Amazon Software Development Engineer Jobs in Cincinnati, OH

Amazon's Material Handling Engineering team is seeking a Hardware Development Engineer (HDE) to help define, design, and deliver the next generation of material handling equipment across our global distribution network. You will play a critical role in developing mechanical, electrical, and control solutions-working both independently and in collaboration with third-party OEM partners.
This role requires a balance of deep technical expertise, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to translate business and operational needs into robust, scalable engineering solutions. You will work at the intersection of R&D, product development, and operations, challenging the status quo of traditional conveyance, sortation, and robotics solutions.
Key job responsibilities
- Design, develop, and validate hardware solutions for Amazon's next-generation material handling systems.
- Translate ambiguous business problems into clear technical requirements and engineering solutions.
- Collaborate with cross-functional partners (operations, procurement, global engineering, and launch teams) to ensure successful product delivery.
- Lead the design-for-manufacturing, assembly, installation, and maintenance processes to ensure long-term scalability.
- Evaluate and integrate OEM hardware solutions; identify gaps and lead in-house design where required.
- Build prototypes, conduct testing, and analyze results to validate performance, safety, and reliability.
- Author technical specifications, design documents, and test plans.
- Champion data-driven decision making, ensuring technical trade-offs are well-documented and communicated.
- Manage risk through proactive identification and mitigation strategies.
- Stay current with emerging technologies in automation, robotics, and industrial equipment.
About the team
Amazon installs a significant quantity of new buildings every year. The historical model has been to allow each integrator to use their own equipment, controls, subsystems, and methodologies. While that has allowed Amazon to be successful to this point, the variability between buildings has proven difficult to support and scale. One MHS' charge is to build partnerships to focus on consistency and scalability across our network of the future. We will be partnering with key suppliers to help them scale up their manufacturing capabilities to keep up with our needs, as well as refining their designs to drive innovation and operational uptime and better meet the specific needs of Amazon's operational environment.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 6+ years of working in mechanical engineering or equivalent experience
- Experience with prototyping and implementation
- Knowledge of SolidWorks simulation or Ansys Finite Element analysis tools
- Experience in the design of complex mechanical products and equipment at volume
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working with electrical and mechanical conveyance systems, or experience with electrical theory, robotics, controls components, and automated equipment
- Knowledge of current industry standards
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, GA, ATLANTA - 117,300.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
USA, GA, Atlanta - 117,300.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
USA, KY, HEBRON - 117,300.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
USA, KY, Hebron - 117,300.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
USA, MA, WESTBOROUGH - 117,300.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
USA, MA, Westborough - 117,300.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
USA, OH, CINCINNATI - 117,300.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
USA, OH, Cincinnati - 117,300.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
USA, OH, SPRINGDALE - 117,300.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
USA, OH, Springdale - 117,300.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
USA, TN, NASHVILLE - 111,500.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
USA, TN, Nashville - 111,500.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
USA, WA, BELLEVUE - 117,300.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
USA, WA, Bellevue - 117,300.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually