We are seeking an experienced Software Test Engineer II to support the instrument manufacturing and NPI (new product introduction) development of software for Illumina’s sequencing instruments. This role combines hands-on system testing, technical problem-solving, and close collaboration with cross-functional teams to help ensure the quality and reliability of our next-generation sequencing platforms. The ideal candidate thrives in a multidisciplinary environment and brings curiosity, sound technical judgment, and a quality-first mindset to their work.
This is primarily a manufacturing floor support engineer as well as a hands-on, system-level software testing role involving physical sequencing instruments, on-market & future NPI. The role emphasizes test design, exploratory testing, execution, troubleshooting, communicating and collaborating. Coding and test automation skills are valuable but are not the primary focus of the position.
Responsibilities:
Manufacturing floor support and troubleshoot software, server, cybersecurity, and system-level issues in production and NPI prototype development, evaluating manufacturing Non Conformances
Create and implement ECO changes to product and manufacturing processes and system configurations
Lead projects to resolve trending issues in manufacturing and the field
Work with cross functional teams (Quality, Manufacturing, Development, Regulatory, Supply Chain) to achieve Instrument Manufacturing Operation Goals while maintaining Compliance and security requirements
Develop test strategies, plans, and test cases from product, system, and software requirements.
Execute functional, integration, system, and regression tests for software features, server applications, and integrations on DNA sequencing instruments.
Perform exploratory testing to identify defects, unexpected behaviors, usability concerns, and system-level risks.
Own software verification activities for assigned features or subsystems, including planning, execution, defect reporting, and results documentation.
Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure software solutions meet user and system needs.
Investigate defects and perform root-cause analysis in collaboration with software, firmware, hardware, manufacturing, and systems teams.
Work within established software development, quality, and requirements management processes for regulated products.
Participate in requirements, design, and planning activities to identify risks, improve testability, and strengthen verification strategy.
Use approved AI-assisted tools to improve test design, exploratory testing, failure analysis, documentation, and workflow efficiency while applying appropriate human review and complying with data privacy, security, and regulated-product quality requirements.
The responsibilities listed above are essential but not exhaustive. Individual responsibilities may change based on business needs.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.
3+ years of professional experience working in software test, software quality, software systems integration, or a related role.
Experience with functional, integration, system, and regression testing.
Experience independently owning feature-level or subsystem-level software verification activities.
Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills, including the ability to isolate failures across software, firmware, hardware, and system boundaries.
Familiarity with defect tracking and requirements management platforms such as Jira and Jama.
Ability to work regularly with physical instruments in a laboratory environment.
Familiarity with Linux and Windows OS environments and command-line tools.
Familiarity with data management and processing via server, single-board compute or compute engines
Familiarity with production and customer network/IT setup & different configurations that may impact installation or manufacturing processes
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a willingness to learn from and share knowledge with others.
Nice to Have:
Familiarity with embedded systems, communication protocols, or integrating software with hardware modules.
Has experience developing/executing simple and complex test automation protocols
Cybersecurity regulation knowledge and best practices
Familiarity working in a regulated environment, such as medical devices.
Experience using AI-assisted engineering tools to support software testing, troubleshooting, test documentation, or analysis.
Demonstrates basic scripting or automation experience, such as Python or shell scripting.
Project management skills. Gantt chart timeline and critical path calculations, risk assessment experience, software agile experience as a scrum lead
Has led technical triaging of issues based on level of effort, frequency, and severity
Understands process for developing software requirements
All listed requirements are considered essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals to perform these functions. Responsibilities may change based on business needs.
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 [email protected]. 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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field
- 3+ years of professional experience in software test, software quality, software systems integration, or a related role
- Experience with functional, integration, system, and regression testing
- Experience independently owning feature-level or subsystem-level software verification activities
- Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills across software, firmware, hardware, and system boundaries
- Familiarity with defect tracking and requirements management platforms such as Jira and Jama
- Ability to work regularly with physical instruments in a laboratory environment
- Familiarity with Linux and Windows operating systems and command-line tools
- Familiarity with data management and processing via servers, single-board computers, or compute engines
- Familiarity with production and customer network or IT configurations affecting installation or manufacturing processes
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Familiarity with embedded systems, communication protocols, or software integration with hardware modules
- Experience developing or executing test automation protocols
- Cybersecurity regulation knowledge and best practices
- Experience working in a regulated environment, such as medical devices
- Experience using AI-assisted engineering tools for software testing, troubleshooting, documentation, or analysis
- Basic scripting or automation experience, such as Python or shell scripting
- Project management skills, including Gantt charts, critical path calculations, risk assessment, or agile scrum leadership
- Experience leading technical triage based on effort, frequency, and severity
- Understanding of software requirements development processes
Illumina Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Illumina and has not been reviewed or approved by Illumina.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes comprehensive medical (HMO/PPO), dental, vision, mental health, life, and disability insurance with options such as FSAs/HSAs and wellness resources. Offerings are described as robust across regions with customization in certain locations.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off programs include flexible schedules and remote work, PTO or flexible time off, paid holidays and sick leave, and volunteer time. Company-wide shutdowns during summer and winter add additional paid time away.
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Parental & Family Support — Family-focused programs include fertility assistance, adoption assistance, and reproductive health support alongside family medical leave. Paid parental leave is provided, with specifics varying by country and employment status.
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