Automation Engineer, Manufacturing Automation Design & Engineering

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
• 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
• networking. We design intelligent, predictive-analytics-driven production systems where every station is sensor-driven, AI-optimized
• 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
• 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
• 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)
• Manufacturing Operations (deployment and scaling) — ensuring automation is engineered once, proven once
• BS/MS Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Controls Engineering
• equivalent - 5+ years in industrial controls AND machine vision/automated optical inspection - Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens
• Beckhoff) - Experience with machine vision platforms (Cognex, Keyence, Koh Young
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits . 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