Senior Software Engineer (Backend)

Job title: Senior Software Engineer (Backend)

About the Role Senior Backend Software Engineer at Illumina responsible for designing, building, and maintaining backend subsystems powering DNA sequencing instruments. You will own features from design to production, contribute to engineering standards and CI/CD pipelines, and mentor teammates while collaborating with scientists and cross-functional partners across the US and Singapore to translate genomics problems into robust software solutions.

What You'll Do

• Design, build, and maintain backend subsystems powering Illumina's DNA sequencing instruments
• Take ownership of features from design through production, delivering high-quality solutions
• Contribute to engineering standards, tooling, CI/CD pipelines, and development best practices
• Design for reliability, observability, and performance; balance architectural trade-offs
• Mentor junior engineers and promote technical excellence through reviews and knowledge sharing
• Collaborate with scientists, domain experts, and cross-functional partners across US and Singapore

What We're Looking For

• Strong development experience in designing and building APIs and services; proficient in C# or Python or willing to learn
• Knowledge of containerization and orchestration (Kubernetes, Docker)
• Experience or openness to AI-assisted development tools to accelerate velocity
• Preference for simple, well-reasoned solutions over clever but complex ones
• Clear and concise communication in design docs, reviews, and cross-functional discussions
• Passion for raising team engineering capabilities through learning, knowledge sharing, and mentoring
• Curious, analytical, fast learner; comfortable with unfamiliar domains (genomics, bioinformatics)
• Collaborative across functions/time zones; proactive and team-oriented

Nice to Have

• Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree
• Experience delivering industry-grade software products using modern AI development methods and tools
• Experience designing systems for reliability and performance in embedded, edge, or on-premise deployment environments
• Experience in biotech, bioinformatics, or scientific instrumentation software

Compensation & Benefits

• Commitment to belonging and equality, including a zero-net gap in pay and active Employee Resource Groups (ERG) for career development and cultural awareness
• Background checks are conducted for conditional offers; Illumina is an equal opportunity employer
• Not eligible for visa sponsorship; accommodations are available for the application/interview process
• Additional information on compliance and equal opportunity can be found in company policies