Staff Mechanical Engineer

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.

Position Summary

The Sr/Staff Mechanical Design Engineer in Illumina’s R&D department will lead and contribute to the development of new, industry-leading genetic analysis platforms for life sciences and clinical markets. The engineer will be responsible for the design of DNA sequencing equipment that includes complex optical, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and software sub-systems. The engineer will be responsible for participating in and coordinating cross-functional teams, developing plans, performing analysis, and innovating new technologies.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Uncover product requirements and translate requirements into subsystem specifications.
• Design precision electro-mechanical and fluidic mechanisms.
• Work in concurrent, cross-functional teams and actively seek out and collect input from stakeholders across supporting disciplines.
• Manage outsourced design and manufacturing relationships.
• Compare performance and cost of design options in a data-driven manner.
• Perform mechanical and thermal analysis of subsystem/system designs.
• Create schedules and manage actions to meet milestones.
• Perform risk analysis, develop test plans, and execute verification testing of subsystems and systems.
• Follow through on transfer of new products into manufacturing, track issues in manufacturing and the field, and implement resolution of issues.
• Propose and investigate new architectures, technologies, and products that enable the goals of Illumina’s product portfolio.
• Candidate must thrive in a dynamic environment and place great emphasis on meeting milestones and breaking down barriers to achieve results.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in biomedical instruments, biological assays, and/or genetic analysis equipment is preferred.
• Experience in FDA regulated markets is a plus.

Education and Experience:

• BS/MS/PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related and >8 years industry experience.
• Candidate must have experience in product development, transfer to manufacturing, and documentation.
• Candidate must have a proven track record in designing robust electro-mechanical systems which may include imaging, dynamic motion control, fluidics components, and thermal control.
• Demonstrated knowledge of mechanical engineering design principles and practices - Form, fit, tolerance stack analysis, GD&T, drafting standards, FEA, design for assembly, design for manufacturing, etc.
• Experience with a wide variety of manufacturing processes (low, medium, and high volume).
• Selection of electromechanical components such as motors, power transmission components, and sensors.
• Evaluation and optimization of complex tolerance budgets.
• Candidate must have strong project management skills and interpersonal, relationship-building skills.
• Fluent in SolidWorks CAD software and one or more mechanical FEA packages.

Attitude / Attributes:

• Ability and willingness to make an impact.
• Creativity of thought and mindset.
• Thrives in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• A passion for discovery.

Illumina believes that everyone has the ability to make an impact, and 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.