We are looking for an exceptional operational leader for our state-of-the-art prototyping and development facility that co-locates product and manufacturing engineering under one roof to accelerate development. This is a high-mix, high-evolution environment where the product is in active development, and the operational leader must thrive in ambiguity while building robust systems that scale with the program.
In this role, you will serve as the pilot operation backbone for the development program across three core domains: (1) owning and executing build campaigns for multiple product iterations, (2) operating a rapid prototyping and testing shop in service of the various engineering teams, and (3) operating manufacturing prototype lines to accelerate manufacturing process development. You will be the design for manufacturing voice, translating engineering intent into build reality and feeding back insights to influence designs.
You will be deeply integrated with product design, supply chain, and manufacturing engineering to ensure seamless handoffs and rapid iteration cycles. This role requires a leader who combines an engineering mindset with the ability to build and manage a technician workforce, and who is exceptional at creating effective operational systems — build planning, warehouse management, operational efficiency metrics — all grounded in data. You will use data to drive manufacturing recommendations, identify bottlenecks, and continuously improve operational performance.
Key job responsibilities
Build Operations
- Own the end-to-end operation for multiple concurrent build campaigns across product iterations. Develop, maintain, and deliver on the build plan.
- Build and maintain effective operational systems for build planning, resource allocation, traceability, yield, industrial analytics, and progress tracking. Establish clear metrics and reporting mechanisms for the team’s visibility.
- Manage integration between product design, supply chain, testing and manufacturing to ensure material availability, design-for-
assembly feedback, and smooth production flow in a high-mix environment.
- Ensure alignment with the vendors ecosystem supplying the required parts for the builds.
- Coordinate with the test engineering team to ensure product builds and testing plans are aligned.
- Partner with the factory software team to implement and pilot the various manufacturing software systems.
Rapid Prototyping Shop
- Staff, manage, and operate the rapid prototyping shop (
CNC machining, 3D printing/additive manufacturing, and other fabrication capabilities, metrology lab, and testing capabilities) in service of the various engineering teams.
- Prioritize and manage job queues across multiple concurrent programs to maximize throughput and accelerate development timelines.
- Ensure equipment uptime, capacity planning, and continuous improvement of shop capabilities to meet evolving engineering needs.
Manufacturing Prototype Line Operations
- Operate the manufacturing prototype lines to support and accelerate manufacturing process development in partnership with manufacturing and process engineers.
- Provide the operational environment, workforce, and data to enable process engineers to develop, validate, and refine manufacturing processes.
- Serve as the voice of manufacturing in product and process design reviews — providing data-driven feedback on manufacturability,
assembly sequence, and process feasibility to influence upstream design decisions.
Leadership & Operational Excellence
- Recruit, hire, develop, and manage a high-performing team of manufacturing leads, technicians, machinists, and operations associates. Foster a culture of safety, ownership, and continuous improvement.
- Build effective operational systems for warehouse management, inventory control, material flow, and facility operations. Drive operational efficiency through data, metrics, and mechanisms.
- Use data to support manufacturing recommendations, identify bottlenecks, track operational performance, and drive continuous improvement across all three operational domains.
- Act as the primary operational interface to product engineering teams (your customer) — ensuring their development velocity is enabled by world-class operational support.
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or an equivalent field
- 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, pilot production, or prototyping environments for complex electromechanical products.
- Demonstrated experience hiring, building, and leading operational teams including technicians, machinists, and production associates.
- Experience managing build campaigns or production runs across multiple concurrent product configurations (high-mix environments).
- Proven ability to build and implement operational systems (build planning, scheduling, inventory management, metrics/reporting).
- Track record of using data and metrics to drive operational decisions and manufacturing recommendations.
- Strong
cross-functional collaboration skills with demonstrated ability to serve as the operational interface to product design and engineering organizations.
- Experience implementing and maintaining safety programs (EHS) in a manufacturing or prototyping environment, with a demonstrated commitment to workforce safety.
- 15+ years of experience in manufacturing or pilot operations with progressive leadership responsibilities in high-mix, fast-evolving product environments.
- Experience in robotics, automotive, aerospace, medical devices, or other advanced hardware development environments where product is in active development.
- Expertise in
CNC machining, additive manufacturing (metal and polymer), and
assembly processes for precision electromechanical systems.
- Experience building operational systems in manufacturing environments.
- Familiarity with
lean manufacturing principles,
Six Sigma, or similar data-driven continuous improvement methodologies.
- Master's degree in Engineering or Operations Management.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present data-driven operational insights, risks, and resource needs to senior leadership.
- A proven track record of delivering results in a high-growth, ambiguous environment while demonstrating strong ownership and bias for action (aligned with Amazon Leadership Principles).
- Experience with
MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems),
ERP, or other manufacturing software platforms used to manage production operations and traceability
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 - 179,700.00 - 243,100.00 USD annually