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Research & Development | San Diego, CA (global team including Singapore)
Illumina is seeking a Senior Director, Embedded Systems to lead the multidisciplinary engineering organization building the embedded architecture of our DNA sequencing instruments: the electronics, firmware, FPGA, custom silicon, and system engineering that acquire signals from novel sensors, drive precision motion, fluidics, thermal, and optics subsystems, and move high volumes of data from sensor through analysis.
The Embedded Systems organization is a global team of electrical, FPGA, firmware, firmware test, hardware test, systems, and compute engineers across San Diego and Singapore that delivers the embedded platforms for every new Illumina sequencer and supports the installed base. In addition, this leader owns the architecture of the on-instrument compute platform and leads a cross-functional effort to define a compute roadmap that delivers the performance next-generation sequencing demands at a sustainable cost.
The role sits at an exciting intersection of genomics, advanced sensing, embedded systems, and high-performance computing. As sequencing throughput continues to increase, we are pushing the boundaries of compute performance, memory and storage bandwidth, networking, and real-time processing, as compute has become a major driver of instrument cost. The development of novel sensors and custom ASICs also creates opportunities to optimize the entire architecture from signal acquisition through genomic data processing.
The Senior Director will define the technology strategy, build a world-class engineering organization, and deliver embedded platforms that are reliable, secure, compliant, and manufacturable at scale.
Oversees the functional managers for electrical engineering, FPGA, firmware, systems engineering and test. Sets technical direction and standards, holding a high bar for architecture and design reviews, and manages process over technical decisions and escalations.
The estimated base salary range for the Senior Director, Embedded Systems role based in the United States of America is: $224,900 - $337,300. 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.

At Illumina, our goal is to apply innovative technologies and revolutionary assays to the analysis of genetic variation and function, making studies possible that were not even imaginable just a few years ago. These studies will help make the realization of personalized medicine possible. With such rapid advances in technology taking place, it is mission critical to have solutions that are not only innovative, but flexible, scalable, and complete with industry-leading support and service. As a global company that places high value on collaborative interactions, rapid delivery of solutions, and prioritizing the needs of its customers, we strive to meet this challenge. Illumina’s innovative, array-based solutions for DNA, RNA, and protein analysis serve as tools for disease research, drug development, and the development of molecular tests in the clinic.