Staff Opto-Mechanical Engineer

10x Genomics•Pleasanton, CA

About The Position

As a Staff Opto-Mechanical Engineer at 10x Genomics, you will provide technical leadership for the optical-mechanical architecture of the company’s instruments. You will guide the development of precision optomechanical systems for sequencing and spatial biology, mentor engineers, and drive process innovations that support the product pipeline. You will lead the architecture and design of imaging and illumination subsystems, integrate them across multiple engineering disciplines, and translate optical requirements into mechanical tolerances and stability budgets. The role includes precision motion and alignment design, structural and thermal analysis, and ensuring technical, performance, laser safety, and regulatory compliance. You will own optomechanical projects from concept and prototyping through testing, manufacturing, and deployment. Working with NPI, Manufacturing, Service, and strategic vendors, you will make assemblies scalable, reliable, and field-serviceable, and improve engineering tools and workflows. You will also represent optomechanics to senior leadership, lead cross-functional collaboration, mentor and recruit engineers, and identify and support patent opportunities.

Requirements

BS, MS, or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
At least 10 years of relevant industry experience in optomechanical design within biotech, life science instrumentation, medical devices, semiconductor/metrology, or other high-tech instrumentation.
Deep expertise in precision mounting of optical components, kinematic and semi-kinematic design, flexures, thermal management and athermalization, and materials selection for dimensional stability.
Working knowledge of geometrical and physical optics, imaging systems, and illumination, including lasers and LEDs, sufficient to partner with optical designers and interpret ray-trace and tolerance results.
High proficiency in 3D CAD; SolidWorks and EPDM/PDMWorks are preferred.
Advanced expertise in FEA, thermal analysis, and tolerance analysis, including optomechanical stack-ups.
Proven experience integrating optical assemblies with motors, actuators, stages, sensors, cameras, lasers, and temperature controllers in complex electromechanical systems.
Thorough understanding of product development, including design controls, specifications, design reviews, risk analysis, transfer to manufacturing, and field reliability tracking.

Nice To Haves

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 using 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 standards such as IEC 60825 and FDA/CDRH, and cleanliness or contamination control for optical assemblies.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including 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 and ECO processes.
Basic knowledge of software or electrical design to support cross-functional collaboration.
High energy, a hands-on, can-do approach, and strong interest in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

Lead architecture and design of imaging and illumination subsystems, including optical benches, component mounts, filter and dichroic assemblies, laser and illumination delivery, and detector or camera modules.
Drive multidisciplinary integration across optical, mechanical, fluidic, electrical, and software domains.
Develop precision stages, focus and autofocus mechanisms, flexures, kinematic mounts, and active or passive alignment strategies.
Translate optical requirements into mechanical tolerances, stability budgets, and design constraints.
Use FEA, thermal modeling, and optical modeling tools to predict thermal drift, vibration sensitivity, and stress-induced optical distortion; design for failure modes and optimize critical assemblies.
Ensure designs meet technical, performance, laser safety, and regulatory standards.
Own optomechanical design projects from concept, prototyping, and testing through manufacturing and deployment; develop project plans and manage timelines and deliverables.
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.
Propose and implement engineering tools, metrology and test methods, and design workflows to reduce development cycle times and costs without sacrificing quality.
Lead and influence cross-functional teams to ensure seamless system integration.
Represent optomechanics technically, presenting data, risks, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
Mentor and develop engineers, foster an inclusive and growth-oriented culture, and help with recruiting.
Identify patent opportunities and prepare and review patent submissions.