Optical Engineer II

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.

The optical engineer will be part of a dynamic and talented engineering group focused on innovative optical system development for next generation sequencing. The engineer will be responsible for testing and integration in an interdisciplinary team environment. The preferred candidate will be a self-starter, with a hands-on, detail-oriented and analytical approach to testing and integration.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Assemble, align, test, troubleshoot, and integrate breadboards to demonstrate feasibility
• Collaborate with cross-functional, global teams: engineering, software, supplier chain manufacturing and field service, etc.
• Ability and willingness to engage in multiple projects while keeping up with aggressive timelines
• Develop and document workflow and test results for system verification and validation protocols
• Assist in troubleshooting module-level and system-level issues
• Contribute to root-cause analysis experiments and present findings to project teams
• Provide product support for pre- and post-launch activities

Education Requirements

• B.Sc or M.Sc in optical engineering, engineering, physics, or related discipline

Qualifications

• 1 to 3 years hands-on experience with optics and optical instrumentation
• Familiarity with both component-level and system-level optical specification and design
• Familiarity with optical alignment methodologies and equipment
• Familiarity with optical test methodologies and equipment
• Proficiency in design and analysis using ZEMAX or similar software; familiarity with both imaging and non-imaging illumination design
• Strong and proactive communication and presentation skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity/Experience with fluorescence microscopy
• Proficiency in Python for image processing and data analysis
• Proficiency in SolidWorks
• Familiarity with opto-mechanical tolerance analysis

The estimated base salary range for the Optical Engineer II role based in the United States of America is: $88,200 - $132,400. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. Compensation decisions are dependent on several factors including, but not limited to, an individual's qualifications, location where the role is to be performed, internal equity, and alignment with market data. 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 To learn more, visit: The position will be posted until a final candidate is selected or the requisition has a sufficient number of qualified applicants.