Applied Scientist II

Amazon Science; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 143,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance (medical, dental, &/b

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Amazon Science seeks exceptional researchers to develop next-generation robotics systems, blending AI, control theory, and mechanical design for safe, scalable automation. You will advance dexterous manipulation, locomotion, and human-robot interaction through novel deep learning and simulation-driven approaches.

You will join a team pushing the boundaries of robotics, working across facilities to translate theory into practical implementations that scale across Amazon's operations.

Qualifications

• PhD in CS/CE/ML or related field
• Master's degree plus 2+ years of relevant experience
• Strong programming skills in Python and C++
• Experience with robotics simulation environments (MuJoCo, Newton, Drake, Isaac Lab)
• Numerical methods, multibody dynamics, FEM/MPM knowledge
• Production-quality code experience and numerical analysis proficiency

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with simulation and robotics experts to translate physical modeling needs into scalable simulation solutions
• Design and implement high-performance simulation modeling and tools for rigid and deformable bodies
• Identify and optimize performance bottlenecks in simulation pipelines for real-time and batch workflows
• Help build validation and unit testing pipelines to ensure accuracy and fidelity
• Identify sim-to-real gaps and propose numerical approximations to reduce them
• Stay current with advances in numerical methods, parallel computing, and GPU architectures

Education

PhD in CS/CE/ML or related field

Master's degree + 2+ years experience

Tools

MuJoCo

Newton

Drake

Isaac Gym Lab

CUDA

Job description

Amazon is seeking exceptional talent to help develop the next generation of advanced robotics systems that will transform automation at Amazon's scale. We're building revolutionary robotic systems that combine cutting-edge AI, sophisticated control systems, and advanced mechanical design to create adaptable automation solutions capable of working safely alongside humans in dynamic environments. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of robotics and automation at an unprecedented scale, working with world‑class teams pushing the boundaries of what's possible in robotic dexterous manipulation, locomotion, and human‑robot interaction. This role presents an opportunity to shape the future of robotics through innovative applications of deep learning and large language models.

At Amazon we leverage advanced robotics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to solve complex operational challenges at an unprecedented scale. Our fleet of robots operates across hundreds of facilities worldwide, working in sophisticated coordination to fulfill our mission of customer excellence.

The ideal candidate will contribute to research that bridges the gap between theoretical advancement and practical implementation in robotics. You will be part of a team that's revolutionizing how robots learn, adapt, and interact with their environment.

Join us in building the next generation of intelligent robotics systems that will transform the future of automation and human‑robot collaboration.

Key job responsibilities

• Collaborate with simulation and robotics experts to translate physical modeling needs into robust, scalable, and maintainable simulation solutions.
• Design and implement high-performance simulation modeling and tools for rigid and deformable body simulation.
• Identify and optimize performance bottlenecks in simulation pipelines to support real‑time and batch simulation workflows.
• Help build validation and unit testing pipelines to ensure correctness and physical fidelity of simulation results.
• Identify potential sources of sim-to-real gaps and propose modeling and numerical approximations to reduce them.
• Stay current with the latest advances in numerical methods, parallel computing, and GPU architectures, and incorporate them into our tools.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD, or Master's degree and 2+ years of CS, CE, ML or related field experience
• Strong programming skills in modern Python and/or C++ and experience with GPU programming (CUDA, Warp, or similar).
• Experience with robotics simulation environments such as MuJoCo, Newton, Drake and/or Isaac Lab.
• Expertise in one or more of the following: Solid foundation in numerical methods for multibody dynamics, frictional contact, Finite Element Method (FEM), Material Point Method (MPM) or other approaches for physics-based simulation.
• Experience implementing scientific or simulation software in a collaborative, production-quality codebase.
• Proficiency in linear algebra, differential equations, and numerical analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience programming in Java, C++, Python or related language
• Experience working effectively across cross‑functional teams and partnering well with people at all levels within an organization
• PhD in simulation
• Experience in one or more of the following: bimanual manipulation, imitation learning for dexterous manipulation, reinforcement learning for locomotion, teleoperation systems for data collection

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.

• 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 offparental leave

USA, MA, N.Reading - 142,800.00 - 193,200.00 USD annually