Principal Manufacturing Engineer, Machining

Amazon is seeking a highly experienced and hands-on Principal Manufacturing Engineer to lead the concept, design, build, and launch of production-scale machining operations. This is a senior individual contributor role serving as the technical authority responsible for commissioning machining facilities, deploying world-class machining technologies, and establishing stable, scalable, and highly efficient production systems.

The ideal candidate will bring 12+ years of progressive experience in production-scale machining environments, with deep expertise in CNC process engineering, facility startup, capital equipment deployment, production system design, and operational excellence. This individual must be capable of driving technical execution across cross-functional organizations while operating effectively in fast-paced, dynamic environments with demanding schedules.

This role requires a combination of technical authority, influential leadership, strategic thinking, and hands-on problem-solving to support Amazon's manufacturing and operational objectives.

Key job responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end machining line concept, design, requirements, sizing/balancing/timing, material flow, vendor selection, equipment specification, automation strategy, installation, commissioning, rate demonstration, and handover to operations teams.
• Own line requirements including layout, work content, cycle times, takt times, spindle utilization targets, headcount, and Capex.
• Drive technological advancement in ultra high scale, volumetrically dense, high precision machining techniques
• Oversee detailed design of new machining equipment and work-holding systems; develop equipment specifications for CNC mills, lathes, grinders, and multi-axis machining centers; identify vendors and manage the RFQ, selection, FAT, and deployment process.
• Define and optimize machining process parameters including speeds, feeds, depths of cut, toolpath strategies, and coolant delivery to achieve target surface finishes, geometric tolerances, and tool life.
• Lead and manage project scope from concept through production launch. Own the handover process to sustaining teams.
• Drive production readiness and operational performance metrics during launch and ramp-up phases, including safety, quality, throughput, OEE, scrap reduction, tool life optimization, and cycle time optimization.
• Partner with product design teams to incorporate DFM considerations specific to machining — advocating for optimal material selection, feature accessibility, tolerance stack-ups, and datum schemes that enable reliable, cost-effective machining processes.
• Drive PFMEA and OEE considerations as far upstream in product development as possible. Think of the factory as a fully integrated product — best part/process is no part/process.
• Develop and implement in-process and post-process inspection strategies, including CMM programming, SPC implementation, and gauge R&R studies to ensure dimensional and surface quality compliance.
• Establish and standardize machining processes, control plans, tool management programs, preventive maintenance strategies, and operational documentation.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and data-driven problem-solving methodologies. Leverage machining data analytics (tool wear monitoring, vibration analysis, thermal compensation) to optimize process stability and capability.
• Lead strategic technical engagement with machine tool OEMs, cutting tool suppliers, work-holding vendors, automation integrators, and key production partners.
• Mentor and develop peers and junior engineers while fostering a culture of technical excellence, safety, and operational discipline.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in production-scale machining environments (CNC milling, turning, grinding, multi-axis machining).
• Deep expertise in machining process development, CNC programming (G-code/CAM), tooling selection, and fixturing design.
• Proven track record of leading machining facility startups, capital equipment deployment, and production launches from concept through rate demonstration.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T, metrology, CMM inspection, and statistical process control (SPC).
• Experience managing large-scale Capex projects including vendor selection, RFQ management, FAT/SAT, and commissioning.
• Demonstrated ability to drive cross-functional collaboration and influence without direct authority.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
• Experience with high-precision machining of aerospace-grade materials (aluminum alloys, titanium, Inconel, composites).
• Expertise in multi-axis simultaneous machining, high-speed machining (HSM), and hard turning/grinding processes.
• Proficiency in CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, NX CAM, CATIA, Hypermill) and simulation tools for machining process validation.
• Experience with automated machining cells, robotic part loading/unloading, pallet systems, and lights-out manufacturing concepts.
• Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean Manufacturing certification.
• Knowledge of Industry 4.0 concepts including machine monitoring, adaptive control, digital twin, and predictive maintenance applied to machining operations.
• Experience with coolant management, chip evacuation optimization, and environmental/sustainability considerations in machining operations.

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, TX, Austin - 163,400.00 - 221,000.00 USD annually