Hardware Design Engineer - Multiple Teams

Description

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Power & Hardware Design Engineer to serve as a technical authority for power systems, standards, and hardware engineering within Amazon's global fulfillment center network. This role will drive the standardization and innovation of power distribution and hardware solutions for material handling operations, focusing on safety, scalability, and operational excellence. As part of OneMHS (One Material Handling Systems), you will transform how Amazon designs, builds, and operates its material handling capabilities through advanced power system strategies and hardware development.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in power system design, power distribution, controls engineering, and hardware development for complex material handling systems including tote/parcel conveyance and sortation. You will work closely with WWDE, Operations Engineering, strategic suppliers, and cross-functional teams to deliver robust power and hardware solutions while considering long-term system performance, policies, and maintenance programs.

This role requires deep technical expertise to create engineering standards that influence mechanical engineering design and contribute to multi-year roadmaps for system evolution — as well as the tactical execution to standardize deliverable clarity and quality, promoting excellence in project delivery.


Key job responsibilities
Power Systems Design & Distribution

• Design, engineer, and optimize 3-phase power systems and power distribution for industrial and commercial material handling applications
• Design and specify Main Distribution Boards (MDBs), Power Distribution Panels (PDPs), and electrical substations, ensuring proper sizing, protection coordination, and compliance with project and code requirements
• Develop single-line diagrams, power distribution schematics, and panel schedules to support facility and equipment power needs
• Perform power quality analysis, fault current studies, and coordination studies to ensure system reliability and safety
• Select and specify transformers, switchgear, breakers, bus ducts, and other power distribution equipment
• Design modular and scalable power distribution systems that prioritize reliability, maintainability, and performance
• Establish best practices for panel placement, grounding, and safety circuit design

Load Calculations, Arc Flash Studies & A/E Drawing Sets

• Perform detailed electrical load calculations including demand factor analysis, diversity factors, and future capacity planning
• Perform arc flash calculations and hazard analysis in accordance with IEEE 1584 and NFPA 70E, determining incident energy levels, arc flash boundaries, and appropriate PPE categories for all electrical equipment
• Develop and maintain arc flash labeling programs and ensure all MDBs, PDPs, substations, and downstream equipment are properly labeled and compliant
• Perform detailed calculations to establish electrical standards and specifications across the OneMHS program
• Prepare and review complete Architectural/Engineering (A/E) drawing sets, including electrical plans, riser diagrams, panel schedules, and equipment layouts
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, structural, civil) to ensure integrated and constructible designs
• Manage drawing revisions, as-built documentation, and ensure compliance with project specifications

Utilities Data Analysis

• Analyze utilities data including electrical consumption, demand profiles, power factor, and load trends across fulfillment center operations
• Monitor and evaluate utility rate structures, demand charges, and energy usage patterns to identify cost optimization opportunities
• Develop utilities dashboards and reporting mechanisms to track power consumption, peak demand, and efficiency metrics across facilities
• Collaborate with Facilities and Operations teams to provide data-driven recommendations for power system upgrades, capacity planning, and energy efficiency improvements
• Support utility coordination efforts including service entrance requirements, utility metering, and interconnection agreements for new and existing facilities

Hardware Design & Development

• Perform hardware design and development of electrical and electromechanical systems, including:
◦ Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) — selection, integration, and commissioning
◦ Sensors — specification, calibration, and deployment of industrial sensors (temperature, pressure, vibration, current, etc.)
◦ Predictive Maintenance Systems — design and implementation of condition-monitoring hardware, remote monitoring, and IoT-based predictive maintenance solutions
• Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies including DC power systems and AI-powered diagnostics
• Drive prototype development, testing, validation, and production-readiness of hardware solutions
• Develop technology that creates or maintains competitive advantage in power systems and hardware

OneMHS Program Specifications

• Prepare, develop, and maintain technical specifications for the OneMHS program, ensuring alignment with organizational standards and project requirements
• Author and review equipment specifications, performance criteria, and acceptance test procedures for MHS components and subsystems
• Collaborate with OneMHS program stakeholders, vendors, and cross-functional teams to define and standardize specification requirements across projects
• Ensure all OneMHS specifications incorporate power, controls, safety, and code compliance requirements
• Audit electrical system designs to identify opportunities and develop superior solutions
• Drive continuous improvement of specification templates and documentation processes to support scalability and consistency across the OneMHS program
• Develop and document repeatable electrical processes for scaled deployment

