Product Engineer 2 (Optics)

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:                 

Responsible for supporting product lifecycle activities, including new product introduction, product transfer, and ongoing manufacturing operations. This role ensures product quality, yield, and compliance through engineering evaluation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives. Collaborates cross-functionally to drive process enhancements, cost optimization, and operational excellence, enabling smooth transition from design to production and sustaining high-performance standards throughout the product lifecycle.

Position Responsibilities:

• Support and drive product transfer into manufacturing.
• Perform data trending and analysis.
• Apply FMEA, DOE, and statistical analysis to optimize product quality and reduce costs.
• Drive process improvements, cost reduction, and product sustaining activities.
• Manage Engineering Change Request and Notifications (CRs and CNs), including updates to work instructions and test requirements.
• Support documentation: engineering drawings, BOMs, test reports, assembly procedures, and validation plans.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence programs.
• Frequent cross-functional collaboration and occasional travel to other sites.

Discipline-Specific Responsibilities:

Optics Engineering

• Perform optical alignment, characterization, and subsystem testing with minimal supervision.
• Conduct detailed data analysis and interpret test results to identify trends or issues.
• Work with suppliers to resolve moderately complex technical issues.
• Support process improvements for manufacturing test procedures and workflows.
• Lead engineering tasks or sub-projects and coordinate with cross-functional teams.
• Provide feedback to design teams to improve manufacturability and testability.
• Assist in design validation and coordinate with cross-functional teams.
• Participate in design reviews and contribute to risk assessments.

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.

Position Requirements:

Optics Engineering

• Experience in optical systems or optics-related manufacturing engineering.
• Proficient in optical measurement tools and able to independently run test setups.
• Proficient in engineering drawings and 2D CAD.
• Experience managing supplier deliverables and resolving issues.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment.
• Team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment and able to work independently.
• Experience with Zemax, CodeV, LabView, Python, SAP and PLM systems is a plus.
• Good understanding of BOM structuring and Engineering Change Management.
• Demonstrates safety/compliance discipline.

All listed requirements are deemed as essential functions to this position; however, business conditions may require reasonable accommodations for additional task and responsibilities.

Preferred Experience/Education/Skills:

Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years of related experience; or an advanced degree without experience; or equivalent work experience.

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.