Principal Applied Scientist, Robotics

Amazon; Reading (MA); On-site; USD 199,000 - 269,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RSUs

Sign-on payments

Health insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Amazon seeks a Principal Applied Scientist in Reading, MA to shape the next generation of dexterous robots and adaptive automation at scale. You will lead whole body control research, integrate learning methods with real-time deployment, and collaborate with hardware teams to ensure feasible implementations.

The role emphasizes translating theory to practical systems, mentoring scientists, and advancing state-of-the-art robotics within a world-class org.

Qualifications

• PhD with 7+ years of relevant research after degree or Master’s with 12+ years equivalent experience.
• Deep expertise in whole body control methods, HQP and MPC.
• Proven experience with imitation and reinforcement learning for control and manipulation.
• Experience deploying real-time controllers on robotic hardware.
• Experience with simulation environments such as MuJoCo, IsaacLab, or Drake.
• Experience in state estimation from multiple sensor modalities.
• Ability to influence technical strategy across teams.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive long-term scientific roadmap for whole body control and dexterous manipulation.
• Serve as technical authority on HQP and MPC across the organization.
• Tackle hard research problems in loco-manipulation across teams.
• Co-design systems with hardware and robotics leads for deployment constraints.
• Represent scientific capabilities to senior leadership and partners.
• Mentor and develop a community of Applied Scientists and engineers.

Skills

Whole body control

HQP

MPC

Imitation learning

Reinforcement learning

Real-time control

Leadership

Education

PhD in Robotics or related field

Master's degree in Robotics or related field

Tools

MuJoCo

IsaacLab

Drake

Job description

We are seeking a Principal Applied Scientist 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.

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

• Define and drive the long-term scientific roadmap for whole body control and dexterous manipulation, working with autonomy and delivering artifacts that set the standard for scientific and engineering excellence
• Serve as the primary technical authority on whole body control methods — including reinforcement learning, imitation learning, hierarchical quadratic programming, and model-predictive control — across the organization
• Identify and tackle intrinsically hard, open-ended research problems in loco-manipulation, acquiring expertise as needed and proposing innovative solutions that span multiple teams
• Collaborate with hardware and robotics leads to co-design systems for loco-manipulation, ensuring science solutions are grounded in real-world deployment constraints
• Represent scientific capabilities to senior leadership and external partners; communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Mentor and develop a community of Applied Scientists and engineers, raising the scientific bar across the organization

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with 7+ years of relevant research experience after degree; or Master's degree with 12+ years of equivalent experience
• Deep expertise in whole body control methods, including hierarchical quadratic programming (HQP) and model-predictive control (MPC)
• Proven experience with imitation learning and reinforcement learning applied to whole body control and manipulation
• Experience developing and deploying real-time controllers on physical robotic hardware
• Experience with simulation environments such as IsaacLab, MuJoCo, or Drake
• Experience in state estimation from multiple sensor modalities
• Demonstrated ability to influence technical strategy across multiple teams and organizations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience co-designing hardware and algorithms for loco-manipulation systems
• Strong record of mentoring scientists and engineers and growing high-performing teams
• PhD in Robotics with a focus on whole body control or dexterous manipulation
• Track record of publications and/or patents in robotics, control, or machine learning

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, N.Reading - 198,900.00 - 269,000.00 USD annually