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.
We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to support new product development in genomics instrumentation. This is a highly technical mechanical design role focused on the development of custom mechanisms, precision motion systems, and electromechanical assemblies used in advanced instrumentation.
The ideal candidate will be an engineer with experience designing motorized mechanisms and precision motion systems, including a strong understanding of system requirements, motion architecture, controls integration, structural design, and performance validation. The ideal candidate also has experience developing motion solutions from requirements through implementation and understands the engineering principles behind achieving precise, reliable motion in complex systems.
Responsibilities
- Design and develop custom mechanical mechanisms for use in genomics instruments, including motion systems, precision assemblies, and fluidic or sample‑handling components.
- Integrate mechanical designs with electrical, firmware, and control systems
- Create and maintain 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and supporting documentation.
- Perform mechanical analyses such as tolerance stack‑ups, material selection, and basic structural evaluation.
- Build and evaluate prototypes to verify design intent and system performance.
- Support system testing, troubleshooting, and iterative refinement during development.
- Coordinate with suppliers and manufacturing partners on fabrication and assembly processes.
- Define performance requirements and engineering specifications for motion-based subsystems.
- Design and develop motorized mechanisms involving actuators, motors, linear stages, lead screw systems, bearings, guides, and other precision motion technologies.
- Perform mechanical analyses including vibration assessment, positioning accuracy, repeatability, precision mechanism evaluation, and structural performance.
- Evaluate and specify custom and commercially available motion components while ensuring designs meet system-level performance requirements.
- Support root cause analysis and troubleshooting of motion-related performance issues.
- Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams from concept through production release.
Required Qualifications
- Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 3 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work experience.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience designing mechanical systems, mechanisms, or electromechanical products.
- Experience designing motion systems and precision mechanical mechanisms.
- Experience developing electromechanical or mechatronic systems, preferably in instrumentation, automation, robotics, or related industries.
- Experience developing engineering requirements, specifications, and performance criteria for mechanical systems.
- Demonstrated understanding of motion system design including:
- Stepper motors
- Servo motors
- DC motors
- Linear motors
- Lead screw systems
- Bearings and guide systems
- Positioning mechanisms
- Precision motion assemblies
- Experience performing engineering analysis related to vibration, structural integrity, stiffness, tolerance analysis, and precision positioning performance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience designing custom motion systems rather than solely integrating off-the-shelf automation components.
- Experience with linear stages, motion control architectures, lead screws, ball screws, precision bearings, and positioning systems.
- Experience developing robotics, automation equipment, life science instrumentation, semiconductor equipment, or other precision electromechanical products.
- Understanding of motion-system performance characteristics including accuracy, resolution, repeatability, backlash, vibration, and dynamic response.
- Experience integrating mechanical systems with sensors, electronics, controls, and software.
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The estimated base salary range for the Sr Mechanical Design Engineer, Motion Systems role based in the United States of America is: $98,400 - $147,600. 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.
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 accommodations@illumina.com. 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.