Principal Manufacturing Engineer, — Final Assembly
Amazon is hiring a Principal Manufacturing Engineer, — Final Assembly in Austin, United States. It pays $163k-$221k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on Amazon.
Level's read on this job
- Little AI ●○○○ is how Level rates this role: aI is not part of the work.
- Tools and skills the posting cites include manufacturing engineering, assembly operations and process engineering.
- Level classifies it as a senior role.
- Level lists 20,000+ other open roles at Amazon.
AI in this role
Lead the design, build, and launch of production-scale final assembly lines and manufacturing operations at Amazon.
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.
Key job responsibilities
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.
Basic qualifications
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.
Preferred qualifications
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 assembly, or similar high-precision automated processes.
Experience supporting multi-site production operations, plant turnarounds, or new facility launches or expansions.
Prior experience acting as technical lead supporting production facility expansion projects.
Experience with fully integrated assembly, test, and packaging operations at scale.
Experience managing conflicting objectives, concurrent priorities, and highly-automated processes.
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
USA, TX, Austin - 163,400.00 - 221,000.00 USD annually
How we rate this
Principal Manufacturing Engineer, — Final Assembly at Amazon rates 0 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Little AI (AI Level 1 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.
Little AI. AI is not part of the work.
- ●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
- ●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
- ●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
- ●○○○ Little AI0 to 39
Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.
Prepare for this job
Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.
Skills and AI tools this role asks for
Questions you could be asked
- Tell me about a project where manufacturing engineering was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where assembly operations was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where process engineering was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where automation was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where pfmea was part of your work. What did you do?
Adapt your resume
- List these exact terms on your resume: Manufacturing Engineering, Assembly Operations, Process Engineering, Automation, and Pfmea. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
- Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.
Get your CV reviewed before you apply
Send your CV and the role you want next. Your review arrives by email within 3 days.
Get new software engineering jobs by email
One email a week, each job rated for how much AI is in the work. No recruiter spam, unsubscribe in one click.
Free.
Similar roles
Software Engineering roles that involve little AI, at other companies.
What kind of AI work fits you?
Answer 12 practical questions in about three minutes. Get a simple profile, the work it points to, and live roles to explore next.
Find my next step