Systems Development Engineer, Amazon Robotics Firmware

Build the future of robotics safety at Amazon and design next-gen embedded systems in C/C++ while supporting a global fleet that keeps thousands of fulfillment centers running safely at massive scale.

Bridge industrial controls and embedded software engineering, working hands-on with PLCs and modern ARM-based platforms in a role where your code directly protects people and powers innovation.

Key job responsibilities

• Fleet Support: Maintain the global Floor Safety System, ensuring high availability of safety-critical infrastructure.
• Feature Development: Design and deploy new features for both the current PLC system and next-gen platform.
• Platform Migration: Convert legacy PLCs to modern C/C++ architecture on ARM-based hardware.
• Real-Time Algorithms: Develop and optimize control algorithms for robotic safety monitoring.
• Observability: Build monitoring and diagnostic tools for system health.
• Integration & Validation: Test features on live systems against strict safety and performance standards.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with hardware, operations, SDEs, and vendors.
• Travel: 5–10% onsite for testing, deployment, and maintenance.

A day in the life You'll split time between supporting a global safety-critical fleet and building its next-gen replacement. One morning you're troubleshooting a PLC issue at a fulfillment center; that afternoon you're writing C/C++ for the new ARM-based platform. You'll jump into design reviews, debate architecture tradeoffs, and test features against live systems. Some weeks take you onsite to validate code in the real world. Your work directly protects people and ships at massive scale — no two days look the same.

About the team The Floor Safety System team is a small but growing team within Amazon Robotics' Firmware organization. We own the safety layer protecting fulfillment center associates working alongside robots. We're migrating from legacy PLCs to a modern C/C++ platform on ARM-based hardware, so you'll support a worldwide production fleet while building its next-gen replacement.

You'll collaborate daily with firmware, hardware, and software engineers, plus operations teams and vendors. Travel (5–10%) puts you onsite where your work matters most. This is a key safety-critical system that protects people at massive scale. Basic Qualifications: - Experience programming with at least one modern language such as Python, Ruby, Golang, Java, C++, C#, Rust - Experience with Linux/Unix - 3+ years of non-internship professional software development experience - 2+ years of non-internship design or architecture (design patterns, reliability and scaling) of new and existing systems experience, or Master's degree in engineering or equivalent - Knowledge of network design, protocols and troubleshooting Preferred Qualifications: - Experience with distributed systems at scale - Experience programming with RSLogix5000, Studio 5000, FT View, and other controls software platforms - Experience designing, building, operating, and managing large-scale distributed systems or web services - Experience using strong customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills - Experience with embedded software - Experience with safety-rated control systems (SIL-rated, safety PLCs, or functional safety standards such as IEC 61508/62443) - Experience with real-time control algorithms, motion control, or robotic systems

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 - 129,200.00 - 174,800.00 USD annually