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.
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.
- While performing required duties, this position routinely involves standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs or ladders, kneeling, crouching, and wearing safety gear. The role regularly requires lifting and/or moving up to 10 pounds, frequently lifting/moving up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lifting/moving up to 50 pounds.
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%
- Previous experience in the Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical, or Medical Devices industries is advantageous
Listed responsibilities are an essential, but not exhaustive list, of the usual duties associated with the position. Changes to individual responsibilities may occur due to business needs.
The estimated base salary range for the Manufacturing Equipment Engineer 1 role based in the United States of America is: $68,400 - $102,600. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. The range reflects long-term growth in the role; therefore, most candidates are hired between the minimum and middle of the range. Placement depends on experience, skills, location, and internal equity. Additionally, all employees are eligible for one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package. We offer a wide range of benefits as innovative as our work, including access to genomics sequencing, family planning, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits, and paid time off.
