Sr Manager, Applied Science, Last Mile Delivery Automation

We are seeking a Senior Manager Applied Science to lead the applied science charter for Amazons Last-Hundred-Yard automation initiative developing the algorithms models and learning systems that enable safe reliable and scalable autonomous delivery from vehicle to customer doorstep. This role owns the scientific direction across perception localization prediction planning learning-based controls human-robot interaction (HRI) and data-driven autonomy validation operating in complex unstructured real-world environments.

The Senior Manager will build and lead a high-performing team of applied scientists set the technical vision and research-to-production roadmap and ensure tight integration between science engineering simulation and operations. This leader is responsible for translating ambiguous real-world delivery problems into rigorous modeling approaches measurable autonomy improvements and production-ready solutions that scale across cities terrains weather conditions and customer scenarios.

Success in this role requires deep expertise in machine learning and robotics strong people leadership and the ability to balance long-term scientific innovation with near-term delivery milestones. The Senior Manager will play a critical role in defining how Amazon applies science to unlock autonomous last-mile delivery at scale while maintaining the highest bars for safety customer trust and operational performance.

Key job responsibilities
Set and own the applied science vision and roadmap for last-hundred-yard automation spanning perception localization prediction planning learning-based controls and HRI.

Build lead and develop a high-performing applied science organization including hiring mentoring performance management and technical bar-raising.

Drive the end-to-end science lifecycle from problem formulation and data strategy to model development evaluation deployment and iteration in production.

Partner closely with autonomy engineering to translate scientific advances into scalable production-ready autonomy behaviors.

Define and own scientific success metrics (e.g. autonomy performance safety indicators scenario coverage intervention reduction) and ensure measurable impact.

Lead the development of learning-driven autonomy using real-world data simulation and offline/online evaluation frameworks.

Establish principled approaches for generalization across environments including weather terrain lighting customer properties and interaction scenarios.

Drive alignment between real-world operations and simulation ensuring tight feedback loops for data collection and model validation.

Influence safety strategy and validation by defining scientific evidence required for autonomy readiness and scale.

Represent applied science in executive reviews articulating trade-offs risks and long-term innovation paths.

- 10 years of building large-scale machine learning and AI solutions at Internet scale experience
- Masters degree in Computer Science (Machine Learning AI Statistics or equivalent)
- Experience building large-scale machine learning and AI solutions at Internet scale
- Experience distilling informal customer requirements into problem definitions dealing with ambiguity and competing objectives
- Experience hiring and leading experienced scientists as well as having a successful record of developing junior members from academia or industry to a successful career track

- 10 years of practical work applying ML to solve complex problems for large-scale applications experience
- 5 years of hands-on work in big data machine learning and predictive modeling experience
- 5 years of people management experience
- PhD in Computer Science (Machine Learning AI Statistics or equivalent)
- Experience in practical work applying ML to solve complex problems for large scale applications
- Experience working with big data machine learning and predictive modeling
- Experience in people management
- Experience with big data technologies such as AWS Hadoop Spark Pig Hive etc.
- Experience with Java C or other programming language as well as with R MATLAB Python or an equivalent scripting language
- Experience researching actual applications

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 for more information. If the country/region youre applying in isnt 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 WA Bellevue - 218800.00 - 295900.00 USD annually