Senior Hardware Engineer, Automation

Amazon

Seattle, WA

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JOB DETAILS

SKILLS

American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Assembly Line, Automated Assembly Equipment, Automation, CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), Computer Engineering, Computer Workstations, Continuous Improvement, Control Systems, Corrective Action, Cross-Functional, Design Evaluation, Documentation, Emerging Technology, Engineering Drawing, Failure Analysis, Hardware Design, Hardware Development, High Throughput, Human Machine Interface (HMI), ISO (International Organization for Standardization), Illustrating Ability, Investment Strategy, Loading/Unloading, Machine Tool, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Management, Mechanical Design, Mechanical Engineering, Mentoring, Multiplatform/Cross-Platform, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), Problem Solving Skills, Process Analysis, Process Improvement, Process Validation, Production Systems, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Relationship Management, Rich Internet Application (RIA), Risk Analysis, Robotics, Root Cause Analysis, Safety Standards, Safety Systems, SolidWorks, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Standards Strategy, System Architecture, System Integration (SI), System Operations, Systems Engineering, Systems Hardware, Systems Reliability, Technical Analysis, Technical Delivery, Technical Leadership, Technical Writing, Trade Studies, Use Cases, Vendor/Supplier Evaluation, Vendor/Supplier Planning

LOCATION

Seattle, WA

POSTED

14 days ago

Description Amazon is seeking a Senior Hardware Engineer to lead the evaluation, customization, and deployment of automated mechanical systems that support our advanced robotics programs. This role serves as the technical lead for mechanical hardware strategy, vendor engagement, system integration, and operational readiness across a range of automation platforms. You will partner with internal engineering teams and external vendors to deliver robust, production-ready mechanical solutions for complex automation challenges. This role requires deep experience with automated assembly systems, robotic platforms, material handling, and safety systems, along with the ability to think holistically-connecting vendor evaluation, mechanical design, and system-level performance. You will act as a technical leader within the broader engineering organization, driving alignment and execution across design, quality, and manufacturing domains. Key job responsibilities - Own end-to-end evaluation and selection of commercially available automation solutions, critically assessing designs against internal use cases and driving informed make-versus-buy decisions - Work directly with vendors to customize mechanical and automation solutions to address varied and demanding requirements, leading technical evaluation, qualification, and deployment - Deep dive mechanical failures during pilots and early deployments to identify root causes, critically evaluate vendor assertions, and drive corrective actions - Independently design, develop, and validate mechanical hardware for automated systems including workstations, robotic arms, safety systems, material handling, and part load/unload mechanisms - Develop and deliver detailed CAD models, engineering drawings, trade studies, and technical documentation using SolidWorks or NX - Define fixturing, tooling, and workholding strategies to ensure repeatability, precision, and efficient integration across automation platforms - Build and manage relationships with automation OEMs, system integrators, and component suppliers, leading technical discussions and driving accountability for deliverables - Collaborate cross-functionally with systems engineers, product managers, and manufacturing teams to ensure cohesive planning, integration, and execution of automated solutions - Establish and maintain comprehensive documentation including design reviews, failure analyses, process validation records, and standard operating procedures - Contribute to the growth of the engineering team by mentoring peers, training junior engineers, and participating in design reviews and hiring activities - Evaluate emerging automation technologies, materials, and techniques and recommend strategic investments to enhance capabilities Basic Qualifications - Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams - Bachelor's degree in robotics, mechanical/mechatronics engineering, systems engineering or related field - 7+ years of experience in mechanical hardware design, development, and validation for automated or robotic systems - Proven ability to independently design and deliver mechanical hardware from concept through production with limited guidance - Strong CAD proficiency (SolidWorks or NX) with experience producing detailed drawings, assemblies, and technical documentation - Experience evaluating vendor designs and making informed make-versus-buy trade-off decisions - Demonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis on mechanical failures and drive corrective actions - Experience working with external vendors and system integrators to deliver customized technical solutions - Proficiency in data-driven decision making, including use of trade studies, structured problem solving, and technical risk assessment Preferred Qualifications - Master's degree or above in robotics, mechanical/mechatronics engineering, systems engineering or related field - Experience with high-volume manufacturing line design and deployment - Knowledge of robotic safety standards (e.g., ISO 10218, ANSI/RIA 15.06) and material handling standards - Experience working with traditional robotic systems and custom automation solutions such as gantries, pick-and-place robots, and vision systems - Understanding of industrial control systems and PLC/HMI programming capabilities - Experience designing and scaling automated systems in high-throughput production environments - Familiarity with system architecture trade-offs, standardization strategies, and lifecycle management - Experience driving continuous improvement initiatives with measurable impact on system performance and reliability - Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable plans for diverse stakeholders Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you're applying in isn't listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner. The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits . USA, MA, N.Reading - 137,300.00 - 185,700.00 USD annually USA, WA, Seattle - 137,300.00 - 185,700.00 USD annually

About the Company

Amazon

At Amazon, we don’t wait for the next big idea to present itself. We envision the shape of impossible things and then we boldly make them reality. So far, this mindset has helped us achieve some incredible things. Let’s build new systems, challenge the status quo, and design the world we want to live in. We believe the work you do here will be the best work of your life.

Wherever you are in your career exploration, Amazon likely has an opportunity for you. Our research scientists and engineers shape the future of natural language understanding with Alexa. Fulfillment center associates around the globe send customer orders from our warehouses to doorsteps. Product managers set feature requirements, strategy, and marketing messages for brand new customer experiences. And as we grow, we’ll add jobs that haven’t been invented yet.

It’s Always Day 1
At Amazon, it’s always “Day 1.” Now, what does this mean and why does it matter? It means that our approach remains the same as it was on Amazon’s very first day – to make smart, fast decisions, stay nimble, invent, and stay focused on delighting our customers. In our 2016 shareholder letter, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos shared his thoughts on how to keep up a Day 1 company mindset. “Staying in Day 1 requires you to experiment patiently, accept failures, plant seeds, protect saplings, and double down when you see customer delight,” he wrote. “A customer-obsessed culture best creates the conditions where all of that can happen.” You can read the full letter here

Our Leadership Principles
Our Leadership Principles help us keep a Day 1 mentality. They aren’t just a pretty inspirational wall hanging. Amazonians use them, every day, whether they’re discussing ideas for new projects, deciding on the best solution for a customer’s problem, or interviewing candidates. To read through our Leadership Principles from Customer Obsession to Bias for Action, visit https://www.amazon.jobs/principles

COMPANY SIZE

10,000 employees or more

INDUSTRY

Other/Not Classified

FOUNDED

1994

WEBSITE

http://Amazon.com/militaryroles

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