Staff Mechanical Engineer, Consumables

About this role

What if your next design project wasn't just on new technology like a phone or domestic appliance but actually helped make cancer a thing of the past?

At 10x Genomics, our mission is to accelerate the mastery of biology to advance human health. But that progress doesn't happen in a vacuum—it is driven by new technologies and the people with the courage to build them.

We are moving with incredible urgency. We recently celebrated a massive milestone with the official unveiling of our newest innovation: Atera. This system is a prime example of how we use first principles to make the impossible possible, bringing high-impact single cell analysis to more researchers than ever before.

To keep this momentum going, we are looking for a Staff Mechanical Engineer, Consumables who isn't afraid of "difficult." This isn't just about CAD tools and validation testing; it’s about interdisciplinary collaboration and solving the intricate challenges that stand between us and the next medical breakthrough.

We believe that "WE" is more important than "ME." You’ll work alongside world-class scientists and manufacturing experts to ensure our consumables integrate perfectly with the biological workflows that are changing the world. Whether you are optimizing high-volume injection molding or leading a design from concept to commercialization, your work will be the foundation for the next generation of cures.

If you are a doer who loves a challenge and wants to build a lasting legacy, you’ll find your home here. We don't just follow the path set by others—we forge our own.

What you will be doing

1. Strategic Design & Technical Leadership

• High-Precision Consumables: Lead the architecture and design of complex biotech consumables, focusing on Injection Molded (IM) plastics, over-molding, LSR and assembly techniques (ultrasonic welding, laser bonding).

• Fluidic Integration: Drive the development of fluidic and microfluidic systems by consulting with fluidic SMEs, ensuring seamless integration between consumable cartridges and permanent instrument hardware.

• Advanced Simulation: Utilize FEA, tolerance analysis, and CFD to predict part behavior and ensure robust performance under laboratory operating conditions.

• Regulatory Excellence: Design for compliance with ISO 13485, FDA 21 CFR Part 820 as well as RUO. Contribute to the creation of Design History Files (DHF).

2. End-to-End Project Ownership

• Concept to production: Take full ownership of critical subsystems from "napkin sketch" through high-volume manufacturing (HVM).

• DFX Leadership: Champion Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA), working closely with toolmakers and CMOs to ensure tool designs and strategies are optimized.

• Vendor Management: Act as the primary technical point of contact for external molding partners and material suppliers, ensuring quality and performance standards are met.

3. Innovation & Problem Solving

• IP Generation: Identify and pursue patentable innovations in fluid handling, sealing technologies, and consumable-to-instrument interfaces.

• Root Cause Analysis: Lead complex failure analysis (FEA, SEM, etc.) for plastic components, identifying issues like creep, stress cracking, or biocompatibility failures and implementing permanent corrective actions.

4. Leadership & Mentorship

• Technical Mentorship: Directly mentor junior Engineers, fostering a culture of rigorous engineering discipline and creative problem-solving.

• Cross-Functional Bridge: Serve as the "mechanical voice" in rooms full of Biologists, Chemists, and Software Engineers to ensure the hardware meets the underlying science.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering.

• Experience: 10+ years of experience in mechanical design, with at least 5 years specifically in medical devices or biotech consumables.

• Plastics Expertise: Deep knowledge of thermoplastic resins (COC, COP, PC, PP), elastomers (TPE/TPU), and the nuances of high-volume injection molding.

• Tooling/Equipment: Experience with CAD (SolidWorks/Creo), PDM systems, and simulation suites.

• Quality Systems: Familiarity with Risk…