Lab Engineer II, Global Materials Science

Amazon • Sumner, WA

22h • Onsite

About The Position

Join Amazon's Global Materials Science (GMS) organization as a Lab Engineer and be part of pioneering sustainable e-commerce packaging. In this hands-on role, you'll conduct materials testing and characterization that directly supports the development of breakthrough packaging materials. You'll work in state-of-the-art laboratories, operating advanced testing equipment, executing experiments, and generating critical data that enables our team to make informed decisions about materials that touch millions of customer experiences daily. A typical day involves preparing test specimens, running various materials tests like tensile and burst tests, and characterizing new adhesive samples using equipment like a rheometer. The role requires meticulous data recording, analysis, and reporting, contributing directly to sourcing decisions and materials innovation. The Global Materials Science (GMS) organization is Amazon's Center of Excellence for packaging materials development and supply chain transformation. Their mission is to build deep expertise in packaging materials through rigorous research and testing, develop innovative packaging solutions that unlock automation potential and sustainability improvements, and establish robust supply chains that deliver superior solutions at lower cost. They aim to be the global leader in e-commerce packaging materials science and innovation, enabling the best customer packaging experience at the lowest cost to serve. What makes them unique is their fundamental understanding of materials through the materials science triangle framework (processing, structure, properties), with integrated capabilities from molecular-level materials characterization to full packaging system testing and automation compatibility testing. This end-to-end ownership enables faster innovation and step-change improvements. Their impact includes driving Amazon's transition from plastic to paper packaging, developing breakthrough materials, and establishing supply chains that reduce costs while advancing Amazon's 2040 net-zero commitment. The culture emphasizes high technical rigor, startup speed, calculated risk-taking, failing fast, and iterating based on data. They believe in radical collaboration across engineering, procurement, operations, and sustainability teams. The team comprises materials scientists, chemists, engineers, lab technicians, and program managers passionate about solving hard problems, partnering with academic institutions and suppliers.

Requirements

• 2+ years of hardware development, test lab, space/aerospace maintenance or hands-on engineering environment experience.
• Bachelors Degree or higher in Material Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Paper Science Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 2+ years of laboratory experience in materials testing, quality control, or research environment.
• Experience with packaging materials or other forest products testing (paper, adhesives, coatings, or polymers) following standard test methods (TAPPI, ASTM, ISO, ISTA, etc.).
• Hands-on experience with testing equipment such as tensile testers, burst testers, thermal analysis equipment, SEM, DMA, etc. and experience with data analysis tools and statistical methods.

Responsibilities

• Conduct hands-on materials testing using equipment including tensile testers, burst testers, tear testers, rheometers, and other materials characterization tools.
• Execute test protocols following TAPPI, ASTM, ISO, and ISTA standards as well as internal developed methods.
• Perform testing on packaging materials including paper substrates, adhesives, coatings, and alternative fiber materials.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring proper calibration and functionality.
• Prepare test and store specimens according to specifications and standard operating procedures.
• Identify, recommend, and help implement improved lab processes for the team.
• Collect, organize, and document experimental data with high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Analyze test results and identify trends or anomalies in materials performance.
• Generate clear and concise test reports summarizing findings and observations.
• Support data-driven decision making by providing reliable, high-quality test results.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions for all testing activities.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized laboratory environment.
• Participate in laboratory safety programs and equipment maintenance schedules.
• Assist in identifying opportunities to improve testing efficiency and data quality.
• Support inventory management of laboratory supplies and test materials.
• Collaborate with Advanced Materials Engineers and scientists on experimental design and execution.
• Communicate test results, status updates, and any issues or blockers to team members.
• Support supplier qualification activities by conducting materials testing on vendor samples.
• Assist with sample preparation and testing for field trials and deployment validation.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to project planning discussions.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of test procedures and SOPs.
• Document experimental procedures, observations, and results clearly and thoroughly.
• Identify and recommend improvements to testing methods and laboratory processes.
• Learn and apply materials science principles to understand the significance of test results.
• Seek feedback and continuously develop technical skills and domain knowledge.

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
• Sign-on payments
• Restricted stock units (RSUs)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level