Standards & Code Compliance

• Ensure all designs, installations, and hardware solutions comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) / NFPA 70 and other applicable standards
• Ensure arc flash studies and labeling comply with NFPA 70E and IEEE 1584 across all facilities
• Use electrical reliability and maintenance expertise to perform gap assessments to industry standards
• Serve as the subject matter expert on electrical codes, standards, and best practices across the organization
• Conduct design reviews and audits to verify code compliance and identify potential safety risks
• Stay current with NEC code revisions, NFPA updates, and industry regulatory changes

Technical Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing

• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior and mid-level electrical engineers and designers
• Participate in and lead design reviews for complex and critical power and hardware systems at site and region levels
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders including Operations, Facilities, Construction, WWDE, and Safety teams
• Coordinate with third-party partners for power system design, permitting, and installation
• Build consensus and harmonize differing views on power system approaches
• Educate the broader fulfillment center engineering community on advanced power system issues
• Support development of electrical implementation playbooks and ensure effective knowledge transfer and documentation
• Contribute to intellectual property (inventions, patents) in power systems and hardware engineering

Project Execution & Risk Management

• Execute power and hardware projects through all phases from initiation through commissioning
• Drive continuous improvement in project delivery methods and execution standards
• Identify and mitigate risks proactively
• Maintain stakeholder alignment and satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle
• Use data and metrics to back up assumptions and evaluate outcomes


A day in the life
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support power system design and hardware development with industry-leading performance in reliability, safety, and resilience. Design and review MDBs, PDPs, and substation configurations while performing arc flash studies to ensure worker safety across all facilities. Analyze utilities data to identify trends, optimize power consumption, and support capacity planning for new and existing fulfillment centers.

Develop mechanisms to assist in executing material handling system power and hardware implementations while establishing standardized processes for ensuring optimal performance across facilities in future deployments. Create and deliver detailed technical designs and execution plans to drive implementation from initiation through commissioning, ensuring program success across multiple simultaneous projects.

Interface with strategic partners to ensure successful integration of Amazon-spec equipment and hardware while maintaining the highest standards of safety and performance.

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:

1. Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
2. Maternity and Parental Leave Options
3. Paid Time Off (PTO)
4. 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, please apply!

About the team
One MHS is the central material handling systems organization within Amazon's global fulfillment center network. Our engineering teams design and deliver state-of-the-art power, hardware, and controls systems that keep the world's supply chains moving. We are committed to excellence, safety, and the professional growth of every team member.

Basic Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or equivalent
- Experience with large scale mechanical and power systems
- Experience solving problems with technology in the Energy & Utilities industries
- 1+ years of developing electrical schematics using AutoCAD Electrical (2010 or newer) experience, or Master's degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, engineering technology or equivalent
- Experience in hardware design and validation of components, subsystems and systems
- Experience in material handling systems (MHS) installation, operation and maintenance
- Experience and strong technical background in relevant fields of automated or non-automated material handling equipment
- 4+ years of experience in power systems design, electrical engineering, and/or hardware development, preferably in design, specification, and execution of large-scale complex material handling systems
- Proven expertise in 3-phase power system design and power distribution for industrial or commercial environments
- Proficiency in performing arc flash calculations and hazard analysis per IEEE 1584 and NFPA 70E
- Thorough understanding of NEC Code (NFPA 70) compliance, including Articles 210, 215, 220, 230, 240, 250, 430, and 480
- Proficient skills in AutoCAD and Autodesk tools
- Familiarity with power analysis software (e.g., SKM PowerTools, ETAP, EasyPower)
- Able to travel up to 30%, US and International

Preferred Qualifications

- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering
- BS degree in electrical engineering or equivalent
- Knowledge of safe electrical practices according to guidelines set by relevant electrical safety supervisory bodies (e.g., ECSSAI and RECI in Ireland)
- Knowledge of current industry standards
- 4+ years of automated conveyor systems and controls experience
- Experience of automated equipment including packaging machinery, sortation and conveyor systems
- 3+ years of PLC/SCADA integration experience
- Experience with electrical systems
- Experience prioritizing and handling multiple assignments at any given time while maintaining commitment to deadlines, or experience in a fast-paced, high-tech company
- Familiarity with IoT platforms and Industry 4.0 concepts for predictive maintenance
- Knowledge of data center power infrastructure and electrical distribution systems
- Experience with utility coordination, rate analysis, and energy management systems (EMS)
- Experience in manufacturing/operations/supply chain analysis and process improvement (e.g., Lean Six Sigma)
- Six Sigma certification
- Certifications such as Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)
- Experience working with material handling OEMs and electrical integration partners
- Track record of establishing standardized electrical processes and playbooks
- Proven track record of delivering complex technical projects on time and on budget
- Strong cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder communication skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, proven problem-solving skills, and strong organizational skills
- Demonstrated ability to use data and metrics to back up assumptions and evaluate outcomes

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.