Senior Research Scientist - Multiple Teams

Description

Do you want to write the algorithms that control next-generation batteries, and shape the future of energy storage? This role sits where electrochemistry, data/ML, and control theory meet. You will develop the physics-informed and data-driven methods that estimate state of charge, health, power capability, and remaining life, and validate them against lab and fleet data until they are ready to ship. Your algorithms will decide how hard a battery can be pushed, when it needs attention, and how long it will last, so they shape the safety, warranty, and economics of the whole product. You will work side by side with cell, systems, and software engineers, and as an early hire you will help define how we develop and validate battery algorithms. This role can be based in Boston, Irvine, Sunnyvale, or Seattle, and involves occasional domestic and international travel, up to 10% of the time.

Key job responsibilities
• Develop and own algorithms for state of charge, state of health, power capability, and remaining useful life, combining physics-based models with data-driven and estimation methods.
• Deliver validated reference implementations, test vectors, and accuracy targets that define what production code must achieve.
• Design the test plans and data needed to develop and validate algorithms, working with the cell and testing teams to turn lab and field data into model improvements.
• Analyze algorithm performance across the deployed fleet, find where models drift or fail, and drive improvements.
• Own the accuracy and robustness of battery algorithms, and sign off that production implementations match the validated reference. Provide algorithm evidence for safety certification.

A day in the life
Your week moves between data, models, and experiments. One day you might be working out why a health estimate drifts on cells that have aged in the field, and the next deciding which model structure holds accuracy at cold temperatures. You could be designing a test with the cell team to expose a behavior your model misses, or reviewing an implementation with an applied scientist to confirm that what ships matches what you validated. You will regularly share results with software, systems, and cell leaders, and your findings will shape decisions well beyond the algorithm itself.

About the team
We are building Amazon's energy storage capability, providing power for advanced technologies while contributing to a stable grid. Our product is highly connected, yet secure and resilient by design. We own it end to end, from software, ML, and controls through system design to cell selection and supply, and on to a safety-certified product in the field. The organization operates like a startup inside Amazon: small, fast-moving, and accountable for our decisions. We work across hardware, software, and science, with suppliers and partners worldwide, and with Amazon infrastructure, procurement, legal, and finance.

The organization is at an early stage and growing quickly. You will be among the first algorithm hires, so you will help shape how we design, build, certify, and ship, with a direct line of sight to the product and business decisions your work informs. This is a dynamic role that will regularly present new challenges as the product and organization evolve.

Basic Qualifications

- 3+ years of investigating the feasibility of applying scientific principles and concepts to business problems and products experience
- PhD, or Master's degree and 5+ years of quantitative field research experience
- Experience with big data technologies such as AWS, Hadoop, Spark, Pig, Hive etc.
- Experience communicating qualitative research methods and findings to non-qualitative researchers

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience converting research studies into tangible real-world changes
- Experience with discrete and continuous optimization methodologies and algorithms

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.