Manufacturing, Assembly & Test Senior Leader, Prime Air - Drone Delivery

Amazon•Seattle, WA

About The Position

Prime Air - Amazon's Ultra-fast Drone Delivery Service seeks the program's Manufacturing, Assembly, & Test Senior Leader. As a the Prime Air Manufacturing, Assembly, & Test Senior Leader for Prime Air, you'll be at the forefront of revolutionizing the future of delivery through autonomous drone technology. This role puts you at the helm of one of Amazon's most innovative initiatives, where you'll lead the strategy, rate readiness / rate ramp, and daily execution of the Prime Air Manufacturing, Assembly, and Test system (Prime Air Production System) to delivery drones and associated equipment for the Prime Air System that delivers packages to customers in 30 minutes or less using advanced uncrewed aerial vehicles. Delivering Prime Air drones across international markets and multiple U.S. locations, you'll shape the future of ultra-fast delivery that's both sustainable and transformative. In this position, you'll drive the manufacturing, assembly, and test excellence needed to expand Prime Air's capabilities across our drone system. You'll collaborate with diverse teams to ensure our autonomous delivery system meets rigorous safety standards while delighting customers with rapid delivery times. As we scale our operations internationally and integrate drone deliveries into Amazon's broader delivery network, you'll play a crucial role in developing and validating the production system that makes seamless autonomous delivery possible. This is an opportunity to pioneer new solutions in aerospace engineering while directly impacting millions of customers' lives through the magic of flight and technology. Export Control License: This position may require a deemed export control license for compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Placement is contingent on Amazon’s ability to apply for and obtain an export control license on your behalf. Key job responsibilities -Drive end-to-end production operations while maintaining aerospace quality standards, Prime Air processes, and FAA compliance for drone manufacturing -Develop and execute strategic roadmap to scale from current production levels to mass manufacturing, including facility planning and automation strategy -Lead senior manufacturing staff and build organizational structure to support growth from prototype/low-volume to high-volume production -Own key production metrics including quality, yield, cycle time, and cost while implementing systems for predictive analytics and continuous improvement -Partner with quality organization to establish robust quality management system with comprehensive test protocols, traceability, and documentation requirements for aerospace manufacturing -Drive implementation of advanced manufacturing and high rate production technologies, manufacturing execution systems, and digital transformation of production processes -Create standardized work procedures, training programs, and career development paths to build and maintain skilled workforce -Lead cross-functional collaboration with engineering, supply chain, quality and business teams to ensure manufacturability and alignment with company objectives -Manage production budgets and develop business cases for manufacturing investments while driving cost optimization strategies This role requires balancing immediate execution needs with long-term strategic development to support Amazon Prime Air's growth into a large-scale drone delivery service

Requirements

8+ years of manufacturing or manufacturing engineering experience
Experience in high-volume manufacturing operations or sourcing environments
Experience designing complex systems for automation in logistics or manufacturing, or experience with product development in automotive, aerospace, automation equipment or related field
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or an equivalent field

Nice To Haves

Master's degree, or Master's degree in management, business administration, economics, engineering, marketing
Experience working with the designs of complex automated material, handling equipment, packaging technologies, and systems including robotics and high-speed manufacturing
Experience in manufacturing, process, or industrial engineering
Knowledge of FAA regulations and aerospace manufacturing requirements
Proven track record implementing manufacturing execution systems (MES) and production automation
Experience managing large teams

Responsibilities

Drive end-to-end production operations while maintaining aerospace quality standards, Prime Air processes, and FAA compliance for drone manufacturing
Develop and execute strategic roadmap to scale from current production levels to mass manufacturing, including facility planning and automation strategy
Lead senior manufacturing staff and build organizational structure to support growth from prototype/low-volume to high-volume production
Own key production metrics including quality, yield, cycle time, and cost while implementing systems for predictive analytics and continuous improvement
Partner with quality organization to establish robust quality management system with comprehensive test protocols, traceability, and documentation requirements for aerospace manufacturing
Drive implementation of advanced manufacturing and high rate production technologies, manufacturing execution systems, and digital transformation of production processes
Create standardized work procedures, training programs, and career development paths to build and maintain skilled workforce
Lead cross-functional collaboration with engineering, supply chain, quality and business teams to ensure manufacturability and alignment with company objectives
Manage production budgets and develop business cases for manufacturing investments while driving cost optimization strategies
This role requires balancing immediate execution needs with long-term strategic development to support Amazon Prime Air's growth into a large-scale drone delivery service