HW Development Engineer, AFT-Inbound

Amazon Fulfillment Technologies (AFT) builds and operates the software, hardware, and processes that power Amazon's global fulfillment network — moving millions of units daily and ensuring customers get what they ordered, when they were promised. Our environment is complex and spans industrial machines, and distributed systems across thousands of facilities worldwide. We constantly innovate by building custom hardware and applying machine learning, computer vision, and real-time data processing to automate and accelerate every step from click to delivery.

We are looking for a Hardware Development Engineer to support next-gen industrial computer vision machines and automation solutions for AFT. In this role, you will be the hands-on technical link between engineering design and physical reality — executing component validation, building and configuring R&D test systems, and replicating field failures to drive root cause resolution. You will work across multiple concurrent hardware programs, collaborating with senior hardware engineers, software teams, and external vendors to keep development velocity high. You must be responsive, flexible, and able to succeed within a fast-paced, open collaborative R&D lab environment.



Key job responsibilities
Execute component validation campaigns (electrical, optical, mechanical) for sensors, cameras, IPCs, and lighting systems — including power characterization, signal integrity testing, environmental stress testing, and endurance burn-in
Build and configure scan tunnels, towers, and test fixtures from mechanical drawings with precision assembly and sensor mounting
Design and 3D-print custom test fixtures, alignment jigs, and mounting hardware using SolidWorks or Fusion 360
Perform electrical integration — cable termination, power distribution wiring, I/O verification, and network bring-up for PLC/IPC-based systems
Replicate field failures under controlled lab conditions to isolate intermittent behaviors and conduct root cause analysis on failed components
Coordinate with vendors to validate corrective actions before fleet-wide deployment
Perform optical validation including camera characterization, illumination mapping, and barcode read-rate testing
Support continuous R&D reconfiguration of lab systems as programs iterate through development phases
Author test reports with pass/fail criteria and measured data; update BOMs and work instructions
Write basic test scripts (Python, LabVIEW, or shell) to automate repetitive hardware validation sequences and data collection
Maintain lab instrumentation calibration, inventory, and safety compliance

Basic Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
- 2+ years of hardware design and validation of components, subsystems and systems experience
- Experience using common electronics test equipment (oscilloscopes, power supplies, function generators, etc)
- Experience interpreting mechanical and electrical drawings
- Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, IO-Link, Modbus)

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience with Industrial control systems, both hardware and software
- Knowledge of SolidWorks or similar CAD experience and understanding of best practices for part design, and advanced assemblies
- Knowledge of PLC based controls systems
- Experience working with and managing third party vendors, or experience in reliability/maintenance environments
- Experience in product validation (Shock/Drop, cycle testing, environmental testing)
- Experience in automating, deploying, and supporting infrastructure
- Scripting ability (Python, LabVIEW, or shell) for test automation

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 - 96,600.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually