Lab Engineer, Frontier AI & Robotics

Description

Join our Frontier AI & Robotics team to support the hardware integration of next-generation robotic systems that will transform how robots perceive and interact with the world. You'll take ownership of hands-on hardware assembly, software integration, and system validation tasks across advanced actuators, precision sensors, and robotic subsystems — ensuring they work seamlessly together to support breakthrough AI research and real-world deployment.

Key job responsibilities

Assembly, Integration & DFx — Assemble and integrate robotic hardware (actuators, sensors, vision systems, machined components). Execute assembly processes and test protocols developed with engineering. Provide DFM/DFA feedback and perform simple mechanical/electrical/software design tasks; support integration/debug and partner with engineers to optimize manufacturability and testability.
R&D Prototype Test & Validation — Validate hardware revisions, verify mechanical assemblies, power sequencing, communication interfaces, and peripherals during bring-up.
Debugging & Failure Analysis — Troubleshoot and root-cause issues across the robotic platform (power, compute, comms, actuators, sensors). Conduct failure analysis from component to system level. Reproduce critical failures, interpret schematics, and bridge communication between the lab and engineering teams.
Technical Documentation — Author and maintain runbooks, failure analysis reports, assembly guides, and troubleshooting guides; uphold consistent documentation standards across the lab.
Mechanical Design Support — Perform simple R&D design tasks and test fixture design in CAD, ensuring quality and alignment with engineering priorities.
Lab Operations Support — Support machine shop capabilities, equipment maintenance, inventory management, vendor coordination, and safety/regulatory compliance.
Test Capability Development — Develop test methodologies, design jigs/fixtures, support hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, and streamline failure-to-resolution workflows.

A day in the life

Your focus centers on the hardware and software that powers our advanced robotic platforms. You'll execute high degree-of-freedom (DoF) robotic prototype assembly and validation, working alongside engineers and fellow technicians. Your responsibilities include building, debugging, validating prototype, performing critical component and assembly quality assessments, providing DFM/DFA feedback to engineers, and designing test jigs and fixtures.

Throughout the day, you balance complex assemblies and integration testing while handling urgent prototyping requests, documentation updates, and preparation for upcoming milestones. You're switching between working at the bench, collaborating in design reviews with engineers, and ensuring lab safety and equipment maintenance.

About The Team

At Frontier AI & Robotics, we're not just advancing robotics – we're reimagining it from the ground up. Our team is building the future of intelligent robotics through frontier foundation models and end-to-end learned systems. We tackle some of the most challenging problems in AI and robotics, from developing sophisticated perception systems to creating adaptive manipulation strategies that work in complex, real-world scenarios.

What sets us apart is our unique combination of ambitious research vision and practical impact. We leverage Amazon's computational infrastructure and rich real-world datasets to train and deploy state-of-the-art foundation models. Our work spans the full spectrum of robotics intelligence – from multimodal perception using images, videos, and sensor data, to sophisticated manipulation strategies that can handle diverse real-world scenarios. We're building systems that don't just work in the lab, but scale to meet the demands of Amazon's global operations.

Join us if you're excited about pushing the boundaries of what's possible in robotics, working with world-class researchers, and seeing your innovations deployed at unprecedented scale.

Basic Qualifications

4+ years of robotics work cells and control systems experience
Proficiency with hardware troubleshooting and root cause analysis using diagnostic equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, signal analyzers)
Understanding of electromechanical systems including power distribution, communication buses (CAN, EtherCAT, RS-485), and sensor integration
Experience developing assembly procedures, test protocols, and technical documentation for prototype hardware
Proficiency in SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software
Ability to write diagnostic and implement test automation software

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent in robotics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and system architecture diagrams
Experience designing, integrating, and troubleshooting high degree-of-freedom robotic systems, including actuators, force/torque sensors, IMUs, encoders, vision systems, and associated control hardware
Operational experience with robotic control systems, including performance monitoring, hardware health diagnostics, and data-driven analysis of robotic system behavior during testing and deployment
Hands-on experience in robotics labs or hardware/software integration environments, including familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop testing methodologies and robotic system acceptance test procedures
Experience mentoring junior technicians or lab team members

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $150,000/year in our lowest geographic market up to $300,000/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors, including market location, and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Amazon is a total compensation company. Dependent on the position offered, equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. For more information, please visit https://www.aboutamazon.com/workplace/employee-benefits. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.
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