Sr. Robotics Mechanical Engineer, Rotary Actuator Systems, Applied Automation

Shape the future of robotic actuation. As a Sr. Robotics Mechanical Engineer for Rotary Actuator Systems at Amazon Robotics, you will be a subject matter expert that owns the design, development, architecture testing and delivery of next generation rotary actuator systems for our advanced robotic platforms. Innovate on actuation hardware that operates at unprecedented scale across hundreds of fulfillment sites worldwide, pushing the boundaries of what robotics can achieve.

About the role

You'll own the full actuator design lifecycle from concept through scaled deployment, combining deep fundamentals in mechanism design with innovation to shape the future of robotics. As a Robotics Actuation technical guide, you will use your expertise specializing in rotary actuators focused on high torque density, precision gear trains, motor integration, and lifecycle validation for high performance robotics. The ideal candidate has expertise in Brushless DC (BLDC) motor design, Quasi Direct Drive (QDD) and Strain Wave Gearing architectures, enjoys fundamental concepts, analytical problem solving, possesses practical knowledge of high volume manufacturing methods for precision rotating machinery and is a role model for engineering best practices in actuation and robotics.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the machine design expert and authority for robotic rotary actuator programs, delivering quality documentation to meet product requirements
• Own electromagnetic and mechanical design of custom motors that may consist of Strain Wave Gearing or Quasi Direct Drive systems including topology, permanent magnet selection, FEA and thermal modeling
• Drive the technical roadmap for next generation rotary actuator systems, executing architectural breakthroughs
• Steer electronics packaging, mechanical transmission design, ICDs, spec sheets and assembly sequences
• Own vendor interactions while embedding Design for Excellence principles across manufacturability, reliability, testability and serviceability
• Write functional specifications, design verification plans and test procedures ensuring engineering best practices
• Conduct simulation, evaluation, testing and validation of actuator and electromechanical systems against performance and safety standards
• Perform structural and bolted joint analysis, preload calculations and fatigue life assessment
• Provide engineering guidance on brake integration, grease selection and environmental sealing
• Drive continuous improvement and design for manufacturability across high volume production environments
• Collaborate with Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Quality to ensure smooth product launch and sustaining
• Mentor junior engineers and model thorough engineering analysis and cradle to grave ownership

Requirements

• Experience in developing functional specifications, design verification plans and functional test procedures
• Bachelor's degree or above in robotics, mechanical/mechatronics engineering, systems engineering or related field
• Experience mentoring or training the engineering community on complex technical issues
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication abilities
• Strong project management skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Experience writing and publishing technical documents or equivalent
• SolidWorks or similar CAD experience, understanding of best practices for part design, advanced assemblies and complex configuration management
• Hands-on experience crafting proof-of-concept models and prototypes
• Thorough understanding of technical principles, theories and concepts in hardware development and ability to apply them to product design
• Extensive system design experience interfacing with a wide array of electro-mechanical subsystems and associated debugging experience
• Experience with full product lifecycle and proficiency at completing tasks to meet milestones
• Experience evaluating design, performance and logistical tradeoffs for hardware systems
• Ability to support domestic and international travel as required by the program

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with interdisciplinary teams to execute product design from concept to production
• Experience with the project management of technical projects
• Experience in the design of complex mechanical products and equipment at volume
• Knowledge of SolidWorks simulation or Ansys Finite Element analysis tools
• Master's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or a related field
• Experience in actuation, motor development and fundamentals of actuator design including gear train, linkage and transmission systems
• Experience in robotic development and electromechanical system integration
• Experience with sensor selection, integration and calibration in robotic systems
• Knowledge of industrial safety standards (ISO 10218, ISO/TS 15066, ANSI/RIA) for collaborative and autonomous robotic systems
• Experience with Design for Reliability including DFMEA, PFMEA and reliability testing methodologies
• Experience designing and debugging tooled components (cast, injection mold, forge, stamp)
• Experience with thermal management and heat dissipation design for electromechanical systems
• Proficiency documenting designs in accordance with ANSI Y 14.5
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for data analysis, simulation and rapid prototyping
• Experience with rapid prototyping methods including 3D printing and CNC machining
• Proficiency with Product Lifecycle Management PLM software and ECOs
• Experience steering product enhancements that improve performance of existing products
• Understanding of control systems fundamentals including servo tuning, PID control and motion profiling
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to lead and collaborate across cross-functional teams

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Maternity and Parental Leave Options
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 401(k) Plan

Pay

USA, MA, North Reading - $137,300.00 - $185,700.00 USD annually
USA, MA, Westboro - $137,300.00 - $185,700.00 USD annually