Senior Systems Dev Engineer, Compass

Amazon; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 151,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

Amazon Robotics in Pasadena seeks a Senior Systems Dev Engineer to own the testing ecosystem for a next-generation safety system. You will bridge lab hardware and software cycles, ensuring rapid, reliable maturation of safety algorithms.

You will lead lab space development, benchmarking, and real-time testing across robot platforms, working with hardware and software teams to meet production constraints and safety objectives.

Qualifications

• Experience developing test strategies and plans for complex hardware/software systems or systems of systems.
• 5+ years of experience in systems dev engineering, test engineering, or lab engineering in a robotics or embedded systems environment.
• 3+ years of experience with lab equipment, test fixtures, or physical testing environments for robotics or mechatronic systems.
• Programming experience in Python and/or C++ for test automation.
• Experience defining and tracking engineering metrics to measure development progress.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams spanning hardware and software.

Responsibilities

• Own development and buildout of the Compass lab space with hardware selection and test fixtures.
• Design, implement, and maintain the full testing suite for feasibility, benchmarking, and scalability.
• Define and track metrics across development loops to measure progress and bottlenecks.
• Develop benchmarking frameworks and test scenarios for robot platforms and conditions.
• Collaborate with algorithm developers to define test requirements and pass/fail criteria.
• Own scalability and performance testing infrastructure ensuring real-time constraints.

Skills

Python programming

C++ programming

Test automation

Systems engineering

Robotics experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BS/MS in Robotics or related field

Tools

Gazebo

Isaac Sim

MuJoCo

Lab equipment

Test fixtures

Job description

Description

Are you a hands-on systems dev engineer who wants to own the entire testing ecosystem for a next-generation robot safety system, from building the physical lab to defining the benchmarks that prove our algorithms work? At Amazon Robotics, we're seeking a Senior Systems Dev Engineer who can bridge the gap between lab hardware and software development cycles, ensuring our safety technology matures rapidly and reliably.

Key job responsibilities

• Own the development and buildout of the new Compass lab space, including hardware selection, environment design, and test fixture development for algorithm evaluation
• Design, implement, and maintain the full testing suite supporting all three development loops: feasibility evaluation, benchmarking/maturation, and scalability/optimization
• Define and track metrics across development loops to measure algorithm progress, identify bottlenecks, and streamline iteration cycles
• Develop benchmarking frameworks and test scenarios that rigorously evaluate algorithm performance across robot platforms and operating conditions
• Collaborate with algorithm developers to define test requirements, acceptance criteria, and pass/fail thresholds for each development stage
• Own the scalability and performance testing infrastructure, ensuring algorithms meet real-time and resource constraints as they move toward production

A day in the life

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:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Maternity and Parental Leave Options
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 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,

About The Team

Work with the inventors of control barrier functions on a novel, universal approach to safe autonomy: one that scales across mobile robots, manipulators, mobile manipulators, and future robot platforms with dynamic stability. You'll push the boundary of safe performance by integrating safety with motion planning, RL, and foundation models, ensuring that safety is never a blocker to robot performance. Your work will underpin robots operating alongside people at Amazon's unprecendented scale.

Basic Qualifications

• Experience developing test strategies and plans for complex hardware/software systems or systems of systems
• 5+ years of experience in systems dev engineering, test engineering, or lab engineering in a robotics or embedded systems environment
• 3+ years of experience with lab equipment, test fixtures, or physical testing environments for robotics or mechatronic systems
• Programming experience in Python and/or C++ for test automation
• Experience defining and tracking engineering metrics to measure development progress
• Experience working with cross-functional teams spanning hardware and software

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in robotics testing, including algorithm validation on physical robot platforms
• Experience building lab environments from the ground up - including hardware procurement, layout design, and safety considerations
• Experience developing benchmarking frameworks for robotics algorithms (motion planning, control, perception)
• Knowledge of control systems, dynamics, or motion planning sufficient to design meaningful test scenarios
• Experience with simulation-to-real validation workflows (e.g., Gazebo, Isaac Sim, MuJoCo)
• Experience with data acquisition systems, motion capture, or sensor instrumentation for algorithm evaluation
• Familiarity with safety-critical development processes and how testing supports certification objectives
• Experience with test management tools and requirements traceability
• Experience defining development processes, stage gates, or maturity frameworks for algorithm development
• Strong project management skills with ability to track multiple parallel workstreams
• BS/MS in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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, CA, PASADENA - 151,200.00 - 204,600.00 USD annually

Company

Amazon.com Services LLC