Description

Amazon Robotics is seeking an exceptional prototyping lab lead to run an additive and subtractive manufacturing lab that serves as a critical capability for multi-billion-dollar robotics programs. You will be the hands-on fabrication expert and operational guide who can take a napkin sketch and turn it into reality, working in a well-equipped prototyping shop to rapidly build and iterate on test equipment and prototypes. About the Role We need an experienced Lab Engineer to steward our state-of-the-art prototyping lab supporting all of Amazon Robotics and our parent organization FTR.

Job Overview - In this role you will lead day-to-day operations of a fully equipped additive and subtractive manufacturing lab featuring Hurco CNC mills, Okuma live-tool CNC lathes, a Bystronic CNC press brake, HP Multi Jet Fusion, Formlabs SLS, Stratasys PolyJet printers, and more. Translate early-stage concepts into functional prototypes and test fixtures at speed. Direct a technical team and coordinate across mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering stakeholders.

Additionally, you will drive continuous improvement in lab processes, equipment utilization, and fabrication quality. Partner with program teams to prioritize builds that accelerate multi-billion-dollar robotics programs. Own the build plan end-to-end, you choose the fabrication approach, tooling, and sequence for every job that comes through the door.

If you are passionate about pioneering new technologies for the real world, inventing hands-on fabrication, directing a technical team, and delivering great hardware at scale, we want to talk to you.

Key job responsibilities
- Lead lab operations and a small team of technicians in a fast-paced prototyping environment supporting multiple concurrent programs Single-handedly fabricate rapid prototypes and test equipment from concept to completion, serving as the technical expert for complex machining problems.
- Take sketches or concepts and build them using a full range of fabrication techniques including CNC programming and operation, 3D printing, water jetting, and general machining on Hurco CNC mills, Okuma live-tool CNC lathes, HP Multi Jet Fusion, Formlabs SLS, Stratasys PolyJet printers, a fleet of Bambu printers, Bystronic CNC press brake, and water jet.
- Manage shop operations including equipment maintenance, safety protocols, vendor relationships, and capacity planning.
- Support multiple areas of the program, creating everything from simple test fixtures to complex robotic test equipment and bespoke electro-mechanical systems.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, manufacturing engineers, and test engineers to translate requirements into fabricated solutions.
- Mentor and develop team members on advanced fabrication techniques and best practices.
- Own the build plan end-to-end — unassisted, select the right manufacturing approach, tooling, and sequence for each project.
- Maintain documentation of fabrication processes, equipment operation procedures, and vendor relationships.

A day in the life
No two days look the same, but here's a typical snapshot:
- Design review – walk through an engineer's latest design, provide DFM feedback, and recommend the best fabrication approach Vendor coordination.
- Source specialty materials, negotiate lead times, and keep builds on schedule Hands-on fabrication.
- Program and run parts on the Hurco mills, Okuma lathes, or Bystronic press brake across multiple concurrent programs Shop oversight.
- Monitor equipment, enforce safety protocols, and reprioritize the build queue as needs shift Technology scouting .
- Evaluate emerging fabrication technologies and build ROI cases for capital equipment investments that shape the lab's future.

Amazon offers a full range of benefits that support you and eligible family members, including domestic partners. Benefits can vary by location, the number of regularly scheduled hours you work, length of employment, and job status such as seasonal or temporary employment. The benefits that generally apply to regular, full-time employees include:

1. Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
2. Maternity and Parental Leave Options
3. Paid Time Off (PTO)
4. 401(k) Plan

If you are not sure that every qualification on the list above describes you exactly, we'd still love to hear from you! At Amazon, we value people with unique backgrounds, experiences, and skillsets. If you’re passionate about this role and want to make an impact on a global scale, please apply!


About the team
The Hardware Test Engineering (HWTE) team is part of Amazon Robotics within Fulfillment Technologies & Robotics (FTR). Our prototyping lab is the hands-on engine behind that mission — turning early-stage ideas into physical reality so engineering teams can validate concepts and accelerate programs from prototype to production.

We are a team of builders who value craftsmanship, speed, and creative problem-solving. Our culture is rooted in ownership — you won't wait for permission to try a better approach. If you love making things and seeing your workmanship inside robots operating at global scale, this is the team for you.

Basic Qualifications

- Experience managing lab resources, equipment, and supplies
- 5+ years of hands-on fabrication experience in a prototyping, test lab, or engineering shop environment
- Demonstrated experience with multiple fabrication techniques including CNC machining, 3D printing, sheet metal bending, and waterjet cutting
- Experience with CNC programming and operation (3-axis mill and live-tool lathe)
- Experience with CAD/CAM software for CNC programming
- Experience reading technical drawings and translating concepts into physical prototypes
- Experience leading or mentoring a small technical team and managing multiple concurrent builds
- Knowledge of shop safety practices and proper use of fabrication equipment
- Experience troubleshooting and debugging technical systems and documenting findings

Preferred Qualifications

- 10+ years of hands-on fabrication experience in a prototyping, test lab, or engineering shop environment
- Experience developing and testing mechanical robotics equipment
- Experience with electro-mechanical system integration and test fixture development
- Background in robotics, automation, or mechatronics systems
- Experience using one or more of the following: SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Mastercam, AutoCAD, or CREO to create fabrication-ready designs
- Experience managing vendor relationships and procurement for lab equipment and materials
- Experience evaluating and justifying capital equipment investments
- Experience supporting rapid prototyping in a rapid-iteration, fast-paced engineering environment
- Experience with multi-material prototyping across metals, polymers, and printed parts
- Experience with lab equipment maintenance and calibration programs
- Experience building and scaling a prototyping lab's capabilities, processes, and team

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, North Reading - 99,400.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually