Manufacturing Equipment Engineer 1

Illumina•San Diego, CA

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The Manufacturing Equipment Engineer 1 is an integral member of the Manufacturing Equipment Engineering technical track, providing technical support for Illumina's manufacturing equipment, instrumentation, and production operations at the San Diego headquarters. This role supports equipment reliability, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, calibrations, supplier support, and continuous improvement activities in a fast-paced, regulated manufacturing environment. Working under established procedures and engineering guidance, the Equipment Engineer 1 applies foundational knowledge of optical, mechanical, electrical, fluidics, computer hardware/software, and instrument control systems to help sustain equipment availability and reduce recurring equipment issues. This individual collaborates with engineers, operations, vendors, and cross-functional partners to support safe, compliant, reliable, and sustainable manufacturing execution.

Requirements

Typically requires 0 to 2 years of previous professional experience.
Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities
Proficient in computer and Microsoft Office applications
Skilled in data collection techniques with strong hands-on capabilities
Experience working within high-volume manufacturing environments and spare parts utilized in manufacturing equipment
Familiarity with optical, mechanical, electrical, and/or fluidic systems
Proficient in interpreting electrical and mechanical schematics
Experienced in using engineering troubleshooting tools and structured problem-solving methods
Foundational knowledge of equipment reliability, preventive maintenance, calibration, repair, and spares-management practices
Familiarity with internal instrument communication and control interfaces, such as PLC/IO, RS232, sensors, and related control systems, where applicable
Good mathematical and analytical skills
Good verbal and written communication skills in English
Mechanical aptitude
Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Documentation Practice (GDP)
Ability to work a flexible schedule or rotational shifts, including weekends
Willingness to travel up to 10%

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in the Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical, or Medical Devices industries is advantageous

Responsibilities

Demonstrates the ability to complete tasks independently with minimal supervision, effectively reporting and tracking progress through a digital ticketing system.
Appropriately escalates issues to engineers or supervisors and engages in troubleshooting under guidance.
Independently plans, coordinates, and executes multiple concurrent activities—including calibrations, preventive maintenance, repairs, supplier support, and project work—following established instructions to ensure timely completion as directed by the supervisor.
Supports the development, execution, and continuous improvement of preventive maintenance procedures to improve manufacturing equipment availability and reliability.
Assists engineers in troubleshooting and reducing recurring or systematic equipment failures using structured problem-solving methods, equipment data, maintenance history, and ticketing-system trends.
Supports installation, qualification, startup, and modification activities for manufacturing equipment and instrumentation under engineering guidance.
Partners with vendors, engineers, operations, and cross-functional teams to resolve equipment issues, improve supportability, and sustain production readiness.
Assists in monitoring technical performance of equipment and managing spares inventory within assigned areas of responsibility.
Provides support for computer hardware and software procedures as well as troubleshooting efforts.
Collaborates within a team environment to enhance equipment reliability, safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.