Product Engineer 2 (Mechanical)

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.

Position Summary:                    

This role is responsible for supporting product lifecycle activities, including new product introduction, product transfer, and ongoing manufacturing operations. This role ensures product quality, yield, and compliance through engineering evaluation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role will collaborate cross-functionally to drive process enhancements, cost optimization, and operational excellence, enabling smooth transition from design to production and sustaining high-performance standards throughout the product lifecycle.

Position Responsibilities:

Common Responsibilities:

• Support and drive product transfer into manufacturing.

• Perform data trending and analysis.

• Apply FMEA, DOE, and statistical analysis to optimize product quality and reduce costs.

• Drive process improvements, cost reduction, and product sustaining activities.

• Manage Engineering Change Request and Notifications (CRs and CNs), including updates to work instructions and test requirements.

• Support documentation: engineering drawings, BOMs, test reports, assembly procedures, and validation plans.

• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence programs.

• Frequent cross-functional collaboration and occasional travel to other sites.

Discipline-Specific Responsibilities:

Mechanical Engineering

Design & Development

• Independently implement component/assembly changes (material, finish, tolerances).

• Perform tolerance stack-ups; define CTQs for parts.

• Draft/execute DOEs for yield/quality issues.

Manufacturing Support & NPI

• Own segment of transfer activities: golden unit builds, test setup calibration, GR&R plans.

• Qualify alternate suppliers/materials; execute PPAP/FAI with quality/manufacturing.

Quality, Reliability & Data

• Lead failure analysis on recurring defects; implement interim containment.

• Apply SPC; monitor Cp/Cpk; propose corrective/preventive actions.

• Perform basic DOE and SPC analysis for yield improvement.

• Apply root cause analysis with quantitative evidence.

• Provides charts/tables in reports rather than anecdotal statements.

• Challenges unsupported opinions with data queries.

• Communicates findings with clear visuals (Pareto, trend charts).

Project & Process

• Plan small workstreams; align deliverables with core team schedules.

• Author ECRs; manage scrap analysis and material disposition.

Documentation & Compliance

• Generate detailed drawings, BOM updates, test reports, assembly procedures, validation protocols.

• Maintain PLM integrity; traceability to requirements/design inputs.

Collaboration

• Engage suppliers/CMs for DFM feedback; support builds at CM sites.

Listed responsibilities are an essential, but not exhaustive list, of the usual duties associated with the position. Changes to individual responsibilities may occur due to business needs.

Position Requirements:

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years of related experience.

• Proficiency in CAD systems (SolidWorks/Creo) with understanding of GD&T and DFMA principles.

• Working knowledge of FMEA, DOE, SPC and manufacturing processes.

• Experience using PLM systems (e.g., Teamcenter) and exposure to ERP environments (e.g., SAP/Oracle).

• Advanced competency in Excel and familiarity with statistical tools (e.g., Minitab/JMP).

• Preferably experienced in life sciences, biotech, or medical device environments.

• Strong analytical thinking and clear, concise technical documentation.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with suppliers and cross-functional engineering teams.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze data and propose fact-based, root-cause-driven improvements.

• Proven ability to manage tasks to completion within defined timelines while maintaining high documentation accuracy.

• Demonstrated ability to build strong working relationships with manufacturing and service teams and respond effectively to technical escalations.

All listed requirements are deemed as essential functions to this position; however, business conditions may require reasonable accommodations for additional task and responsibilities.

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 [email protected]. 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.