Staff Mechanical Engineer, Optomechanics

About the role:

As a Staff Mechanical Engineer, Optomechanics at 10x Genomics, you will take full technical leadership of the optical-mechanical architecture of our instruments. You will be the expert and thought leader on how optical performance is achieved, stabilized, and manufactured at scale. You will guide the development of precision optomechanical systems for sequencing and spatial biology, mentor and grow the engineering team, and drive process innovations that feed directly into the company’s product pipeline.

What you will be doing:

Technical & Design Leadership

• Optomechanical System Architecture: Lead the architecture and design of imaging and illumination subsystems, including optical benches, lens and mirror mounts, filter and dichroic assemblies, laser and illumination delivery, and detector/camera modules. Drive multi-disciplinary integration across optical, mechanical, fluidic, electrical, and software domains.

• Precision Motion & Alignment: Develop stages, focus and autofocus mechanisms, flexures, kinematic mounts, and active or passive alignment strategies that hold sub-micron to nanometer-level stability across operating conditions. Explore emerging approaches such as novel mount concepts, additive manufacturing, and advanced materials.

• Optical Performance Budgeting: Own the translation of optical requirements (focus, field flatness, registration, throughput, wavefront error, stray light) into mechanical tolerances, stability budgets, and design constraints.

• Structural, Thermal & Dynamic Analysis: Use FEA and thermal modeling, together with optical modeling tools (e.g., Zemax/OpticStudio, STOP analysis), to predict thermal drift, vibration sensitivity, and stress-induced optical distortion. Design for failure modes and optimize critical assemblies.

• Regulatory & Environmental Compliance: Ensure designs meet technical, performance, laser safety, and regulatory standards.

Project Execution & Process Optimization

• End-to-End Project Ownership: Own optomechanical design projects from concept, prototyping, and testing through manufacturing and deployment. Develop project plans and manage timelines and deliverables.

• Design for Manufacturability & Alignment at Scale: Work with NPI, Manufacturing, and Service to make optical assemblies scalable, reliable, and field-serviceable. Develop alignment, assembly, and test fixtures and procedures. Perform DFMEAs. Identify and work with strategic vendors for precision optics, machined components, and coatings.

• Process Improvement: Propose and implement new engineering tools, metrology and test methods, and design workflows that reduce cycle times and development costs without sacrificing quality.

Collaboration, Communication & Leadership

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead and influence teams across Optical Engineering, Electrical, Software, Chemistry, and Molecular Biology to ensure seamless system integration.

• Executive & External Representation: Act as the primary technical representative for optomechanics. Present technical data, risks, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.

• Team Development & Mentorship: Mentor and develop a high-performing team of engineers. Foster an inclusive, growth-oriented culture and help with recruiting.

• IP Generation: Identify opportunities to patent new optomechanical technologies and design approaches. Prepare and review patent submissions.

Minimum Requirements:

• Education & Experience: BS/MS/Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field, with a minimum of 10 years of relevant industry experience in optomechanical design within biotech, life science instrumentation, medical devices, semiconductor/metrology, or other high-tech instrumentation.

• Optomechanical Mastery: Deep expertise in precision mounting of optical components, kinematic and semi-kinematic design, flexures, thermal management and athermalization, and materials selection for dimensional stability (metals, ceramics, composites, adhesives).

• Optical Fundamentals: Working knowledge of geometrical and physical optics, imaging systems, and illumination (lasers, LEDs), sufficient to partner with optical designers and interpret ray-trace and tolerance results.

• CAD & Simulation Proficiency: High proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks and EPDM/PDMWorks preferred). Advanced expertise in FEA, thermal analysis, and tolerance analysis, including opto-mechanical stack-ups.

• System Integration: Proven experience integrating optical assemblies with motors, actuators, stages, sensors, cameras, lasers, and temperature controllers in complex electromechanical systems.

• Product Lifecycle Knowledge: Thorough understanding of product development, including design controls (specifications, design reviews, risk analysis), transfer to manufacturing, and field reliability tracking.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Hands-on experience with optical alignment, interferometry, wavefront or image-quality metrology, and bench characterization of imaging systems.

• Experience with fluorescence imaging, microscopy, or high-throughput optical instrumentation.

• Experience with optical modeling and integrated STOP analysis (Zemax/OpticStudio, CODE V, or similar).

• Experience with active alignment, autofocus, and closed-loop control of optical or motion systems.

• Demonstrated experience in at least two of the following: control systems, dynamics/kinematics, thermal/thermodynamic systems, optical systems, or fluidic handling.

• Familiarity with laser safety (e.g., IEC 60825, FDA/CDRH) and cleanliness/contamination control for optical assemblies.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex technical data for executive audiences.

• Experience building a culture of innovation, driving patent submissions, or acting as a thought leader through publications or speaking.

• Hands-on experience with machining, prototyping, and machine shop equipment.

• Familiarity with electronic document control systems (ECO processes).

• Basic knowledge of software or electrical design to support cross-functional collaboration.

• High energy, a hands-on, can-do approach, and a strong interest in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Below is the base pay range for this full-time position. The actual base pay will depend on several factors unique to each candidate, including one’s skills, qualifications, and experience. At 10x, base pay is also just one component of the Company’s total compensation package. This role is also eligible for 10x’s equity grants, its comprehensive health and retirement benefit programs, and its annual bonus program or sales incentive program. During the hiring process, your 10x recruiter can share more about the Company’s total compensation package.

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Our teams are empowered and encouraged to follow their passions, pursue new ideas, and perform at their best in an inclusive and dynamic environment. We know that behind every scientific breakthrough, there is a deep infrastructure of talented people driving the life sciences industry and making it possible for scientists and clinicians to make new strides. We are dedicated to finding the very best person for every aspect of our work because the innovations and discoveries that we enable together will lead to better technologies, better treatments, and a better future. Find out how you can make a 10x difference.

Individuals seeking employment at 10x Genomics are considered without regards to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, or sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
10x does not accept unsolicited applicants submitted by third-party recruiters or agencies. Any resume or application submitted to 10x without a vendor agreement in place will be considered unsolicited and property of 10x, and 10x will not pay a placement fee.

Please be aware of recruitment scams impersonating 10x Genomics. All recruiting communication will come from email addresses @10xgenomics.com. We also want to encourage you to apply to 10x Genomics positions directly on our careers site, https://careers.kula.ai/10xgenomics?pid=171812447059&domain=10xgenomics.com or from reputable third party sites, such as LinkedIn or Indeed. We will never request payment or sensitive personal information during the recruiting process.