Intern – Optical Engineer @ 10x Genomics

About the role

We are seeking an optical engineering intern to join the hardware engineering department for the Summer of 2025 at our 10X Genomics headquarters in Pleasanton, CA.

The hardware engineering group is responsible for the design, build, and test of 10x’s consumer, and some of its internal, instruments from R&D prototypes to manufacturing pilot builds. Most recently our group has shipped CytAssist and the industry leading Xenium Analyzer. We are currently looking for an outstanding optical engineering intern to join our optical team for a 12-week summer internship to work on cutting edge research projects.

Ideal candidates are ambitious, intelligent, and self-motivated with a strong sense of urgency. You are just as comfortable wielding a socket wrench as fine-tuning lens alignment. You have a passion for tinkering and hands-on work in a lab, while also enjoying data analysis. This is an ideal opportunity for rising senior undergraduates or 1+ year graduate students who are curious about what life beyond the ivory tower (i.e. life in industry) looks like!

What You’ll Do

Assembling optical prototypes using CAD and off-the-shelf parts.
Developing data acquisition routines including control of mechanical, fluidics, and optical devices.
Analyzing collected data: spectra, signal and images.
Troubleshooting issues like misalignment, contamination, and leaks.

To Succeed, You’ll Need

For undergraduate students: have completed second year of college with at least one optics course with a lab component.
For graduate students: work in a lab with an optics and / or instrumentation focus.
Basic knowledge of optical principles and concepts, such as geometrical optics, image and camera resolutions, aberrations, etc.
Hands-on experience with optical components and laboratory equipment: including wide-field microscopes, LEDs, machine vision lenses and cameras, power meters, diode lasers, and more.
Experience with the alignment of basic optical assemblies such as 4f relay systems, beam expanders, etc.
Proficiency in using Python or similar tools (e.g. Matlab) for the automated control of equipment, as well as for data acquisition and processing.

Nice to Have

Experience with Optical CAD (e.g., ZEMAX).
Proficiency in Mechanical CAD (e.g., SolidWorks).
Advanced image processing (feature extraction, noise reduction, object recognition/tracking).
Knowledge of Fourier optics and Aberration theory.
Familiarity with rapid prototyping (e.g., 3D printing).
Proficient in Git version control.
Expert ability to use a ball driver.

“Regular” US-Based Jobs (Single Region) - Internships:

Below is the base pay range for this position. The actual base pay will depend on several factors unique to each candidate, including one’s skills, qualifications, and experience. Unless otherwise required by law, this role is not eligible for 10x’s health benefit program. During the hiring process, your 10x recruiter can share more information about the Company’s compensation and benefits.

Pay Range

$26—$48 USD

About 10x Genomics

At 10x Genomics, accelerating our understanding of biology is more than a mission for us. It is a commitment. This is the century of biology, and the breakthroughs we make now have the potential to change the world.

We enable scientists to advance their research, allowing them to address scientific questions they did not even know they could ask. Our tools have enabled fundamental discoveries across biology including cancer, immunology, and neuroscience.

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.

Intern – Optical Engineer

10x Genomics

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