Sr. Robotics Mechanical Eng Rotary Actuator Systems

Amazon is hiring a Sr. Robotics Mechanical Eng Rotary Actuator Systems. It pays $137k-$186k 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 FEA, CAD and Solidworks.
Level classifies it as a senior role.
Level lists 20,000+ other open roles at Amazon.

AI in this role

Design and develop next-generation rotary actuator systems for Amazon's advanced robotic fulfillment platforms.

FEACADSolidworks

mechanical-engineeringroboticsactuator-designmotor-designprototyping

Shape the future of robotic actuation. As a Sr. Robotics Mechanical Engineer for Rotary Actuator Systems at Amazon Robotics, you will be a subject matter expert that owns the design, development, architecture testing and delivery of next generation rotary actuator systems for our advanced robotic platforms. Innovate on actuation hardware that operates at unprecedented scale across hundreds of fulfillment sites worldwide, pushing the boundaries of what robotics can achieve. You'll own the full actuator design lifecycle from concept through scaled deployment, combining deep fundamentals in mechanism design with innovation to shape the future of robotics.

As a Robotics Actuation technical guide, you will use your expertise specializing in rotary actuators focused on high torque density, precision gear trains, motor integration, and lifecycle validation for high performance robotics. You will create detailed motor architectures, conduct FEA simulation, prototype testing and production validation, and drive end to end actuator system delivery. The ideal candidate has expertise in Brushless DC (BLDC) motor design, Quasi Direct Drive (QDD) and Strain Wave Gearing architectures, enjoys fundamental concepts, analytical problem solving, possesses practical knowledge of high volume manufacturing methods for precision rotating machinery and is a role model for engineering best practices in actuation and robotics.

Key job responsibilities
-Serve as the machine design expert and authority for robotic rotary actuator programs, delivering quality documentation to meet product requirements
-Own electromagnetic and mechanical design of actuators that includes custom motors and gear boxes (may consist of Strain Wave Gearing or Quasi Direct Drive systems) including topology, permanent magnet selection, FEA and thermal modeling
-Drive the technical roadmap for next generation rotary actuator systems, executing architectural breakthroughs
-Steer electronics packaging, mechanical transmission design, ICDs, spec sheets and assembly sequences
-Own vendor interactions while embedding Design for Excellence fundamentals across manufacturability, reliability, testability and serviceability
-Write functional specifications, design verification plans and test procedures ensuring engineering best practices
-Conduct simulation, evaluation, testing and validation of actuator and electromechanical systems against performance and safety standards
-Perform structural and bolted joint evaluations, preload calculations and fatigue life assessment
-Provide engineering guidance on brake integration, grease selection and environmental sealing
-Drive continuous improvement and design for manufacturability across high volume production environments
-Collaborate with Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Quality to ensure smooth product launch and sustaining
-Mentor junior engineers and model thorough engineering analysis and cradle to grave ownership

A day in the life
Amazon offers a full range of benefits that support you and eligible family members, including domestic partners. Benefits can vary by location, the number of regularly scheduled hours you work, length of employment, and job status such as seasonal or temporary employment. The benefits that generally apply to regular, full-time employees include:
1. Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
2. Maternity and Parental Leave Options
3. Paid Time Off (PTO)
4. 401(k) Plan

If you are not sure that every qualification on the list above describes you exactly, we'd still love to hear from you! At Amazon, we value people with unique backgrounds, experiences, and skillsets. If you’re passionate about this role and want to make an impact on a global scale, please apply!

Basic qualifications

- Experience in developing functional specifications, design verification plans and functional test procedures
- Bachelor's degree or above in robotics, mechanical/mechatronics engineering, systems engineering or related field
- Experience mentoring or training the engineering community on complex technical issues
- Experience that includes strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication abilities, or experience in managing and troublshooting network
- Experience writing and publishing technical documents or equivalent
- Experience with strong project management skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
- SolidWorks or similar CAD experience, understanding of best practices for part design, advanced assemblies and complex configuration management
- Hands on experience crafting proof-of-concept models and prototypes
- Thorough understanding of technical principals, theories and concepts in hardware development and ability to apply them to product design
- Extensive system design experience interfacing with a wide array of electro-mechanical subsystems and associated debugging experience
- Experience with full product lifecycle and proficiency at completing tasks to meet milestones
- Experience evaluating design, performance and logistical tradeoffs for hardware systems
- Ability to support domestic and international travel as required by the program.

Preferred qualifications

- Experience working with interdisciplinary teams to execute product design from concept to production
- Experience with the project management of technical projects
- Experience in the design of complex mechanical products and equipment at volume
- Knowledge of SolidWorks simulation or Ansys Finite Element analysis tools
- Master's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or a related field
- Experience working with interdisciplinary teams to execute product design from concept to production
- Experience in actuation, motor development and fundamentals of actuator design including gear train, linkage and transmission systems
- Experience in robotic development and electromechanical system integration
- Experience with sensor selection, integration and calibration in robotic systems
- Knowledge of industrial safety standards (ISO 10218, ISO/TS 15066, ANSI/RIA) for collaborative and autonomous robotic systems
- Experience with Design for Reliability including DFMEA, PFMEA and reliability testing methodologies
- Experience designing and debugging tooled components (cast, injection mold, forge, stamp)
- Experience with thermal management and heat dissipation design for electromechanical systems
- Proficiency documenting designs in accordance with ANSI Y 14.5
- Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for data analysis, simulation and rapid prototyping
- Experience with rapid prototyping methods including 3D printing and CNC machining
- Proficiency with Product Lifecycle Management PLM software and ECOs
- Experience steering product enhancements that improve performance of existing products
- Understanding of control systems fundamentals including servo tuning, PID control and motion profiling
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to lead and collaborate across cross functional teams

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, North Reading - 137,300.00 - 185,700.00 USD annually
USA, MA, Westboro - 137,300.00 - 185,700.00 USD annually

How we rate this

Sr. Robotics Mechanical Eng Rotary Actuator Systems at Amazon rates 10 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.

Classification

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.

Key facts

Sr. Robotics Mechanical Eng Rotary Actuator Systems is an open job at Amazon.
Level rates this role AI Level 1 of 4: Little AI.
The listed salary is $137k-$186k a year.
The role is based in US, MA, North Reading.
The job was posted on August 11, 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

Mechanical EngineeringRoboticsActuator DesignMotor DesignPrototypingFEACADSolidworks

Questions you could be asked

Tell me about a project where mechanical engineering was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where robotics was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where actuator design was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where motor design was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where prototyping was part of your work. What did you do?

Adapt your resume

List these exact terms on your resume: Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Actuator Design, Motor Design, and Prototyping. 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.

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