Fluidics Engineering Intern, Instrument

About The Role:

Join the Fluidics Team as a key contributor to the next generation of 10X Genomics' instrumentation. In this role, you will investigate high-potential, low-cost fluidic actuation technologies—specifically piezoelectric pumps—to determine their viability for our future product roadmap.

As an intern, you will bridge the gap between theoretical physics and product application. Your daily responsibilities will involve designing experimental test beds, conducting high-precision measurements of fluid flow, and analyzing the failure modes of novel hardware. You will work in a fast-paced laboratory environment, collaborating closely with software and fluidics engineers to provide the data necessary for critical "Go/No-Go" architecture decisions.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Feasibility Testing: Design and execute a comprehensive testing suite to evaluate the performance, accuracy, and reliability of novel piezoelectric pump architectures.
• Experimental Design (DOE): Develop rigorous protocols to characterize pump behavior under varying pressures, temperatures, and fluid viscosities.
• Data Analysis: Utilize statistical tools to analyze lifecycle data, identifying failure modes and determining the "robustness envelope" of low-cost components.
• Hardware Integration: Build and maintain custom test benches involving sensors, data acquisition (DAQ) systems, and fluidic manifolds.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with the Instrument Software and Mechanical teams to assess how to operate these components and how to integrate them into an instrument design.
• Strategic Reporting: Author a final technical whitepaper and present findings to R&D leadership, providing a clear recommendation for technology integration.

To Be Successful, You Will Need:

• Current enrollment in a Master's or PhD program in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Mechatronics, or a related field (Exceptional Undergraduate Seniors with significant research experience may be considered).
• Fluid Dynamics: Strong fundamental understanding of fluid mechanics (microfluidics experience is a plus).
• Analytical Tools: Proficiency in data analysis software such as MATLAB, Python (NumPy/Pandas), or JMP/Minitab.
• Hands-on Prototyping: Experience with laboratory instrumentation, pressure/flow sensors, and DAQ hardware (e.g., LabVIEW or Arduino/Raspberry Pi).
• Communication: Ability to distill complex experimental data into clear, actionable technical reports.

Preferred Experience

• Previous internship or academic research experience in hardware validation, actuator characterization, or medical device development.
• Familiarity with piezoelectric materials or high-precision pumping systems.
• Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks or similar) for designing basic test fixtures.