As a Staff Mechanical Engineer, you will serve as a primary technical architect and design leader for our next generation of biotech platforms. You will bridge the gap between complex instrument hardware and high-volume biotech consumables. This role requires a deep technical expertise in plastics, fluidics, and consumables while steering cross-functional teams through the full product lifecycle. You are not just designing parts; you are defining and driving the technical strategy that ensures our products are scalable, regulatory-compliant, and revolutionary. Join the team that brought Atera to life!

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 Management (ISO 14971), FMEA, and Gage R&R.

About the Role:

The Mechanical Engineering Intern assists in the design and analysis of mechanical systems and test fixtures specifically for biotechnology and life sciences instrumentation. Conducts feasibility testing and data collection on new and modified designs. Supports the R&D engineering team in the preparation of detailed design of test equipment, test setups, data analysis, and documentation.

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Mechanical Engineering Intern to join the Hardware Engineering group for a 3-month term over the summer of 2026. This role will primarily support critical product testing and validation efforts for our ultra-precision life sciences instrumentation, including components for automation and fluid handling. The ideal candidate will have a foundational understanding of Mechanical Engineering principles and a strong desire for hands-on experience in testing, small-scale fixture design and data analysis.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Test Fixture Design and Modeling: Assist in the design and modeling of small mechanical test fixtures using CAD software (SolidWorks) required for specific component or system validation in life science instruments.
• Experimental Execution: Execute mechanical, thermal, or functional tests on prototypes and existing designs, often involving precise control of movement or fluids.
• Data Acquisition and Light Coding: Support the setup of data logging and instrumentation. Perform light coding tasks (e.g., in Python or MATLAB) for data acquisition, reduction, or basic control of test sequences involving sensors and actuators.
• Data Analysis: Process, analyze, and interpret collected test data to identify performance metrics and potential areas for improvement, especially concerning precision, repeatability, and reliability.
• Design Support: Collaborate with senior engineers to review test results and propose minor design updates or modifications based on findings, with an emphasis on Design for Reliability and Design for Manufacturing (DFM).
• Documentation: Assist in preparing detailed documentation, including test procedures, results summaries, and contributing to documentation.
• System Understanding: Support testing related to electro-mechanical components, fluidic systems (pneumatic or microfluidic), and structural elements common in laboratory automation.

To Be Successful, You Will Need: 

• Currently pursuing a B.S. or M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering; preference for candidates who have completed their Junior year or higher.
• Technical Skills:
• Familiarity with at least one CAD software package (e.g., SolidWorks).
• Foundational knowledge of thermal dynamics, fluid dynamics, and stress analysis relevant to small, precise mechanisms.
• Working knowledge of a programming language suitable for data analysis and/or test automation (e.g., Python or MATLAB) is a strong plus.
• Professional Aptitude:
• Desire to gain hands-on experience in mechanical testing and validation within a technical R&D environment.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and accurately document work.
• Strong communication skills and a willingness to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team (Assay, Optical, Electrical).
• Interest in life science instrumentation and automation.

About The Role

We are looking for an outstanding individual to join our Program Management group as part of the 10X R&D team in Pleasanton. You will work on Program teams with biologists, chemists, engineers, computational biologists, and software engineers who are developing truly new products. Our products have allowed researchers to study biology at unprecedented resolution and scale; yielding insights in diverse fields such as cancer biology, immunology, neuroscience, and developmental biology.

As a 10X Program manager, you will be on high-energy, cross-functional teams that are developing important new products, both instruments and consumables, for our customers. You will partner closely with the technical lead of each program to make sure that the priorities, risks, resources, and schedule are established, managed, and adjusted when necessary. You will use your solid technical background and prioritization skills to guide team conversations about the scope of the work being done and potential paths. Your strong communication skills will keep everyone on the same page and make sure everyone is heard. Of course, as a Program manager by nature, your excellent organizational skills will assure that nothing falls through the cracks or is missed.

