Principal Cloud Hardware Engineer, Storage System Development

About the role

At Amazon Web Services, we build the infrastructure that powers the world — and we're looking for a Principal Cloud Hardware Engineer to help define what comes next. This is a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of physics and planetary-scale systems, leading the engineering of next-generation magnetic storage and the breakthrough technologies poised to replace it.

Key job responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end engineering efforts on next-generation magnetic storage technologies, from the physics of the storage medium to the architecture of the world's largest storage systems
• Define the technical vision and roadmap for storage hardware innovation across AWS's global infrastructure
• Drive breakthrough research and development on emerging storage technologies positioned to succeed current magnetic storage paradigms
• Partner with cross-functional teams spanning hardware, software, systems architecture, and supply chain to bring next-generation storage solutions from concept to hyperscale deployment
• Establish engineering standards, best practices, and architectural patterns that influence storage design across AWS
• Mentor and develop senior engineers, elevating technical excellence across the organization
• Engage with external research institutions, vendors, and industry partners to stay at the forefront of storage innovation
• Represent AWS in industry forums and contribute to the broader storage engineering community

About the team

Denver is home to a growing AWS engineering hub where world-class hardware engineers tackle some of the most complex infrastructure challenges on the planet. You'll join a team that operates with the urgency of a startup and the resources of the world's leading cloud provider — with direct impact on the systems that power global commerce, scientific discovery, and the AI revolution.

Basic Qualifications

• Previous experience in hardware engineering, with deep expertise in storage technologies (magnetic, solid-state, or emerging media)
• Demonstrated mastery of storage physics, media engineering, and system-level architecture
• Proven track record of leading large-scale, complex hardware programs from research through production
• Experience designing and delivering hardware systems at hyperscale or in high-reliability environments
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence technical direction at the executive level

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD or MS in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• Experience with next-generation storage technologies (e.g., HAMR, MAMR, DNA storage, optical, or other emerging media)
• Background in data center infrastructure, cloud hardware, or large-scale distributed storage systems
• Prior experience in a Principal Engineer or equivalent technical leadership role at a hyperscaler, storage OEM, or advanced research organization
• Publications, patents, or recognized contributions to the storage engineering field