Director Of Innovation Jobs in Bellevue, WA

DESCRIPTION

Transform the Future of Global Logistics - Join World Wide Design Engineering!

Imagine designing the next generation of fulfillment centers that power Amazon's global supply chain. We're seeking an innovative engineer who thrives on turning complex challenges into practical solutions. If you're energized by the intersection of robotics, automation, and advanced material handling technologies, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Based in our new Sonic office in Bellevue, you'll join a dynamic team revolutionizing how Amazon moves products around the world.

You'll own the complete design journey - from initial concept through final approval - creating sophisticated solutions for our inbound supply chain, fulfillment, and distribution networks. As the technical authority for your projects, you'll collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to transform ideas into reality. Once designs are approved, you'll partner with our Ops Engineering team to ensure successful installation and launch.

Your canvas will be diverse - from building new facilities from the ground up (green-field) to modernizing existing operations (brown-field) and strategic retrofits. You'll design fulfillment centers, cross-dock facilities, specialty sites for reverse logistics and hazmat, plus ground and air transportation hubs across North America and Europe. Some projects will follow proven templates while others will require completely fresh approaches.

You'll join a team of exceptionally talented engineers who thrive on innovation. We manage hundreds of high-impact projects annually in a fast-paced environment where ambiguity is embraced as opportunity. This role offers immense growth potential as you tackle challenges that directly impact millions of customer experiences.

We're looking for someone who takes ownership, drives results, and is eager to help shape the future of global logistics. If you're ready to make your mark on one of the world's most sophisticated supply chain networks, we want to talk to you.

Key job responsibilities
Design Engineering

Lead the architectural and mechanical design of complex fulfillment center systems, from concept development through final approval
Create detailed design specifications and documentation for automated material handling equipment, packaging systems, and robotics solutions
Develop and validate engineering calculations to ensure system performance meets operational requirements
Perform rigorous technical analysis to optimize facility layouts and material flow paths

Project Leadership

Own multiple concurrent projects spanning different facility types and complexity levels
Serve as primary technical point of contact for equipment suppliers and internal stakeholders
Drive design reviews and ensure all solutions meet Amazon's safety, quality, and performance standards
Manage project timelines and deliverables while adapting to changing business needs

Technical Collaboration

Partner with cross-functional teams including Operations, Construction, Controls Engineering, and Finance
Support Ops Engineering during installation and commissioning phases to ensure successful implementation
Collaborate with suppliers to develop innovative solutions that improve operational efficiency
Provide technical guidance to resolve design-related issues during implementation

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

Identify opportunities to standardize designs and create scalable solutions
Contribute to the development of new design templates and best practices
Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies in automation and material handling
Document lessons learned and share knowledge across the global design engineering network

Quality & Compliance

Ensure all designs meet applicable building codes, safety regulations, and Amazon standards
Conduct thorough design reviews and risk assessments
Maintain detailed technical documentation for all projects
Verify that implemented solutions align with approved designs and specifications

Note: This role requires regular travel to project sites (approximately 25%) and occasional international travel to support global initiatives.

A day in the life
Design automated material handling systems that efficiently move products through our fulfillment centers. A typical day includes concepting layouts, brainstorming solutions, reviewing equipment specifications, and validating system throughput calculations. Work closely with equipment suppliers to refine designs and ensure solutions meet our requirements for safety, reliability, and performance.

Collaborate with key internal partners including Operations, Construction, Controls Engineering, Finance, and Launch teams to deliver comprehensive solutions. Partner with external stakeholders such as equipment manufacturers, system integrators, and building architects to execute designs.

Manage multiple concurrent projects at different stages - from concept development through installation and commissioning. Focus on optimizing material flow, scaling for peak periods, and integrating new technologies while maintaining system reliability.

Success in this role comes from combining strong technical skills with effective stakeholder communication and the ability to drive decisions in a fast-paced environment.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of design & innovation, research & development work experience
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a foreign equivalent
• Experience with design & innovation and research & development
• Experience in management of engineering design projects
• Experience using business or technical software like MS Excel, MS Project, and CAD software

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of specialty (with progressive responsibility) experience
• Master's degree in Engineering (any domain), Operations, Business Administration, or a related field
• Knowledge of concepts like system architecture, optimization, system dynamics, system analysis, statistical analysis, reliability analysis, electronic system design, and decision making
• Experience with complex automated material handling equipment, packaging technologies, and systems and high-speed manufacturing
• Experience with design-in-safety

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, WA, Bellevue - 132,100.00 - 178,800.00 USD annually