Physical Design Engineer Jobs in Arlington, VA

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Manager, Electrical & Controls Engineering to lead and manage the electrical power systems and controls engineering function within One MHS (One Material Handling Systems). This role will be responsible for overseeing the complete design, development, and implementation of electrical power distribution and control systems for material handling projects — while leading a team of engineers to deliver solutions that prioritize safety, scalability, and operational excellence. As part of OneMHS, you will shape how we design, build, and operate material handling capabilities through strategic leadership in electrical and controls engineering.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in electrical power system design, controls engineering, industrial communication protocols, and automation platforms for complex material handling systems including conveyance and sortation — combined with demonstrated leadership experience managing engineering teams. You will drive cross-functional collaboration with mechanical engineering, software, and project management teams to deliver robust electrical and controls solutions while ensuring compliance with NEC code and industry standards.

This role requires both deep technical expertise spanning electrical power design and controls engineering, and strong people leadership skills — including the ability to build high-performing teams, set strategic direction, manage resources, and drive organizational excellence in project delivery.

Key job responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of electrical and controls engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Set strategic direction for the electrical and controls engineering function, aligning team objectives with broader OneMHS program goals
• Manage resource allocation, workload balancing, and project assignments to ensure on-time, high-quality delivery across multiple concurrent projects
• Conduct performance reviews, career development planning, and talent acquisition for the electrical and controls engineering team
• Establish and enforce engineering standards, design review processes, and quality gates across the team
• Drive organizational improvements including process optimization, tool adoption, and knowledge management initiatives
• Represent the electrical and controls engineering function in leadership meetings, program reviews, and strategic planning sessions

Power Systems Design & Distribution

• Oversee the design of all power and controls systems related to MH projects, including 3-phase and single-phase power distribution systems
• Direct the development of electrical layouts, schematics, control architectures, and panel standardization for material handling applications
• Ensure modular and scalable power distribution system designs that prioritize reliability, maintainability, and performance
• Establish and maintain best practices for panel placement, grounding, and safety circuit design
• Approve single-line diagrams, power distribution schematics, and panel schedules to support facility and equipment power needs

Controls Engineering & Communication Protocols

• Oversee the design and implementation of industrial communication networks utilizing EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, and PROFINET protocols
• Direct control system architecture development incorporating IPCs (Industrial PCs), PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), and SCADA systems
• Ensure proper specification, configuration, and integration of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and their associated interfaces within material handling systems
• Oversee the selection, specification, and integration of sensors, encoders, safety circuits, and all safety devices in accordance with applicable safety standards
• Ensure the design and implementation of safety systems including light curtains, safety relays, E-stops, and safety PLCs meet all regulatory requirements

In-Field Installation Audits & Compliance

• Establish audit programs and oversee in-field installation audits to verify compliance with design specifications, quality standards, and NEC code requirements
• Review and approve electrical and controls drawings, specifications, and submittals at a program level
• Drive continuous improvement by auditing electrical system designs to identify opportunities and develop superior solutions
• Ensure all designs and installations comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) / NFPA 70 and other applicable standards
• Stay current with NEC code revisions, NFPA updates, and industry regulatory changes, and communicate impacts to the team

Collaboration & Strategic Engagement

• Partner with cross-functional leadership including mechanical engineering, software, and project management to deliver fully integrated solutions
• Serve as the primary technical authority and escalation point for electrical and controls engineering decisions
• Drive commissioning strategy, troubleshooting protocols, and startup activities across projects
• Develop and maintain electrical and controls design standards, best practices, and organizational playbooks
• Build relationships with vendors, suppliers, and external partners to drive innovation and cost optimization

A day in the life
Lead your team of electrical and controls engineers in delivering world-class solutions for material handling projects with industry-leading performance in reliability, safety, and scalability. Set priorities and allocate resources across multiple concurrent projects while providing technical oversight on power distribution system designs and control architectures. Conduct design reviews, approve specifications for VFDs, sensors, encoders, and safety devices, and ensure optimal system performance across the portfolio.

Guide your team in implementing industrial communication networks using EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, and PROFINET protocols while developing PLC and SCADA-based control systems. Oversee in-field installation audit programs to verify NEC code compliance and design integrity. Mentor and develop engineers at all levels while driving continuous improvement in design standards, documentation processes, and team capabilities across the OneMHS program. Engage with cross-functional leadership to align on program strategy and remove barriers for your team.

Amazon offers a full range of benefits that support you and eligible family members, including domestic partners and their children. 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!