What You Will Be Doing

• Serve as Program Manager on 10x R&D teams across new product development and introduction programs, leading cross-functional teams to define and commit to the right scope, schedule, and budget to deliver scientific and business results.
• Partner closely with technical leads to establish and actively manage program priorities, risks, resources, and schedules — adjusting as the science and development landscape evolves.
• Drive and track day-to-day program work, ensuring problems are rapidly identified and resolved using modern program management tools and techniques.
• Lead program communications and phase approval reviews, providing clear and concise updates to all levels of the team and stakeholders, tailoring style to a broad range of audiences.
• Actively leverage advanced AI tools (e.g., Claude, Gemini, Asana AI) to accelerate program planning, synthesize complex information, and establish best practices for AI-assisted program management across the group.
• Assess and improve Program Management workflows and communication processes.
• Note: this is not an IT or SW project management position

To Be Successful In This Role, You Will Need

• Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering, chemistry, biology, or a related life science or biomedical engineering field.
• 5+ years proven experience in new product or technology development at a Life Sciences company, with a successful track record (2+ years) as the lead program manager.
• Demonstrated ability to manage programs spanning both early exploratory research and late-stage development; comfortable with ambiguity early and rigor late.
• Concrete cases of working with diverse stakeholders — biologists, engineers, chemists, computational scientists — to build shared plans and drive alignment.
• Demonstrated adoption of advanced AI tools (such as Claude or AI-integrated platforms like Asana or equivalent) as a meaningful part of your day-to-day work.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex technical topics across various levels of the organization.
• Strong grasp of technical project management techniques for building and managing project schedules and project costs

Preferred Skils:

• Experience developing platforms combining fluidics, optics, or molecular biology.
• Familiarity with sequencing, imaging, or spatial biology workflows.
• PMP Certification.
• Hands-on experience with Life Sciences instrumentation.
• Familiarity with existing 10x Genomics products.

About the Role:

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in leading the mechanical design of complex biotech consumables from concept through production. You will be a key technical contributor, problem solver, and mentor, working across disciplines to drive innovation and ensure system success. Your expertise in mechanical design, prototyping, testing, and regulatory compliance will be instrumental in delivering high-performance, scalable solutions that meet the stringent demands of biotech environments.

What you will be doing:

• Lead the mechanical design of complex biotech consumables from concept through production
• Focus on injection-molded (IM) plastics, over-molding, LSR, and advanced assembly techniques like ultrasonic welding and laser bonding
• 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
• Contribute to the design and development of high-complexity mechanical systems for biotech applications, ensuring seamless integration with biological and chemical workflows
• Apply advanced engineering principles in mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and materials science to solve intricate design challenges

• Drive prototype development and oversee rigorous validation testing to ensure optimal system performance
• Ensure designs meet relevant regulatory standards (e.g., FDA, ISO, GMP) in partnership with compliance teams
• Drive projects from concept to commercialization, managing scope, schedules, risks, and trade-offs. Identify risks early, and implement mitigation strategies to maintain timelines and budget
• Act as a technical liaison between mechanical engineering and cross-functional teams (e.g., R&D, software, manufacturing, quality assurance) to ensure system integration

• Participate in failure mode analysis and implement corrective design improvements to enhance reliability and manufacturability

• Present project updates and design proposals to project leadership, ensuring alignment with project objectives
• Foster a collaborative team environment, mentoring junior engineers and driving knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• Multi-year experience in mechanical design and product development, preferably in biotech, medical devices, or related industries
• Proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, or equivalent) and engineering analysis tools
• Strong understanding of mechanical system integration, prototyping, and validation testing
• Experience with regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, ISO 13485, GMP) for biotech or medical device applications
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects, mentor engineers, and drive cross-functional collaboration

Preferred Qualifications:

• Deep knowledge of thermoplastic resins (COC, COP, PC, PP), elastomers (TPE/TPU), and the nuances of high-volume injection molding
• Experience in fluidic systems, thermal management, or precision mechanics for biotech applications
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, including injection molding, machining, and 3D printing
• Familiarity with risk assessment methodologies (FMEA, DFMEA, etc.)

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