Amazon is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer to define and drive the manufacturing strategy for new product introductions, informing production line design while partnering to design the product for manufacturing. This is a senior technical leadership role — you'll create clarity from ambiguity, set manufacturing direction and architect production systems that maximize learning velocity while laying the groundwork for future high-volume scale.

The ideal candidate brings 10+ years of experience spanning both high-volume assembly environments and rapid prototyping / NPI operations for complex electromechanical products. You should have a track record of standing up build operations from scratch, driving process development roadmaps, and influencing product architecture decisions — not just providing DFM feedback. This role requires strategic thinking, deep technical credibility, the ability to align cross-functionally, and the willingness to roll up your sleeves in an environment where requirements evolve quickly.

Key job responsibilities

• Serve as the manufacturing voice in daily design trades — influence product architecture, tolerance strategy, and material selection in real time. Advocate for the simplest and most reliable assembly processes, and drive DFM/DFA considerations upstream as a co-designer as the product design itself is still evolving.
• Define the end-to-end manufacturing strategy across build iterations: process architecture and the transition path from prototype to volume production.
• Create clarity from ambiguity: establish frameworks, standards, and decision criteria that guide the broader engineering team. Define what “ready to build” means at each stage and own the manufacturing readiness process.
• Develop and prove out assembly methods (joining, fastening, adhesive bonding, press-fits, human-assisted automation) with an emphasis on rapid iteration and reconfigurability between builds. Determine direction by thoughtful balance between operational efficiency for faster learning cycles.
• Define build instrumentation and data capture strategies to maximize learning per build cycle. Translate build observations into actionable design and process feedback. Own the build report / lessons-learned process that feeds the next design iteration.
• Drive manufacturing line concept, design, requirements, material flow, vendor selection, equipment specification and commissioning.
• Design quick-turn fixtures and tooling; make smart build-vs-buy decisions on tooling — knowing when 80% is good enough to learn. Leverage rapid prototyping methods (3D printing, laser cutting, modular framing) for process tooling.
• Engage with equipment OEMs, tooling suppliers, automation integrators, and key production partners.
• Identify opportunities to reduce non-value-add operations and drive significant improvements from one build iteration to the next.
• Develop and standardize assembly processes, control plans, maintenance strategies, and operational documentation appropriate to build maturity level.
• Mentor engineers and contribute to a culture of technical excellence, safety, and operational discipline. Raise the bar on hiring, develop the team's technical capabilities, and shape the engineering culture.

Basic qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent technical discipline.
• 10+ years of direct manufacturing engineering experience, including high-volume assembly environments and prototyping / NPI / low-rate initial production for complex electromechanical products.
• Experience owning manufacturing strategy for a new product introduction (NPI) from concept through volume production.
• Experience supporting commissioning, startup, and ramp-up of integrated assembly operations.
• Strong knowledge of assembly methods including mechanical joining, fastening, adhesive bonding, press-fits, human-assisted automation, and robotic assembly.
• Demonstrated ability to create clarity from ambiguity — defining strategy and decision criteria for cross-functional teams.
• Ability to influence at a senior level across engineering, product design, and program leadership.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience working with interdisciplinary teams to execute product design from concept to production
• Experience with build instrumentation, data capture, and structured lessons-learned processes in prototype or development builds
• Experience with rapid prototyping methods for process tooling (3D printing, laser cutting, modular framing)
• Experience in R&D, skunkworks, or advanced development environments
• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent
• Experience with the project management of technical programs at a portfolio level

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, MA, N.Reading - 163,400.00 - 221,000.00 USD annually