Contract Robot Programming Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Amazon Web Services' Hardware Engineering team is looking for experienced professionals to help build the world's premier cloud computing platform. Our Manufacturing Automation Design & Engineering team designs, validates, and deploys automation solutions - robotics, cobots, vision inspection, AI-powered quality systems, and automated assembly workflows - across contract manufacturer sites worldwide.
About the Role: You will architect the robotic and collaborative robot cells that form the core of AWS's automation IP - from concept through production validation. These are the systems that eliminate manual assembly variability: automated fastening with 100% torque verification, precision component insertion with force-feedback and vision inspection, and multi-platform assembly cells that serve multiple product families through recipe-based changeover. You own the end-to-end cell design - robot selection, motion planning, end-of-arm tooling, safety architecture, and the replication package that allows a proven cell to deploy at any CM site globally without re-engineering. You lead external automation solution providers through design, build, and acceptance - ensuring solutions meet AWS specifications for global scalability.
Our scope covers all server and rack assembly across all architectures and platforms - compute, AI/ML accelerators, storage, and networking. We design intelligent, predictive-analytics-driven production systems where every station is sensor-driven, AI-optimized, and self-correcting - turning assembly lines into programmable, data-generating platforms that scale capacity without scaling headcount.This role requires the engineer to operate in a fast-paced, multi-platform international manufacturing environment with travel to contract manufacturer sites (up to 25-30% travel anticipated).
Key job responsibilities
• Design robotic work cells from concept: cell layout, robot selection, tool / Fixture design, safety zone definitions
• Program and optimize robot paths for pick-and-place, component assembly, precision insertion, and automated fastening operations
• Design human-robot collaborative workflows for cobot applications (heavy component assist, repetitive tasks)
• Conduct safety assessments per ISO 10218 (industrial) and ISO/TS 15066 (collaborative)
• Lead 3P automation solution providers in solution design, build, and acceptance
• Create standardized work cell replication packages for deployment across all CM sites with maximum cross-generation reuse
• Conduct ROI analyses and technology evaluations for new robotic/cobot solutions
• Validate automation cells against cycle time, quality, and reliability targets before production sign-off
• Lead 3P automation solution providers in solution design, build, and acceptance
About the team
We are building a centralized automation Center of Excellence that owns the process specification and IP for how AWS hardware gets assembled. The Manufacturing Automation Design & Engineering team is responsible for engineering - defining automated process requirements, designing and proving solutions at proof-of-concept, and maintaining AWS-owned intellectual property that scales globally. We work within a collaborative framework across Hardware Engineering (product design for automation), Manufacturing Automation Design & Engineering (process specification and validation), and Manufacturing Operations (deployment and scaling) - ensuring automation is engineered once, proven once, and deployed everywhere.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or equivalent
- 7+ years designing and deploying industrial robotic systems and/or collaborative robots in manufacturing environments
- Proficiency in robot programming and offline simulation (FANUC TP/Karel, ABB RAPID, KUKA KRL, Universal Robots PolyScope, or equivalent)
- Experience designing end-of-arm tooling for automated assembly (mechanical grippers, vacuum end-effectors, tool changers, force-limited end-effectors)
- Experience with precision assembly automation (component insertion, automated fastening, torque verification, force-feedback control)
- Knowledge of industrial robot safety standards (ISO 10218-1/2, ISO/TS 15066, risk assessment methodologies)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with vision-guided robotics and force/torque sensing for precision assembly applications (i.e., 2D/3D vision-guided pick-and-place, force-controlled insertion, torque-verified fastening, adaptive gripping)
- Experience with precision torque, measurement and inspection devices (i.e., automated and manual torque wrenches, calipers, micrometers, profilometers, optical inspection devices, multi-meters, torque wrenches) (← use the system's standard option here)
- Experience designing standardized robotic work cells for replication across multiple manufacturing sites (i.e., same cell architecture deployed at 2+ facilities with minimal re-engineering)
- Experience with PLC integration and industrial communication protocols (i.e., EtherNet/IP, Profinet, OPC-UA, EtherCAT) for robotic cell connectivity
- Experience with automation in electronics, server, or high-complexity precision hardware assembly environments
- Experience leading technical evaluations and acceptance testing of automation vendors or system integrators (i.e., RFQ development, FAT/SAT, runoff criteria, design reviews)
- Experience with recipe-based automation systems (i.e., same robotic cell serving multiple product variants via software changeover, parameterized programs, no mechanical retooling)
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, CA, Cupertino - 183,000.00 - 247,600.00 USD annually
USA, KY, Cincinnati - 159,200.00 - 215,300.00 USD annually
USA, TX, Austin - 159,200.00 - 215,300.00 USD annually
USA, TX, Houston - 159,200.00 - 215,300.00 USD annually
USA, UT, Salt Lake City - 159,200.00 - 215,300.00 USD annually
USA, WA, Seattle - 159,200.00 - 215,300.00 USD annually