Sr. Hardware Engineer - ML Acceleration, Annapurna Labs

Amazon is hiring a Sr. Hardware Engineer - ML Acceleration, Annapurna Labs in Cupertino, United States. It pays $213k-$288k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on Amazon.

Level's read on this job

Level rates this role Builds AI ●●●●: the job is building AI systems.
Tools and skills the posting cites include Vna, Oscilloscope and Pcie.
Level classifies it as a senior role.
Level lists 21,000+ other open roles at Amazon.
The role was posted within the past week.

AI in this role

Design and validate next-generation machine learning custom chips and hardware accelerators at Annapurna Labs.

vnaoscilloscopepcieserdes

hardware-engineeringml-accelerationpcie-gen4transmission-line-theoryscripting

Annapurna Labs (our organization within Amazon) designs silicon and software that accelerates innovation. Customers choose us to create cloud solutions that solve challenges that were unimaginable a short time ago—even yesterday. Our custom chips, accelerators, and software stacks enable us to take on technical challenges that have never been seen before, and deliver results that help our customers change the world.

We are seeking a Hardware Design Engineer with role in the definition, design and validation of AWS next generation ML Chips, Cards and server integration. As a senior member of our hardware team, you will have the outstanding and meaningful opportunity to participate in the design and execution of all PCIe and Serdes topics, with the goal of creating and customized platforms that fit within AWS datacenter’s world leading technology.

As a member of the Machine Learning Acceleration team you’ll be responsible for the design and optimization of hardware in our data centers. You’ll provide leadership in the application of new technologies to large scale server deployments in a continuous effort to deliver a world-class customer experience. This is a fast-paced, intellectually challenging position, and you’ll work with thought leaders in multiple technology areas. You’ll have high standards for yourself and everyone you work with, and you’ll be constantly looking for ways to improve your products performance, quality and cost. We’re changing an industry, and we want individuals who are ready for this challenge and want to reach beyond what is possible today.

Basic qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field
- Deep knowledge with PCIe interface Gen4 or above, both Electrical and Functional at the chip level and at the PCB level.
- Deep understanding of Transmission line theory and Electromagnetics and its application in SerDes, Single-ended signal and parallel bus interfaces. * Work with ODMs, IP Silicon vendors, component suppliers and internal design teams on cross-boundary triaging, debugging, and resolving issues.
- Hands-on lab equipment skills (VNA, Realtime scope, Sampling scope and its accessories) for electrical validation and characterization.
- Scripting skills to automate tests, logs parsing and data collection.
- Strong technical communication skills (verbal and written) to interface with cross-functional technical leads within and/or outside of the organization.

Preferred qualifications

- Experience with Server HW designs, Design validation, Production tests and signal integrity of high speed interfaces.
- Knowledge of the product development cycle from concept to mass production.
- Strong analytical capabilities
- The ability to work independently and drive tasks from start to completion
- Ability to work cross functionally with SW team to define and implement diagnostics for hardware validation at component, interface, and system level
- Experience with server (x86 / ARM) design or architecture

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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, CA, Cupertino - 213,000.00 - 287,500.00 USD annually
USA, TX, Austin - 185,200.00 - 250,000.00 USD annually

How we rate this

Sr. Hardware Engineer - ML Acceleration, Annapurna Labs at Amazon rates 85 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Builds AI (AI Level 4 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Builds AI. The job is building AI systems.

●●●● 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.

Key facts

Sr. Hardware Engineer - ML Acceleration, Annapurna Labs is an open job at Amazon.
Level rates this role AI Level 4 of 4: Builds AI.
The listed salary is $213k-$288k a year.
The role is based in US, CA, Cupertino.
The job was posted on October 20, 2026.
Seniority: senior.
Applications are handled by Amazon. Apply on Amazon

Prepare for this job

Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.

Skills and AI tools this role asks for

Hardware EngineeringML AccelerationPcie Gen4Transmission Line TheoryScriptingVnaOscilloscopePcie

Questions you could be asked

Tell me about a project where hardware engineering was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where ml acceleration was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where pcie gen4 was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where transmission line theory was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where scripting was part of your work. What did you do?

Adapt your resume

List these exact terms on your resume: Hardware Engineering, ML Acceleration, Pcie Gen4, Transmission Line Theory, and Scripting. 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.
Lead with what you built, trained or shipped. This role is judged on the AI system itself, not the tools around it.

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