Automation Engineer III, Liquid Handling & MFG Automation

10x Genomics Inc; Pleasanton (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

10x Genomics Inc. seeks an Automation Engineer III to join the Manufacturing Systems Engineering Group in Pleasanton, CA.

You will develop, validate, and support automated liquid handling methods on Hamilton systems, write scalable code, and lead investigations into cross‑contamination and volume accuracy while collaborating with R&D, Process Development, Manufacturing, and Quality teams. The role emphasizes hands‑on automation, qualification activities, and the use of AI tools to accelerate

Qualifications

• Degree in engineering or Life Science or CS or equivalent.
• 5+ years in manufacturing or lab automation with a bachelor's degree.
• 3+ years hands-on Hamilton liquid handler development in VENUS.
• Proven ability to write scalable, well-documented liquid handling code.
• Experience in SBS labware, barcodes, and sample tracking.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, IQ/OQ/PQ, and statistics for qualification.

Responsibilities

• Develop, program, and optimize automated liquid handling methods on Hamilton systems.
• Write scalable, modular liquid handling code with version control.
• Lead RCAs for liquid handling issues and implement corrective actions.
• Configure instruments and integrate data APIs for automation tools.
• Deliver small automation projects and support equipment qualification.

Skills

Automation

Hamilton

Scripting

VENUS

Python

QA/QC

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in Engineering, Life Science, or Computer Science

Tools

Hamilton VENUS

HSL

IQ/OQ/PQ

Git/GitHub

Job description

About the role:

We are seeking an Automation Engineer III to join our Manufacturing Systems Engineering Group at 10x Genomics. This is a key position supporting the manufacturing of 10x reagents and consumables. You will develop, validate, and support automated liquid handling methods on Hamilton liquid handlers (Microlab STAR, STARlet, and Vantage), onboard and support analytical instrumentation, and deliver small automation projects, working closely with R&D, Process Development, Manufacturing, and Quality teams.

The ideal candidate is a hands‑on MFG automation engineer who writes liquid handling code that others can read, reuse, and scale, owns methods from requirements through qualification and production support, enjoys finding the root cause of hard problems like cross‑contamination and volume variability, and uses modern tools-including AI‑to work faster without cutting corners.

What you will be doing:

• Develop, program, troubleshoot, and optimize automated liquid handling methods on Hamilton liquid handlers (STAR, STARlet, Vantage) for Manufacturing using VENUS software and Hamilton Scripting Language (HSL), including advanced scripting for complex methods that require collaboration with internal teams and external vendors.

• Write scalable, modular, and maintainable liquid handling code with standardized error handling and recovery, managed under version control.

• Develop, optimize, and validate liquid classes and integrate Hamilton peripherals.

• Lead root cause investigations and corrective actions on liquid handling issues, including cross-contamination, carryover, and volume accuracy and precision, and implement fixes through change control.

• Develop and implement QC methods that verify liquid handling performance, and use statistics to qualify equipment and process performance.

• Configure, onboard, and support analytical instrumentation, including data and API integrations with liquid handlers and software tools.

• Scope, design, and deliver small automation projects, and perform hands‑on troubleshooting of automation and manufacturing equipment.

• Support equipment transfers, installations, and qualification and validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ).

• Develop work instructions and qualification documentation for new equipment, and review existing documents regularly and update them when needed.

• Establish maintenance plans, analyze performance data, identify trends, and recommend improvements to reliability and yield.

• Create and maintain procedures supporting the QMS in an ISO 9001 environment, including FMEAs.

• Use AI tools to accelerate code development, documentation, data analysis, and troubleshooting.

• Provide production support and continuous improvement for existing methods and automation, including off‑shift or weekend support as needed.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Engineering, Life Science, Computer Science, or equivalent.

• 5+ years of relevant industry experience with a bachelor's degree, or 3+ years with a master's degree, in a manufacturing or laboratory automation environment.

• 3+ years of hands‑on Hamilton liquid handler method development, troubleshooting, and optimization in VENUS, including liquid class development and peripheral integration.

• Demonstrated ability to write scalable, maintainable, well-documented liquid handling code that can be reviewed, reused, and transferred.

• Experience in life science reagent or consumables manufacturing, including SBS labware, tubes, barcodes, and sample tracking.

• Hands‑on experience troubleshooting automation equipment, with structured root cause analysis (e.g., 5 Whys, fishbone, etc) across mechanical, electrical, and software systems.

• Familiarity with standard equipment such as plate sealers, vacuum sealers, pipettes, labelers, and pumps.

• Knowledge of equipment qualification procedures (IQ/OQ/PQ) and experience writing work instructions and qualification protocols and reports.

• Experience using statistics to validate or qualify equipment or processes (e.g., capability analysis, gage R&R, DOE).

• Experience working in an ISO 9001 quality management system, including document control and change control.

• Experience using statistics to validate or qualify equipment or processes (e.g., capability analysis, gage R&R, DOE).

• Experience working in an ISO 9001 quality management system, including document control and change control.

• AI fluency: practical, day-to-day use of generative AI tools (e.g., LLM-based assistants and AI coding assistants) to accelerate engineering work, with the judgment to critically evaluate and verify outputs and to use AI responsibly with company data.

• Demonstrated skill in problem-solving and the ability to handle operations issues in a fast-paced environment with a customer-focused attitude.

• Strong communication, organization, and prioritization skills, with the ability to act independently while balancing a broad range of organizational needs.

• Ability and willingness to work swing shift and/or weekends as needed to support manufacturing operations.

• Ability to routinely lift, carry, push, and pull equipment, containers, and materials weighing up to 45 lbs.

• Capable of standing and walking for extended periods, as well as frequently bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching to complete daily operational tasks.

• Comfortable working in an active laboratory environment with chemical and biological hazards, while strictly adhering to EHS safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements

Preferred Skills & background:

• Familiarity with GitHub or Git and maintaining a shared codebase (branching, code review, release versioning).

• Ability to write and support Python code for data analysis, scripting, and instrument integration.

• Experience with Hamilton TADM, liquid level detection (cLLD/pLLD), CO-RE 96 multi-probe head, iSWAP, and common peripherals.

• Experience with analytical instrumentation such as plate readers, spectrophotometers, fragment analyzers, or HPLC.

• Familiarity with standard shop tools such as calipers, wrenches, saws, drills, and grinders.

• Experience with PLC programming (ideally Allen Bradley) and HMI programming (ideally Ignition).

• Light mechanical design capability using SolidWorks (e.g., simple fixtures, brackets, and adapters for manufacturing automation).

• Experience with Arena PLM and Oracle ERP.

• Experience in regulated manufacturing environments (ISO 13485 or GMP) a plus.

Below is the base pay range for this full-time position. The actual base pay will depend on several factors unique to each candidate, including one's skills, qualifications, and experience. At 10x, base pay is also just one component of the Company's total compensation package. This role is also eligible for 10x's equity grants, its comprehensive health and retirement benefit programs, and its annual bonus program or sales incentive program. During the hiring process, your 10x recruiter can share more about the Company's total compensation package.

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.

Please be aware of recruitment scams impersonating 10x Genomics. All recruiting communication will come from email addresses @10xgenomics.com. We also want to encourage you to apply to 10x Genomics positions directly on our careers site, https://careers.kula.ai/10xgenomics?pid=171812447059&domain=10xgenomics.com or from reputable third party sites, such as LinkedIn or Indeed. We will never request payment or sensitive personal information during the recruiting process.

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