Amazon

Manager, Applied Science- Manipulation & Autonomy , Fauna

Amazon$202K — $273K *
Consumer Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD or Master's degree with 6+ years of applied research experience
  • 4+ years of industry or academic research experience
  • Proficient in Java, C++, or other programming languages
  • Strong publication record in major Robotics/ML/AI conferences
  • Experience with simulation environments for robot learning
  • Experience with sim-to-real transfer for robotic systems
  • Proven track record in leading technical projects and mentoring junior scientists/engineers.

Responsibilities

  • Lead R&D of manipulation and autonomy systems for robots
  • Design and implement algorithms for dynamic environment interaction
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create integrated autonomy pipelines
  • Define evaluation methodologies and benchmarks for systems
  • Engage with the research community to incorporate state-of-the-art techniques
  • Mentor and guide researchers and engineers to enhance team culture
  • Oversee technical projects from concept to deployment

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance including medical, dental, and vision
  • 401(k) matching contributions
  • Paid time off and parental leave
  • Adoption and surrogacy reimbursement coverage
  • Access to mental health support and counseling services
Full Job Description
We are seeking a Lead Applied Scientist to drive the development of next-generation manipulation and autonomy systems for robots operating in complex, real-world environments. This role is designed for an exceptional technical leader with a strong research background and a passion for translating cutting-edge ideas into working robotic systems.

You will play a central role in defining the technical direction of our manipulation and autonomy stack, from problem formulation and algorithm design to system integration and real-world deployment. While this role is hands-on and deeply technical, it is also expected to evolve toward technical leadership and team building over time.

Key job responsibilities

- Lead research and development of manipulation and autonomy systems for robots, including planning, control, learning, and closed-loop execution

- Design and implement algorithms, especially focused around autonomy and interaction with dynamic environments

- Work closely with perception, motor control, hardware, and systems teams to build tightly integrated autonomy pipelines

- Define evaluation methodologies, benchmarks, and simulation-to-real workflows for manipulation and autonomy

- Stay deeply engaged with the research community, selectively incorporating state-of-the-art techniques into deployed systems

- Mentor and guide other researchers and engineers, help set technical direction, and contribute to team growth and research culture

- Lead technical projects from conception through production deployment

- Bridge research initiatives with practical engineering implementation

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

- PhD, or Master's degree and 6+ years of applied research experience

- 4+ years of industry or academic research experience

- Experience with Java, C++, or pother programming languages

- Strong publication record at major Robotics/ML/AI conferences (e.g., RSS, CoRL, ICRA, IROS, NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR)

- Experience with simulation environments for robot learning (Isaac Gym/Lab, MuJoCo, or similar)

- Experience with sim-to-real transfer for robotic systems

- Demonstrated track record of leading technical projects

- Experience mentoring junior scientists/engineers.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Experience participating in or leading technical collaborations and creating alignment across diverse groups (e.g., hardware engineering, software engineering, program management)

- Experience working with PyTorch or JAX software, or experience programming with at least one software programming language

- History of impactful first-author publications at major conferences

- Experience with large-scale distributed training for RL

- Experience bridging research with practical engineering implementation in robotics systems

- Experience bridging academic research and production robotics

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, NY, New York - 202,200.00 - 273,600.00 USD annually

About Amazon

Audible is a provider of spoken audio information and entertainment , on the Internet. They provide premium spoken audio content, such as audio versions of books and newspapers and radio programs, that is delivered over the Internet and played back on personal computers and hand-held electronic devices. The Audible service allows consumers to purchase and download their content from their Website, store it in digital files and play it back on personal computers and electronic devices. More than 15,000 hours of audio content are available on their Web site, including audio versions of books, periodicals and radio programs. Several manufacturers have agreed to support and promote the playback of their content on their hand-held audio-enabled electronic devices.

Amazon Careers

Joining Amazon presents an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a vibrant team pushing the boundaries of innovation and growth in the global marketplace. As a leader in e-commerce, technology, and logistics, Amazon offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and professional interests. Work You’ll Do At Amazon, every day is an opportunity to collaborate with the brightest minds in technology and business to redefine what’s possible. Whether you’re interested in software development, marketing, human resources, or customer service, Amazon has a position waiting for you. Transform the way the world shops and innovates with our diverse and inclusive team. Amazon is not just a company; it’s a community where you can drive real change and contribute to projects impacting millions globally. Lead with Innovation and Leadership Amazon is the perfect place to enhance your leadership and innovation skills. Our culture encourages pushing the envelope and imagining the unimaginable. Here, you will lead projects that challenge the status quo and define new industry standards. Work with a team that values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. Our leadership is focused on harnessing the collective power of unique perspectives to foster growth and innovation. Explore Amazon’s Employment Benefits Amazon’s commitment to its employees extends beyond just career growth. We offer competitive benefits, including health care, parental leave, and diversity training, ensuring that our team not only excels professionally but also enjoys well-being and security. Internship and Networking Opportunities Start your career with an Amazon internship and gain hands-on experience that matters. Our internships provide a gateway to full-time employment and an opportunity to network with professionals across various sectors of the company. Future-Proof Your Career With Amazon, your career path is filled with numerous opportunities for advancement. Our learning and development programs are designed to nurture your professional growth and keep you at the forefront of industry trends. Stay Connected Join Our Team Discover the job opportunities at Amazon that match your skills and interests. We are constantly on the lookout for passionate, curious, and innovative team players ready to make a difference. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Explore the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Amazon. Amazon is more than just a company—it’s a platform for building a promising future. Whether you’re starting or looking to advance your career, Amazon offers the resources, support, and network you need to succeed. Join us, and be a part of our continuing mission to be Earth's most customer-centric company.
Learn more about Amazon
Size
1,608 employees
Market Cap
$832.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$21.3 billion
Founded
1994
5 Year Trend
+28.1%
Revenue
$386 billion
NASDAQ

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