Staff Mechanical Engineer

What you will be doing

As a Staff Mechanical Engineer at 10x Genomics, you will take on full leadership of critical projects and teams. You will serve as a technical expert and thought leader within the mechanical engineering function, wielding significant influence over both the strategy and execution of complex, high-impact mechanical systems. In this role, you will guide the development of cutting-edge mechanical technologies for breakthrough spatial biology applications, play a central role in mentoring and growing the engineering team, and drive process innovations that contribute directly to the company's product pipeline and long-term mission.

Key Responsibilities

Technical & Design Leadership

• Strategic Mechanical Design: Lead the architecture and design of large-scale mechanical systems and critical subsystems for complex biotech devices. Drive multi-disciplinary integration across mechanical, fluidic, electrical, optical, and software domains.
• Biotech Innovation: Lead the development of novel mechanical approaches to solve complex problems in genomics (e.g., bioprocessing systems, automation platforms, liquid handling, and consumables). Explore and implement emerging technologies like robotics, advanced automation, or novel fabrication methods.
• Regulatory & Environment Compliance: Ensure all designs meet rigorous technical, performance, and regulatory standards.
• Advanced Modeling & Simulation: Utilize advanced simulation tools (such as FEA, CFD, and multi-body dynamics) to predict system behavior under operational conditions, design for failure modes, and optimize complex mechanical parts and assemblies.

Project Execution & Process Optimization

• End-to-End Project Ownership: Take full ownership of critical mechanical design projects from initial concept, prototyping, and testing through to manufacturing and final deployment. Develop comprehensive project plans, managing timelines and deliverables.
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Work closely with NPI, Manufacturing, and Service teams to optimize designs for scalability and reliability. Perform DFMEAs and identify, research, and collaborate with strategic external vendors and suppliers.
• Process Improvement: Propose and implement new engineering tools, testing methodologies, or design workflows to optimize team efficiency, reduce cycle times, and develop costs without sacrificing quality.

Collaboration, Communication & Leadership

• Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Lead and influence cross-functional teams (including Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Software, and Electrical Engineering) to ensure seamless system integration.
• Executive & External Representation: Act as the primary technical representative for mechanical engineering. Present complex data, technical 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, provide career development guidance, and actively assist in recruitment efforts.
• IP Generation: Identify opportunities to patent new technologies or design approaches, actively preparing and reviewing patent submissions to establish a competitive market advantage.

Minimum Requirements

• Education & Experience: BS/MS/Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering with a minimum of 10 years of relevant industry experience within biotech, medical devices, robotics, or high-tech instrumentation.
• Technical Mastery: Deep theoretical fundamentals in kinematics/dynamics, thermals, materials selection (plastics, metals), fluidics, and stress analysis.
• CAD & Simulation Proficiency: High proficiency in 3D CAD design and surfacing (SolidWorks and EPDM/PDMWorks preferred). Advanced expertise in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and tolerance analysis.
• System Integration: Proven experience managing complex electromechanical assemblies containing motors, actuators, pumps, valves, regulators, sensors, cameras, and temperature controllers.
• Product Lifecycle Knowledge: Thorough understanding of all phases of the product development lifecycle, including design control processes (specifications, design reviews, risk analysis), transfer to manufacturing, and field reliability tracking.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to distill complex technical data for executive-level presentations.
• Demonstrated experience in at least two of the following specialized areas: control systems, dynamics/kinematics, mass flow/thermodynamics, optical systems, or fluidic handling.
• Prior experience establishing a culture of innovation, driving patent submissions, or acting as an industry thought leader through publications or speaking engagements.
• Hands-on experience with machining, prototyping, and operating machine shop equipment.
• Familiarity with electronic document control systems (ECO processes).
• Basic knowledge of software programming or electrical engineering design to better facilitate cross-functional collaboration.
• High energy, a hands-on, can-do approach, and a strong interest in working within 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.

Pay Range

$179,300 - $242,500 USD