Sr. System Development Engineer, Global Engineering

Amazon is building the next generation software, hardware, and processes that will run the global network of fulfillment centers that move many millions of units of inventory, and ensure that customers get what they want when we promised. We do this by building automated solutions to handle things that technology does well, while relying on people to handle things that humans do well. We are constantly innovating in the ways we are automating and accelerating the delivery of products and packages which includes building custom hardware and applying robotics, autonomy, supply chain optimization, machine learning, manipulation, image processing, and real-time data processing using distributed systems.

The RDPI (Robotics Deployment and Packaging Innovation) Global Engineering team is seeking a talented Experimentalist to contribute to delivering transformational innovation to the business. You will be part of a team with the mission to ensure that robotics technologies maturing through the development pipeline are vetted and tested to identify and resolve issues upstream before large-scale deployment. Through rigorous test-to-fail methodologies, discrete event modeling, and comprehensive site integration testing design and analysis, you will bridge the gap between product design and field implementation, ensuring our automated systems meet performance targets in real-world operational scenarios.

Key job responsibilities

Problem-Solving & Methodology Development

- Create systematic approaches and best practices for tackling complex, undefined problems across product development initiatives

Experimentation and Prototyping

- Design and lead in-depth experiments to verify and validate design hypotheses, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and process optimization

- Drive fast-paced development cycles through rapid prototyping and iterative testing

- Bridge gaps in product design and field implementation by translating test results into actionable design and process improvements

Data Analysis & Modeling

- Conduct statistical data analysis to extract insights and inform decision-making

- Develop and utilize modeling and analysis tools, including discrete event simulations, to predict critical business impacts such as throughput and identify system bottlenecks

Infrastructure & Tooling

- Design and build lab infrastructure including hardware mockups and test fixtures to support continuous ideation

Strategic Leadership

- Partner with cross-functional leadership teams across the organization to establish technical vision, define experimental roadmaps, and drive strategic initiatives

Basic qualifications

- Experience programming with at least one modern language such as Python, Ruby, Golang, Java, C++, C#, Rust

- Master's degree in science, engineering or relevant.

- 5+ years of experience in system development engineering, process engineering, or hardware design and validation roles.

- Demonstrated problem solving and experiment design skills

- Demonstrated experience designing and executing functional tests for hardware components, automated systems, or material handling equipment

- Proficiency with discrete event simulation tools and modeling techniques for system performance analysis

- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret test data, identify failure patterns, and translate findings into design recommendations. Proficiency with statistical analysis theories and methods

- Experience working in lab environments and building test fixtures, hardware mockups, or prototyping solutions, and design of experiments methodologies

- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical findings to cross-functional audiences including hardware designers, field teams, and business leaders

Preferred qualifications

- Experience with complex automated material handling equipment, packaging technologies, and systems and high-speed manufacturing

- Experience coordinating between technical teams, peers and business stakeholders

- 7+ years of experience in system development engineering or NPI engineering roles

- Experience with rapid prototyping techniques including 3D printing, fabrication, and iterative design processes

- Background in industrial automation, manufacturing operations, fulfillment center installations, or site integration projects

- Experience using one or more of the following technologies (e.g., AutoCAD, Rhino, Revit, SolidWorks, CREO, SketchUp, KeyShot, etc.) to deliver high quality models and designs

- Six Sigma Black Belt, or PhD in engineering or equivalent

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, Westboro - 151,200.00 - 204,600.00 USD annually