Principal Quality Engineer, Industrial Robotics

Amazon Industrial Robotics is seeking exceptional talent to help bridge the gap between design and manufacturing for our next generation of advanced robotics systems. We're building revolutionary manufacturing processes that enable the production of cutting-edge robotic systems at Amazon's scale.

In this role, you will architect and lead the quality strategy for our advanced manufacturing operations, establishing the foundational quality systems, methodologies, and organizational structure that will scale from prototype development through high-volume production. As our first quality hire, you'll define quality requirements across die casting, injection molding, assembly, and test operations, build supplier quality programs from the ground up, and establish the data-driven quality culture that will enable world-class manufacturing performance. You'll work at the intersection of product design, process engineering, and manufacturing operations to embed quality by design principles into every aspect of our production systems. This is a unique opportunity to build a quality organization from scratch at unprecedented scale, establishing the standards and systems that will define manufacturing excellence for next-generation robotics. If you're a visionary quality leader who thrives on creating organizational infrastructure and driving strategic quality initiatives rather than managing existing systems, this role offers the chance to make a transformational impact on the future of automation.

Key job responsibilities - Architect and implement comprehensive quality management systems for new manufacturing processes including statistical process control frameworks, measurement system analysis protocols, and process capability requirements that scale from NPI through high-volume production - Define quality strategy and requirements for advanced manufacturing processes including die casting, injection molding, precision machining, and robotic assembly operations - Establish supplier quality infrastructure including PPAP/APQP requirements, audit protocols, supplier scorecards, and corrective action systems for a global supply base - Lead cross-functional quality initiatives, serving as the technical authority on quality methodology across design engineering, manufacturing engineering, and supply chain organizations - Drive design for quality (DFQ) principles into product development, establishing tolerance analysis frameworks, DFMEA processes, and design validation protocols - Develop advanced statistical methods and predictive quality models to enable proactive quality management and continuous improvement - Build quality organization strategy including team structure, capability requirements, and hiring roadmap to support factory scale-up - Establish quality metrics and reporting systems that connect manufacturing performance to business outcomes and drive executive decision-making - Lead root cause analysis for complex systemic quality issues using advanced problem-solving methodologies (8D, Six Sigma, Shainin methods) - Define quality requirements for factory design including inspection equipment, measurement systems, environmental controls, and traceability infrastructure - Create quality documentation standards and compliance frameworks aligned with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and industry-specific regulatory requirements - Partner with product design teams to establish realistic specifications that balance performance requirements with manufacturing process capability Basic Qualifications: - Experience influencing senior leaders/stakeholders - Master's degree in Quality Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Statistics, or related technical field - 10+ years of progressive quality engineering experience in high-volume manufacturing environments (automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, or similar industries) - Demonstrated experience architecting and implementing quality management systems for new manufacturing operations or greenfield facilities - Deep expertise in advanced statistical methods including design of experiments (DOE), multivariate analysis, process capability analysis (Cpk/Ppk), and measurement system analysis (MSA/GR&R) - Proven track record leading strategic quality initiatives that delivered measurable business impact at organizational scale - Experience establishing supplier quality programs including PPAP, APQP, and supplier development for complex manufacturing processes - Expert knowledge of quality standards and frameworks (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, or similar) - Experience with quality management software, statistical analysis tools (Minitab, JMP, or similar), and data visualization platforms - Demonstrated ability to build and mentor high-performing technical teams Preferred Qualifications: - Six Sigma Master Black Belt, or Six Sigma Black Belt Certification - Ph.D. in Quality Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, or related quantitative field - 15+ years of quality engineering experience with at least 5 years in strategic leadership roles - Experience building quality organizations from the ground up, including defining team structure, hiring strategy, and capability development - Deep expertise in advanced manufacturing processes including die casting, injection molding, precision machining, or robotic assembly - Track record of innovation in quality methodology, including publications, patents, or industry recognition - Experience with machine learning and AI applications for predictive quality and process optimization - Background in tolerance analysis, stack-up modeling, and design for Six Sigma (DFSS) - Experience with Industry 4.0 quality systems including real-time SPC, automated inspection, and digital traceability - Proven success leading quality strategy for product launches in automotive, aerospace, or high-reliability industries - Experience with failure analysis techniques including metallurgy, materials characterization, and destructive testing - Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies (Kaizen, TPM, TQM)

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 - 157,200.00 - 212,700.00 USD annually