Applied Scientist II

Amazon.com Inc

Sunnyvale, CA

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Automation, Control Systems, Human Interaction, Machine Learning, Mechanical Design, Physics, Rapid Application Development (RAD), Reinforcement Learning, Requirements Validation/Verification, Research & Development (R&D), Robotics, Simulation, System Operations, System Validation, Test Plan/Schedule
LOCATION
Sunnyvale, CA
POSTED
30+ days ago

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.

We are seeking a talented Applied Scientist to join our advanced robotics team, focusing on developing and applying cutting-edge simulation methodologies for advanced robotics systems. This role centers on research and development of physics-based simulation techniques, sim-to-real transfer methods, and machine learning approaches that enable rapid development, testing, and validation of robotic systems operating in complex, real-world environments.

Key job responsibilities

  • Advance physics-based simulation fidelity for contact-rich manipulation and locomotion
  • Design and build high-performance simulation tools integrated into a robotics design stack
  • Translate research ideas into robust, verifiable data
  • Develop methods to quantify and reduce simulation-to-reality gaps across design, safety, and control
  • Architect scalable simulation solutions for rigid and deformable body dynamics
  • Build simulation pipelines optimized for a digital twin level of fidelity
  • Establish frameworks for continuous simulation improvement using real-world hardware
  • Collaborate with engineering, science, and safety teams on simulation requirements and validation

About the team

Our team is building a comprehensive robot simulation and modeling platform for advanced robotics development, combining locomotion and manipulation capabilities. We operate at the cutting edge of physics simulation, reinforcement learning, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and sim-to-real transfer, collaborating with world-class robotics engineers, scientists, and mechanical designers in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.

This role uniquely combines fundamental research with real-world development. You will pursue core research questions in physics-based simulation while seeing your work translated into real robots, validated on real hardware. Working alongside Robot scientist and designers, you will help transform research ideas into scalable, quantifiable simulation capabilities that directly impact how robots are designed and built.

About the Company

A

Amazon.com Inc

At Amazon, we don’t wait for the next big idea to present itself. We envision the shape of impossible things and then we boldly make them reality. So far, this mindset has helped us achieve some incredible things. Let’s build new systems, challenge the status quo, and design the world we want to live in. We believe the work you do here will be the best work of your life.

Wherever you are in your career exploration, Amazon likely has an opportunity for you. Our research scientists and engineers shape the future of natural language understanding with Alexa. Fulfillment center associates around the globe send customer orders from our warehouses to doorsteps. Product managers set feature requirements, strategy, and marketing messages for brand new customer experiences. And as we grow, we’ll add jobs that haven’t been invented yet.

It’s Always Day 1
At Amazon, it’s always “Day 1.” Now, what does this mean and why does it matter? It means that our approach remains the same as it was on Amazon’s very first day – to make smart, fast decisions, stay nimble, invent, and stay focused on delighting our customers. In our 2016 shareholder letter, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos shared his thoughts on how to keep up a Day 1 company mindset. “Staying in Day 1 requires you to experiment patiently, accept failures, plant seeds, protect saplings, and double down when you see customer delight,” he wrote. “A customer-obsessed culture best creates the conditions where all of that can happen.” You can read the full letter here

Our Leadership Principles
Our Leadership Principles help us keep a Day 1 mentality. They aren’t just a pretty inspirational wall hanging. Amazonians use them, every day, whether they’re discussing ideas for new projects, deciding on the best solution for a customer’s problem, or interviewing candidates. To read through our Leadership Principles from Customer Obsession to Bias for Action, visit https://www.amazon.jobs/principles
COMPANY SIZE
10,000 employees or more
INDUSTRY
Retail
FOUNDED
1994
WEBSITE
http://Amazon.com/militaryroles