Amazon · 13 hours ago
Advanced Materials Engineer, Global Materials Science
Sumner, Washington, USA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$137K/yr - $186K/yr
5+ years expAmazon is pioneering the future of sustainable e-commerce packaging through its Global Materials Science organization. As an Advanced Materials Engineer, you will lead the development of innovative packaging materials, conduct laboratory research, and collaborate with suppliers to enhance material properties and sustainability.
RetailArtificial Intelligence (AI)E-CommerceLogisticsDeliveryFoundational AI
Responsibilities
Lead hands-on laboratory research and development of packaging materials including paper substrates, adhesives, coatings, and alternative fiber technologies
Design and execute experiments to optimize material formulations and processing parameters, applying the materials science triangle framework (processing-structure-properties)
Develop next-generation materials solutions that unlock step-change improvements in performance, cost, sustainability, and automation compatibility
Advance materials innovations from concept, pilot and deployment phases
Perform comprehensive materials characterization using techniques including tensile/burst/tear testing, rheometry, thermal analysis (DSC, TGA), spectroscopy (FTIR), microscopy (SEM, optical), and surface analysis while utilizing ASTM, TAPPI, ISO, ISTA standards and non-standard methodologies
Establish correlations between fundamental materials properties and operational performance in fulfillment environments
Design and execute test plans that validate materials performance against specifications and requirements
Analyze test data using statistical methods to drive data-driven materials selection decisions
Define materials specifications based on critical performance thresholds required for packaging to protect products and survive the fulfillment network
Translate operational requirements into measurable materials properties and acceptable ranges
Develop quality control protocols and testing methodologies to ensure supplier compliance with specifications
Work directly with paper mills, adhesive manufacturers, converters, and other suppliers to develop and scale new materials
Conduct technical evaluations of supplier capabilities, processes, and quality control systems
Guide suppliers on process optimization to achieve target material properties and consistency
Collaborate with Packaging Engineering on materials-design integration and automation equipment compatibility
Partner with Global Procurement (GPO) on strategic sourcing, supplier selection, and commercial negotiations
Support sustainability initiatives including carbon footprint modeling, recyclability assessment, and low-carbon sourcing
Provide technical expertise to program managers, product teams, and deployment teams
Communicate complex materials science concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
Author technical reports, test protocols, specifications documents, and research summaries
Document experimental procedures, results, and learnings to build institutional knowledge
Present findings at design reviews, technical workshops, and leadership reviews
Contribute to intellectual property generation through public disclosures and patent applications
Mentor junior engineers and technicians on materials science principles and testing methodologies
Qualification
Required
Experience working with interdisciplinary teams to execute product design from concept to production
Experience with the project management of technical projects
Experience in developing functional specifications, design verification plans and functional test procedures
5 - 10+ years of experience with materials selection, testing, and scaling to manufacturing
Bachelor's degree in materials science engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, pulp/paper engineering or a related technical discipline
Preferred
5+ years of designing experiments and statistical analysis of results experience
Experience in written and oral communication, including the ability to communicate with all levels in the organization (technical, business, executive)
Can communicate effectively with all levels of the organization
Experience in characterization techniques and equipment, such as SEM-EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, DMA, rheometry, spectrophotometry, optical microscopy, and mechanical property testing related to packaging or other forest products with standard (ASTM, TAPPI, ISO, ISTA, etc.) and non-standard methodologies
Benefits
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
Parental leave
Company
Amazon
Amazon is a tech firm with a focus on e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Amazon has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (22803)
2024 (21175)
2023 (19057)
2022 (24088)
2021 (12233)
2020 (14881)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$8.11BKey Investors
AmazonKleiner Perkins
2023-01-03Post Ipo Debt· $8B
2001-07-24Post Ipo Equity· $100M
1997-05-15IPO
Leadership Team
Douglas J. Herrington
CEO, Worldwide Amazon Stores
Werner Vogels
VP & CTO
Recent News
2026-02-09
The Motley Fool
2026-02-09
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