Lab Engineer, Global Materials Science

Amazon • Sumner, WA

1d • 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Optical Engineering, Physics or related fields
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent, or 3+ years of relevant field experience

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

• Materials Testing & Characterization:
• 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.
• Learning to create mechanisms.
• Data Collection & Analysis:
• 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
• Laboratory Operations:
• 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
• Cross-Functional Support:
• 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.
• Documentation & Continuous Improvement:
• 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

What This Job Offers

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