Senior Compute HW Engineer

About the Role Senior Compute Hardware Engineer to help design next-generation DNA sequencers. Own subsystem hardware design across compute, memory, I/O, and networking for edge deployments with power, thermal, size, and connectivity constraints. Collaborate with firmware and software teams to drive subsystem ownership and contribute to platform-level decisions through hands-on work.

What You'll Do

• Define hardware requirements and specifications for assigned subsystems based on workload, power, and environmental constraints.
• Evaluate and validate compute technologies, components (CPUs, SoMs, memory, PHYs, switches, storage), and vendor solutions.
• Implement networking subsystems for edge use cases, including wired Ethernet (1/2.5/10G).
• Debug hardware and hardware/software issues across the Linux kernel, drivers, device tree, firmware, and bootloaders (U-Boot, UEFI); perform root cause analysis.
• Lead board bring-up and contribute to DVT plans covering signal integrity, thermal, power, EMI/EMC, and environmental testing.
• Design for remote deployment: secure boot, OTA updates, remote diagnostics, and long product lifecycles.
• Collaborate with electrical, firmware, and Linux systems teams; maintain design documentation and participate in design reviews.

What We're Looking For

• 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, Master's, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science highly preferred.
• 5+ years designing embedded/edge compute platforms, including x86 CPUs, DDR/LPDDR memory, and PCIe.
• Experience with edge networking hardware (Ethernet PHYs/switches, 10GbE) and networking/routing fundamentals.
• Strong Linux skills: device drivers, device tree, networking stack, and debug tools (perf, ftrace, ethtool, tcpdump, dmesg, sysfs/procfs).
• Familiarity with bootloaders and firmware (BIOS, U-Boot, UEFI, secure boot, TPM/TEE).
• Solid grounding in PCB/PCA design, high-speed signal integrity, power delivery, and thermal design.
• Proven contributions to board bring-up, DVT, and V&V documentation.
• Strong root cause analysis across hardware, firmware, and Linux stacks.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative, ownership-driven mindset.

Nice to Have

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: USD 129,400 - 194,000 per year.
• Additional compensation: variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible equity.
• Benefits include access to genomics sequencing, family planning, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits, and paid time off.
• Illumina emphasizes belonging, equity, and openness; background checks are part of the process where applicable.