Automation Software Engineer

Position Summary:

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Automation Software Engineer to join Illumina Singapore’s Automation Solution Center (ASC). This role supports our mission to accelerate the future of manufacturing by enabling high-volume, high-precision operations through cutting-edge automation technologies.

As part of the Automation Engineering team, you will work closely with senior engineers to design, develop, and validate software for automated systems deployed in new product introductions and process improvement initiatives. This includes contributing to the development of software standards, participating in equipment integration, and supporting qualification and buy-off activities.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams including NPI, Manufacturing, Quality, and global counterparts from HQ to deliver scalable and robust automation solutions that align with Illumina’s goals for digital transformation.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), electromechanical control systems, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, cloud-connected architectures, and AI-driven automation strategies in a regulated, high-throughput environment. You will also support global automation initiatives through the ASC, helping to standardize and scale solutions across Illumina's global manufacturing sites.

Position Responsibilities:

• Work closely with cross-functional stakeholders and external vendors to gather, refine, and align software requirements using Agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum).
• Contribute to sprint planning, backlog grooming, and daily stand-ups within an Agile/Scrum team, using tools such as Azure DevOps to manage user stories, tasks, and issues.
• Support the timely delivery of software components and automation solutions by following CI/CD pipelines, maintaining version control (e.g., Git), and applying modular design practices in alignment with enterprise software standards.
• Collaborate with project teams and domain experts to ensure that the developed software meets functional and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in the verification and validation of equipment software by conducting thorough requirement traceability checks and performing hands-on testing.
• Support commissioning activities including Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) for equipment buy-off.
• Assist in equipment qualification activities such as Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ), ensuring readiness for production release.
• Apply knowledge of PLC programming (IEC 61131-3 standards), SCADA systems, and microservices-based architectures to enhance automation system performance, scalability, and maintainability.
• Explore and support integration of cloud-native technologies (e.g., SaaS-based data platforms, Azure/AWS) and AI-driven pipelines to enable intelligent automation and capabilities across manufacturing operations.

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

Preferred Educational Background:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field with strong emphasis on software development.

Preferred Experience/Skills:

• Proficient in C#/.NET and Python with exposure to microservices architecture and RESTful APIs.
• Familiar with SQL, data integrity principles, and basic CI/CD workflows (e.g., Azure DevOps).
• Understanding of SDLC, Agile/Scrum, and software testing/verification practices.
• Exposure to PLC programming (Beckhoff and/or Siemens S7), experience in SCADA/HMI programming, with COPA-DATA's Zenon development, design and troubleshooting will be advantageous.
• Experience in manufacturing environments and knowledge of MES, QMS, or life sciences regulations is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and team collaboration skills with a proactive learning attitude.