Director Robotics Simulator Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Are you passionate about pushing the boundaries of automation technology and uncovering the true
potential of complex mechatronic systems? Do you thrive on designing clever experiments that reveal
hidden performance insights and drive engineering excellence? Does the idea of being the bridge
between novel automation design and real-world performance excite you? Our Engineering team is
looking for an experienced, analytically-minded Senior Performance Engineer to help us maximize the
capabilities of our automation solutions through rigorous testing, statistical analysis, and innovative
problem-solving. You'll work at the intersection of mechanical, electrical, and software systems,
collaborating with world-class engineers to ensure our products exceed customer expectations in the
field. We offer the opportunity to influence product design decisions, value data-driven insights, and
have a strong culture of technical excellence.
Join us in shaping the future of industrial automation where your expertise in experimental design and
performance optimization will have direct impact on our customers' success
Key job responsibilities
We are seeking an experienced Senior Performance Engineer to lead testing and optimization of advanced mechatronic automation systems. The ideal candidate will design and execute comprehensive experiments to validate machine performance, establish operational boundaries, and drive design improvements. You will apply statistical methods to analyze test results, troubleshoot complex process issues, and develop innovative solutions. A key member of our performance team, you'll participate in technical reviews and influence automation architecture decisions to ensure optimal performance outcomes. You will work closely with cross-functional stakeholders including Simulation, Business intelligence, Operations and Process Engineering teams to define and validate performance requirements that exceed customer expectations. Key responsibilities include creating structured test plans, conducting rigorous performance evaluations, identifying system limitations, and translating technical findings into actionable business insights. You'll build self-service tools to streamline testing procedures and maintain detailed documentation of testing protocols and results. The role requires expertise in mechanical systems, automation controls, and data analysis, combined with strong problem-solving abilities and exceptional collaboration skills to drive excellence in our field-deployed solutions.
A day in the life
You will be the driving force behind proving that our automation and robotics technologies are ready for the real world. Your day could include: designing a structured experiment to stress-test a new robotic sortation system at its operational limits, then diving deep into the data to uncover why throughput dips under specific conditions. You might be on-site at an Amazon last-mile facility, running validation tests alongside test engineers and witnessing firsthand how a machine interacts with associates and packages. Back at your desk, you could be translating complex statistical findings into clear, actionable insights for hardware designers - helping them see exactly where a design tweak will unlock better performance. You would collaborate with simulation engineers to compare predicted versus actual results, or work cross-functionally with operations and vendors to define what "success" truly looks like for a new technology before it scales worldwide. You'll build the playbooks and scalable processes that ensure every technology we deploy is rigorously validated - no matter where in the world it lands. With up to 50% travel, no two weeks look the same. Bringing your analytical rigour, investigative curiosity, and passion for turning data into decisions will be a daily endeavor - it's always Day 1.
About the team
Innovation and Design Engineering are a cross-functional team of mechatronic engineers, controls
engineers, data engineers, and simulation scientists with a critical business mission making
revolutionary leaps forward in logistics automation. We design and build mechatronic systems including
robotics, conveyoring, automated storage and vision systems to improve safety, speed and quality in the last mile (AMZL) of Amazon across the world.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of design & innovation, research & development work experience
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a foreign equivalent
- Experience with design & innovation and research & development
- Experience in management of engineering design projects
- Experience using business or technical software like MS Excel, MS Project, and CAD software
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of specialty (with progressive responsibility) experience
- Master's degree in Engineering (any domain), Operations, Business Administration, or a related field
- Knowledge of concepts like system architecture, optimization, system dynamics, system analysis, statistical analysis, reliability analysis, electronic system design, and decision making
- Experience with complex automated material handling equipment, packaging technologies, and systems and high-speed manufacturing
- Experience with design-in-safety
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, WA, Bellevue - 132,100.00 - 178,800.00 USD annually