Principal Manufacturing Engineer, Final Assembly

Description

Amazon is seeking a highly experienced and hands‑on Principal Manufacturing Engineer to lead the concept, design, build, and launch of production‑scale final assembly production operations. This is a senior individual contributor role serving as the technical authority responsible for commissioning production facilities, deploying world‑class assembly technologies, and establishing stable, scalable, and highly efficient production systems.

The ideal candidate will bring 12+ years of progressive experience in production scale final assembly environments, with deep expertise in process engineering, facility startup, capital equipment deployment, production system design, and operational excellence. This individual must be capable of driving technical execution across cross‑functional organizations while operating effectively in fast‑paced, dynamic environments with demanding schedules.

This role requires a combination of technical authority, influential leadership, strategic thinking, and hands‑on problem‑solving to support Amazon's manufacturing and operational objectives.

• Own the end‑to‑end manufacturing line concept, design, requirements, sizing/balancing/timing, material flow, vendor selection, equipment specification, automation strategy, installation, commissioning, rate demonstration, and handover to operations teams.
• Own line requirements including layout, work content, cycle times, rates, headcount, and Capex.
• Oversee detailed design of new manufacturing equipment; develop equipment specifications; identify vendors and manage the RFQ, selection, FAT, and deployment process.
• Lead and manage project scope from concept through production launch. Own the handover process to sustaining teams.
• Drive production readiness and operational performance metrics during launch and ramp‑up phases, including safety, quality, throughput, OEE, scrap reduction, and cycle time optimization.
• Partner with product design teams to incorporate DFM considerations, advocate for the simplest and most reliable processes, and iterate to enable production and cost targets.
• Drive PFMEA and OEE considerations as far upstream in product development as possible. Think of the factory as a fully integrated product — best part/process is no part/process.
• Densify, reduce non‑value‑add operations, and achieve significant improvements from one production iteration to the next.
• Establish and standardize production processes, control plans, maintenance strategies, and operational documentation.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and data‑driven problem‑solving methodologies.
• Lead strategic technical engagement with equipment OEMs, tooling suppliers, automation integrators, and key production partners.
• Mentor and develop peers and junior engineers while fostering a culture of technical excellence, safety, and operational discipline.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent technical discipline.
• 12+ years of direct manufacturing engineering experience in production‑scale final assembly environments for complex electromechanical products.
• Demonstrated success leading commissioning, startup, and production ramp‑up of integrated assembly operations.
• Deep expertise in automated assembly, including joining (welding, fastening, adhesives), conveyance, human‑assisted automation, and automated assembly systems.
• Strong experience in capital equipment strategy, production system design, vendor management, and facility startup.
• Experience driving down manufacturing costs while maintaining or improving product quality.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt minimum; Black Belt preferred).
• Proven ability to influence and drive execution across cross‑functional teams in complex industrial environments.

• Master's degree in Engineering or MBA.
• Experience with electromechanical assembly (motors, actuators, consumer electronics, automotive, or similar).
• Expertise in automation programming, machine vision, precision dispensing, press‑fit…