Automation Engineer, Manufacturing Automation Design & Engineering

Amazon Web Services Hardware Engineering team is looking for experienced professionals to help build the worlds 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 controls backbone and intelligent inspection strategy that makes every automated station self-verifying. This means defining how PLCs sensors cameras AOI algorithms and MES data connections integrate across every automation cell creating a standardized replicable controls and inspection package that deploys across all CM sites without re-engineering. You combine deep expertise in machine vision (AI-based defect classification force sensing AOI model training) with industrial controls architecture (PLC platforms safety systems network protocols). Your work turns a mechanical robot into an intelligent quality gate catching defects at the point of assembly rather than at test or in the datacenter.

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 role requires the engineer to operate in a fast-paced multi-platform international manufacturing environment with travel to contract manufacturer sites (up to 2530% travel anticipated).


Key job responsibilities
Architect controls standard for all automation cells: PLC platform selection network protocol sensor architecture safety system design
Develop and optimize AOI inspection programs per product validated version-controlled transferable across sites
Drive false call rate reduction through iterative program tuning and AI-assisted defect classification
Design sensor integration architecture connecting automation equipment to MES (iFactory) for 100% digital traceability
Create standardized controls packages (PLC logic HMI sensor configs) replicable across all CM sites
Perform equipment qualification Gage R&R studies and acceptance testing for vision/inspection systems
Define controls safety architecture (E-stops interlocks light curtains) per ISO 13849 / IEC 62443
Partner with Central Quality on inspection acceptance criteria and with MES teams on data integration requirements


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.

- BS/MS Electrical Engineering Computer Engineering Controls Engineering or equivalent
- 5 years in industrial controls AND machine vision/automated optical inspection
- Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley Siemens or Beckhoff)
- Experience with machine vision platforms (Cognex Keyence Koh Young or equivalent)
- Industrial networking (EtherNet/IP Profinet OPC-UA)
- Experience designing controls architecture for multi-site standardization

- AI/ML-based defect classification and computer vision model development
- 4 years PLC/SCADA integration experience
- Experience with precision measurement and inspection devices (optical inspection force sensors automated gauging)
- MES integration experience (SAP MES iFactory or equivalent manufacturing execution systems)
- SPC implementation and statistical process control methods
- High-complexity electronics or precision hardware manufacturing
- Experience defining controls standards that replicate across multiple facilities without re-engineering

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 KY Cincinnati - 159200.00 - 215300.00 USD annually
USA TX Austin - 159200.00 - 215300.00 USD annually
USA TX Houston - 159200.00 - 215300.00 USD annually
USA UT Salt Lake City - 159200.00 - 215300.00 USD annually
USA WA Seattle - 159200.00 - 215300.00 USD annually