Sr. Automation Engineer, JP MHE & Automation Engineering

The Japan Amazon Logistics (AMZL) team is seeking a Sr. Automation Engineer to drive the strategy, development, and scalable deployment of Amazon Robotics Systems and Material Handling Equipment automation across our Japanese Delivery Station Network. The successful candidate will be a senior member of the Japanese Amazon Logistics Innovation Engineering team and will own the end-to-end automation roadmap - from concept development and business case justification through pilot execution, production deployment, and continuous improvement. This role requires a technically deep, strategically minded engineer who can influence cross-functional stakeholders, mentor junior engineers, and deliver complex automation programs that raise the bar on safety, quality, productivity, and cost efficiency.

You will serve as a subject matter expert for robotics and automation within AMZL JP, partnering with Process Engineering, Operations, Facilities, RME (Reliability & Maintenance Engineering), Finance, and Design Engineering teams. You will define technical standards, drive vendor strategy, and represent AMZL JP in WW and EU forums to align on technology roadmaps and best practices. This role will be based in Tokyo, Japan and involves frequent domestic travel.

*Related information [Department] https://www.amazon.co.jp/b?node=5637343051 [Location] https://www.amazon.co.jp/b?node=5589794051 [Job Category] https://www.amazon.co.jp/b?node=5609905051

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At Amazon, you'll work alongside the latest AI and GenAI tools that are increasingly woven into how teams operate: from AI-powered capabilities that accelerate decision-making, to Generative AI that helps you focus on work that truly matters. You'll have opportunities and resources to develop AI fluency at your own pace, with continuous learning built into the culture.

Key job responsibilities

Own the automation strategy and multi-year roadmap for AMZL JP Delivery Stations, identifying high-impact process paths for automation based on labor analysis, cost modeling, safety risk assessment, and operational performance data

Develop and present compelling business cases (CAPEX/OPEX, ROI, NPV, payback analysis) to senior leadership for automation investments, securing funding and organizational alignment

Lead end-to-end automation programs - from concept through design, pilot, validation, and full-scale deployment - ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet defined success criteria for productivity, quality, safety, and cost

Define technical standards and specifications for AR and MHE systems, including equipment layouts, integration architecture, controls requirements, installation details, commissioning plans, and acceptance criteria

Drive cross-functional collaboration with Process Engineering, Operations, Facilities, RME, Finance, and Design Engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of automation into existing workflows and building infrastructure

Serve as the AMZL JP subject matter expert for robotics and automation, representing the region in WW and EU cross-functional forums, contributing to technology roadmaps, and driving adoption of global best practices in JP

Manage vendor relationships and technical evaluations, including RFI/RFP processes, vendor selection, contract negotiations (in partnership with Procurement), FAT/SAT oversight, and ongoing performance management

Establish and own the lessons-learned framework for automation deployments, driving structured post-implementation reviews and feeding insights into next-generation design iterations

Partner with simulation and data analytics teams to validate new automation concepts, model throughput scenarios, and optimize system configurations before physical deployment

Define scalable deployment playbooks and turnkey installation approaches that field teams can execute independently for production rollouts across the JP network

Develop and implement Service & Maintenance strategies in collaboration with RME, ensuring long-term reliability, uptime targets, and total cost of ownership optimization for deployed automation systems

Mentor and develop junior engineers on the team, providing technical guidance, career development support, and raising the engineering bar across the organization

Influence senior leadership through data-driven narratives, written documents (e.g., whitepapers, 6-pagers), and regular business reviews to shape investment priorities and organizational direction

Basic qualifications

- 7+ years of experience in automation engineering, robotics engineering, industrial engineering, or manufacturing/process engineering in a manufacturing, logistics, or warehouse environment

- 3+ years of experience leading complex engineering programs or projects, including cross-functional stakeholder management, vendor management, and budget ownership

- Demonstrated experience in designing, deploying, and commissioning automated material handling systems (e.g., conveyors, sortation systems, robotic arms, AGV/AMR, ASRS)

- Experience developing business cases and financial justifications (ROI, NPV, payback) for capital equipment investments

- Business level fluency in Japanese and English (written and verbal)

- Engineering Degree or equivalent work experience

Preferred qualifications

- Proficiency in AutoCAD, Simulation tools, SQL, VBA, and Python for data analysis and process modeling

- Experience working in a multi-regional or global engineering organization, collaborating across time zones and cultures

- Experience managing vendor RFI/RFP processes, contract negotiations, and third-party integrator relationships

- Experience with Lean/Six Sigma methodologies

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