Sr Systems Test Engineer

Illumina • San Diego, CA

10d

About The Position

The Senior Systems Test Engineer will lead system-level engineering verification activities for complex sequencing platforms from early development through product launch. The role develops verification strategies, performs system and thermal performance testing, identifies technical risks, and helps ensure products meet performance, reliability, and quality objectives. It partners with cross-functional engineering teams to evaluate integrated system behavior, support data-based decisions, and establish verification best practices across product development programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Typically, at least 5 years of related experience with a bachelor's degree; 3 years with a master's degree; 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

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 tests evaluating system performance, reliability, and robustness under 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, and provide technical mentorship and guidance to engineering teams.

Benefits

• Variable cash program (bonus or commission); eligible roles may receive equity.
• Access to genomics sequencing.
• Family planning benefits.
• Health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Retirement benefits.
• Paid time off.
• Employee Resource Groups offering career development experiences, cultural awareness, and social responsibility opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior