Applied Scientist, Robotic Hand Sensing and Actuation Engineer

Amazon Industrial Robotics is seeking exceptional talent to help develop the next generation of advanced robotics systems that will transform automation at Amazon's scale. We're building revolutionary robotic systems that combine cutting-edge AI, sophisticated control systems, and advanced mechanical design to create adaptable automation solutions capable of working safely alongside humans in dynamic environments. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of robotics and automation at an unprecedented scale, working with world-class teams pushing the boundaries of what's possible in robotic dexterous manipulation, locomotion, and human-robot interaction. This role presents an opportunity to shape the future of robotics through innovative applications of deep learning and large language models.

At Amazon Industrial Robotics we leverage advanced robotics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to solve complex operational challenges at an unprecedented scale. Our fleet of robots operates across hundreds of facilities worldwide, working in sophisticated coordination to fulfill our mission of customer excellence.
- We are pioneering the development of robotics dexterous hands that:
- Enable unprecedented generalization across diverse tasks
- Are compliant but at the same time impact resistant
- Can enable power grasps with the same reliability as fine dexterity and nonprehensile manipulation
- Can naturally cope with the uncertainty of the environment
- Leverage mechanical intelligence, multi-modal sensor feedback and advanced control techniques.

The ideal candidate will contribute to research that bridges the gap between theoretical advancement and practical implementation in robotics. You will be part of a team that's revolutionizing how robots learn, adapt, and interact with their environment.

Join us in building the next generation of intelligent robotics systems that will transform the future of automation and human-robot collaboration.

Key job responsibilities
- Design and implement novel sensing and actuation technologies for dexterous manipulation
- Develop parallel paths for rapid finger design and prototyping combining different actuation and sensing technologies as well as different finger morphologies
- Develop new testing and validation strategies to support fast continuous integration and modularity
- Build and test full hand prototypes to validate the performance of the solution
- Create hybrid approaches combining different actuation technologies, under-actuation, active and passive compliance
- Hand integration into rest of the embodiment
- Partner with cross-functional teams to rapidly create new concepts and prototypes
- Work with Amazon's robotics engineering and operations teams to grasp their requirements and develop tailored solutions
- Document the designs, performance, and validation of the final system

Basic Qualifications:
- Master's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or 4+ years of relevant discipline work experience
- Experience with CAD modelling software, such as Solidworks or MATLAB
- Experience applying theoretical models in an applied environment
- Experience in tactile sensing technologies
- Experience in dynamics simulation with physics engine (mujoco, drake, or similar)
- Experience in finger actuation, under-actuation, active and passive compliance
- Experience in tactile sensing

Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience programming in Java, C++, Python or related language
- Experience working effectively across cross-functional teams and partnering well with people at all levels within an organization
- PhD in Robotics, with focus on mechanical design and robot control
- Experience in tendon-driven, electrical and series elastic actuators
- Experience Matlab - Simulink / Real time workshop
- Background in real-time control, particularly in torque / impedance control and contact-rich manipulation
- Experience with grasp planning
- Experience in ROS/ROS2

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 for more information. If the country/region you're applying in isn't listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $136,000/year in our lowest geographic market up to $223,400/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Amazon is a total compensation company. Dependent on the position offered, equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. For more information, please visit This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.

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