Senior Software Test Engineer Jobs in California

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 Senior Software Test Engineer will serve as the test owner for assigned software subsystems within Illumina's complex DNA sequencing instruments. This role is within our Instrument Software Organization on the Hardware Frameworks team, which develops shared software components used to integrate instrument applications with firmware and physical hardware. The candidate will shape test strategy throughout the development process, working with cross‑functional partners to identify risks, improve testability, and define appropriate verification coverage. Responsibilities also include hands‑on testing on sequencing instruments, ownership of subsystem verification, and investigation of complex failures spanning software, firmware, and hardware. This is primarily a software testing and systems‑integration role. Test automation, coding skill, and test‑tool development are valuable, but are not main responsibilities and are not required.

• Serve as the test owner for assigned software features or subsystems.
• Participate in requirements, design and planning activities to identify quality risks, improve testability, and influence the overall test strategy.
• Define risk‑based verification coverage across functional, integration, system, and regression testing.
• Develop test plans, test cases, and test procedures from product, system, and software requirements.
• Perform hands‑on testing and feature integration on DNA sequencing instruments in a laboratory environment.
• Work closely with cross‑functional stakeholders to test workflows and address quality risks and release‑ready concerns.
• Validate workflows spanning user interfaces, backend services, hardware abstraction software, firmware, simulators, and physical instrument hardware.
• Perform root cause analysis in collaboration with software, firmware, hardware, systems integration, and quality teams.
• Provide technical guidance to supporting engineers and contribute to improvements in team testing practices.
• Work within established software‑development, quality, and requirements‑management processes for regulated products.

• Five or more years of professional experience in software quality engineering, instrument software testing, embedded‑system testing, or a related discipline.
• Experience with functional, integration, system, and regression testing.
• Experience independently developing test strategies, test plans, and detailed test cases from technical requirements.
• Experience owning feature‑or subsystem‑level verification, including requirements traceability and verification evidence.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills, including the ability to isolate failures across technical boundaries.
• Familiarity with defect tracking and requirements management platforms such as Jira and Jama.
• Ability to work regularly with physical instruments in a laboratory environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate across technical disciplines.

• Experience using AI‑assisted engineering tools, such as Cursor or GitHub Copilot, to support test design, troubleshooting, documentation, or workflow improvement;
• Familiarity with Linux environments and command‑line tools.
• Familiarity with embedded systems, communication protocols, or hardware diagnostic equipment.
• Familiarity working in a regulated environment (e.g. medical devices).

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.

• This is a hybrid position requiring on‑site work at least three days per week. Additional on‑site presence may be required based on laboratory activities and business needs.

• The estimated base salary range for the Senior Software Test Engineer role based in the United States of America is: $107,700 - $161,500.
• 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.

• access to genomics sequencing
• family planning
• health/dental/vision
• retirement benefits
• paid time off

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 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.

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.

The potential of genomics to change the world is unparalleled. At Illumina, we are leading the way. Our technology empowers researchers and clinicians globally to improve cancer treatments, change the course of diseases, protect the environment, and fight food insecurity. We are made up of dedicated professionals, all-in on creating a better world - and we need every skill set on our path to making genomics useful for all. Learn more about life at Illumina.