Senior Software Engineer
Senior Software Engineer

Senior Software Engineer

Cambridge Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a dynamic team to develop software that transforms genomic data into life-changing healthcare solutions.
  • Company: Illumina is a leader in genomic technology, dedicated to improving health equity worldwide.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive benefits package, hybrid work options, and a culture of innovation and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on human health while working with inspiring leaders and cutting-edge projects.
  • Qualifications: Strong backend development skills in Python, experience with REST APIs, and familiarity with Agile methodologies required.
  • Other info: Be part of an inclusive environment that values diversity and promotes career development.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

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.

Senior Software Engineer – Cambridge (Granta Park), Hybrid.

Illumina Lab Services (ILS) has an exciting opportunity for a talented software engineer to join its software team. This team builds software used by scientists to track and process large quantities of clinical genomic data and was instrumental in delivering the 100,000 genomes project. Building on this success, ILS is in the next phase to deliver whole-genome DNA sequencing into routine healthcare in partnership with Genomics England and the NHS. To help achieve this, the software team is looking for a software engineer to help with the development and maintenance of the software that manages laboratory operations.

You’ll join a highly motivated team of software and test engineers that work closely with other teams across ILS, including bioinformatics and lab operations. The culture is collaborative, process- driven and fast-paced, and follows an Agile development methodology . With day-to-day activities spanning the entire development lifecycle you’ll be involved in hands-on development, code review , deployment activities and technical support . Over time you’ll also provide input into software specifications through requirements review and producing architecture definitions and designs. Most importantly, you’ll have an opportunity to be part of a multidisciplinary group that delivers software solutions to enable cutting-edge sequencing operations that make a difference to peoples’ lives.

Why You You’re a collaborative and detail-oriented software engineer who thrives in Agile teams and enjoys working across the full development lifecycle. You bring strong experience in backend development with Python and REST APIs, and ideally have worked with client-side frameworks like AngularJS. You’re comfortable with CI/CD pipelines, containerisation tools like Docker and Kubernetes, and have a solid grasp of relational databases such as PostgreSQL or MySQL. Experience with regulated environments, cloud services (AWS), and event-driven architectures (Kafka or RabbitMQ) would be a plus. You’re a natural communicator who documents and shares knowledge instinctively, and you’re motivated by the opportunity to contribute to meaningful healthcare innovation.

Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with software engineers, test engineers and product owners to develop, test and maintain full-stack applications and services in Agile teams.

  • Maintain software designs and implement code changes to ensure alignment with software requirements.

  • Ensure that software is developed following our software development life cycle and in compliance with our quality management system.

  • Collaborate with test engineers to increase our test automation coverage.

  • Provide technical assistance to escalated operational issues.

  • Contribute to a shared responsibility for devops best practice.

Preferred Re quirements :

  • Team player who instinctively documents and shares information.

  • D eveloping back-end applications and REST APIs in Python .

  • Web development experience, preferably with client-side MVC Frameworks such as AngularJS.

  • P ackaging and deploying software using Docker , Kubernetes and Helm.

  • Maintaining CI/CD pipelines for continuous software delivery.

  • D esigning and maintaining relational databases , preferably PostgreSQL and MySQL.

  • V ersion control using Git and GitHub.

  • Proficient at the Linux command line.

Desirable :

  • Software development within a regulated environment, ideally to medical device standards.

  • D eveloping event-driven software using Kafka or RabbitMQ .

  • Experience with LIMS development.

  • S oftware development using AWS services.

  • Experience with NoSQL, preferab ly MongoDB.

  • Java and Golang experience.

  • Dashboarding and alerting using Grafana.

Preferred Experience/Education :

  • Bachelor\’s degree or higher in computer science, or a related engineering subject.

What Can You Expect Our team members are bright, energetic, and dedicated – they are the driving force behind our innovation and impact. To attract the best and brightest, we offer a competitive employee benefits program. We view it as a smart investment in our people, one that recognises the tremendous value they bring to our business every day. At Illumina, we push boundaries. We think beyond the conventional. We dream big. With the energy of so many bright and accomplished people, the opportunities are endless. INDEUR
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 To learn more, visit: 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Senior Software Engineer employer: Illumina

At Illumina, we are not just a company; we are a community of innovators dedicated to transforming human health through genomic technology. Our collaborative and inclusive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering employees the chance to engage in meaningful projects that impact lives globally. With competitive benefits and a commitment to diversity, working at our Cambridge location means being part of a pioneering team that values your contributions and empowers you to make a difference.
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Contact Detail:

Illumina Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Software Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Agile methodologies, as this role thrives in a collaborative and fast-paced environment. Brush up on your experience working in Agile teams and be ready to discuss how you've contributed to team success in previous projects.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight your backend development skills, particularly with Python and REST APIs. Be prepared to share specific examples of projects where you’ve successfully implemented these technologies, as they are crucial for the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your experience with CI/CD pipelines and containerisation tools like Docker and Kubernetes. Discuss any challenges you've faced in these areas and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.

✨Tip Number 4

Emphasise your communication skills and your ability to document and share knowledge. This is vital in a multidisciplinary team, so prepare to give examples of how you've effectively communicated technical information to non-technical stakeholders.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Software Engineer

Backend Development with Python
REST API Development
Experience with AngularJS
CI/CD Pipeline Management
Containerisation with Docker and Kubernetes
Relational Database Management (PostgreSQL, MySQL)
Version Control using Git and GitHub
Linux Command Line Proficiency
Agile Development Methodology
Test Automation Collaboration
Technical Documentation Skills
DevOps Best Practices
Experience in Regulated Environments
Event-Driven Architecture (Kafka, RabbitMQ)
Cloud Services (AWS)
Software Development for Medical Devices

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure to customise your CV to highlight your experience in backend development, particularly with Python and REST APIs. Mention any relevant projects that showcase your skills in Agile environments and your familiarity with tools like Docker and Kubernetes.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for healthcare innovation and how your background aligns with Illumina's mission. Be specific about your experience with genomic data processing and your collaborative approach in software development.

Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your proficiency in CI/CD pipelines, relational databases, and any experience you have with cloud services like AWS. Highlight your ability to work in regulated environments, as this is a plus for the role.

Demonstrate Communication Skills: Since the role requires strong communication, include examples of how you've documented processes or shared knowledge within teams. This will show that you are a team player who values collaboration and information sharing.

How to prepare for a job interview at Illumina

✨Showcase Your Technical Skills

Be prepared to discuss your experience with backend development, particularly in Python and REST APIs. Highlight any projects where you've used these technologies, and be ready to explain your approach to problem-solving in a technical context.

✨Demonstrate Agile Experience

Since the role involves working in Agile teams, share specific examples of how you've contributed to Agile projects. Discuss your familiarity with Agile methodologies and how you collaborate with team members to deliver high-quality software.

✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions

Expect questions that assess your teamwork and communication skills. Prepare examples that illustrate your ability to document processes, share knowledge, and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

✨Understand the Company’s Mission

Research Illumina's impact on healthcare and genomic technology. Be ready to articulate why you're passionate about contributing to meaningful healthcare innovation and how your skills align with their mission.

Senior Software Engineer
Illumina
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I
  • Senior Software Engineer

    Cambridge
    Full-Time
    48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-09-02

  • I

    Illumina

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