, stress, fault, and worst-case conditions.
- Lead characterization and verification of thermal management and temperature-control systems, including performance, stability, and operating margin assessments.
- Conduct data-driven investigations using statistical analysis, design of experiments (DOE), and root cause analysis to identify and resolve technical issues.
- Partner with Systems, Hardware, Software, Controls, Quality, Manufacturing, and Operations teams to define requirements, troubleshoot issues, and drive product readiness.
- Drive continuous improvement through test automation, standardized methodologies, reusable test infrastructure, and data analytics.
- Communicate test results, technical risks, and recommendations to stakeholders and leadership, while providing technical mentorship and guidance to engineering teams.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 3 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work experience.
- Experience developing and executing system-level verification and validation strategies for complex systems.
- Experience with engineering verification, requirements traceability, test planning, and risk-based testing methodologies.
- Experience testing thermal management systems, including TEC/Peltier-based control systems or comparable temperature-control technologies.
- Experience with DOE, statistical analysis, margin characterization, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis.
- Experience developing test methods, fixtures, instrumentation, and data analysis approaches for complex systems.
- Proven ability to work effectively across multiple engineering disciplines and influence technical decisions without direct authority.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical findings to a variety of audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
- Experience with DNA sequencing systems or other high-throughput analytical or life science instrumentation.
- Familiarity with next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms, sequencing workflows, or related technologies.
- Experience with thermal control of flow cells, reagent systems, or other precision temperature-controlled processes.
- Experience developing automated test systems and analysis tools using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar platforms.
- Experience with Jira, requirements management tools, test management systems, and engineering data platforms.
- Experience with reliability engineering, accelerated life testing, environmental testing, and failure analysis.
- Familiarity with Design Controls, Design Verification processes, and regulated product development environments.
- Experience leading technical initiatives, driving cross-functional projects, or mentoring engineers.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical discipline
- Minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 3 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work experience
- Experience developing and executing system-level verification and validation strategies for complex systems
- Experience with engineering verification, requirements traceability, test planning, and risk-based testing methodologies
- Experience testing thermal management systems, including TEC/Peltier-based control systems or comparable temperature-control technologies
- Experience with DOE, statistical analysis, margin characterization, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis
- Experience developing test methods, fixtures, instrumentation, and data analysis approaches for complex systems
- Proven ability to work effectively across multiple engineering disciplines and influence technical decisions without direct authority
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Retirement Benefits
- Paid Time Off
- Bonus Program
- Commission Program
- Equity
- Genomics Sequencing Access
- Family Planning
Company overview
Illumina is a global leader in genomics technology, founded in 1998 and headquartered in San Diego, California. As a pioneering biotechnology company, Illumina specializes in developing, manufacturing, and marketing integrated systems for genetic analysis, with a primary focus on DNA sequencing and array-based technologies. The company's mission is to improve human health by unlocking the power of the genome, serving customers across research, clinical, and applied markets worldwide. Illumina's innovative platforms, including the NovaSeq, HiSeq, MiSeq, and NextSeq series, have revolutionized genomic research and clinical applications, enabling breakthroughs in personalized medicine, disease research, and drug development. With over 9,000 employees across 27 countries, Illumina has established itself as the dominant force in next-generation sequencing, processing more than 90% of all DNA sequencing data globally. The company's technologies support diverse applications from cancer research and rare disease diagnosis to agricultural genomics and infectious disease surveillance, making genomic insights accessible to researchers and clinicians worldwide.