Robotics Maintenance Specialist, Frontier AI & Robotics (FAR) - San Francisco | Amazon Job

Job Description

Amazon's Frontier AI & Robotics (FAR) team is building advanced robotic systems that will transform autonomous operations. Our mission is to push the boundaries of what's possible in robotics, developing next-generation AI models that operate on numerous hardware embodiments in complex, real-world environments.

FAR is seeking a Robotics Maintenance Specialist with high ownership and an R&D mindset. You will tackle maintenance, repair, and operational readiness of our robotic hardware platforms, test systems, and lab infrastructure. This hands-on role focuses on keeping our robots running at peak performance through expert troubleshooting, custom fabrication, and preventive maintenance. You will help the team through process standardization and knowledge sharing. You'll work shoulder to shoulder with the engineers and researchers who design and build cutting-edge robotic systems.

This role may serve as a technical lead depending on the candidate's experience.

Key job responsibilities
Maintenance, Fabrication & Repair
- Maintain, troubleshoot, and improve a diverse fleet of robotic and electromechanical systems, including manipulators, humanoid robots, and hardware subsystems
- Troubleshoot humanoid robot software issues via Linux CLI, Python and log analysis, including sensor/actuator faults, communication dropouts, outdated firmware, and runtime errors
- Design, build, and improve custom electrical harnesses, cable assemblies, and robotic modifications with emphasis on proper cable routing, strain relief, and system reliability
- Replace and repair electrical components (motor drivers, relays, sensors, power distribution) and mechanical components (bearings, gears, actuators, drivetrain assemblies, end-effectors)
- Troubleshoot and repair control systems including EtherCAT, CAN bus, motor controllers, embedded electronics, and sensor arrays; read and interpret electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic schematics
- Develop and execute preventive and corrective maintenance processes, SOPs, and maintenance plans for robotic systems
- Develop and implement failure-tracking systems to capture failures, identify trends, perform root-cause analysis, and proactively reduce recurring issues
- Coordinate with robotics vendors for technical support, repairs, and replacement strategies
- Track spare-parts needs and maintain inventory records

Lab, Fleet & Researcher Support
- Maintain laboratory and testing environments in a clean, organized, safe, and ready-to-use condition
- Support lab reconfiguration, hardware integration, and prototype bring-up activities
- Serve as a maintenance point of contact for researchers, interns, and project teams; establish strong communication to understand requirements and develop practical solutions
- Review incoming requests, define scope and execution plans, establish timelines, and provide hands-on technical support

Continuous Improvement
- Cross-train peers on common failures, troubleshooting methodologies, and maintenance best practices; author and refine training documentation
- Analyze maintenance and failure data to identify improvement opportunities; partner with engineering teams to drive design changes that improve reliability
- Identify recurring failures and develop standardized troubleshooting procedures and SOPs

Basic Qualifications:

- 3+ years of conducting predictive and preventative maintenance procedures experience
- Associate's degree in Mechatronics, Robotics, Electrical Technology, or related technical field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
- 3+ years of maintenance experience in robotics, autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing/technology, or R&D lab environments, including hands-on mechanical and electrical repair of complex electromechanical systems
- Proficiency reading and troubleshooting electrical and mechanical schematics
- Hands-on experience with motors, actuators, sensors, control systems, hand/power tools, soldering, and diagnostic equipment

Preferred Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in a technical field
- 5+ years of maintenance experience, including direct experience maintaining robotic systems (industrial robots, humanoids, mobile platforms, manipulators, or autonomous vehicles)
- Proven experience with Linux command line, Python scripting, or ROS; EtherCAT or CAN bus diagnostics experience
- Hands-on experience designing and building custom mechanical mounts, electrical harnesses, cable assemblies, or robotic modifications

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.

Pursuant to the San Francisco 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.

USA, CA, San Francisco - 128,000.00 - 214,000.00 USD annually