Design Technologist II, Creative X

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Technologist II, Creative X

Company: Amazon

Location: Seattle, Washington, United States; New York, New York, United States; Santa Monica, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative Technology & Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-06T00:00:00

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role sits at the critical intersection of design, engineering, and creative systems, focusing on building the infrastructure, tools, and intelligent systems that optimize creative workflows within Amazon Ads.

• You will be instrumental in defining and shaping the Design Technology function within the Creative X organization, establishing operating models from the ground up.

• The position requires a blend of rapid experimentation, systems thinking, and a passion for empowering creative teams through robust and scalable solutions.

• Key responsibilities involve developing production-ready code, creating systems for prototyping within production constraints, building agent-based systems, and refining GenAI-powered creative workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Technologist," the responsibilities and required skills strongly align with a specialized role within creative operations or GTM technology. The emphasis on building infrastructure, tools, and intelligent systems to accelerate workflows, coupled with the need for production-ready code and system design, indicates a strong operational and engineering component, making it relevant for operations professionals with a technical background.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain production-ready code for front-end applications and systems that enhance creative team efficiency.

• Design and implement infrastructure and tools that enable designers to prototype effectively within established production constraints.

• Build and deploy agent-based systems to facilitate collaboration, surface insights, and connect disparate teams within the creative ecosystem.

• Partner closely with Applied Scientists to refine and optimize Generative AI (GenAI) powered creative workflows, ensuring high quality and output.

• Drive rapid experimentation and iterate on solutions, translating innovative concepts into reliable, scalable production systems.

• Establish and refine the operating model for the Design Technology team, defining best practices and processes for the organization.

• Collaborate with UX Designers, Engineering teams, Product Management, and Design System teams to ensure alignment and integrated solutions.

• Provide data-driven insights and automated visibility to leadership regarding creative workflow performance and system impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on development and strategic system design, typical of a senior technologist focused on operational efficiency within a creative context. The emphasis on GenAI, agent-based systems, and prototyping within production constraints points to a forward-thinking role in creative operations technology.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong academic foundation in Computer Science, Engineering, Design Technology, or a related field is implied by the experience and technical requirements.

Experience: 5+ years of experience in front-end technology, engineering, or UX prototyping, with a demonstrated track record of building impactful tools and systems.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in front-end development with proficiency in at least one modern programming language (e.g., JavaScript, Python).

• Demonstrated ability to design and prototype using industry-standard tools such as Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, or similar creative software.

• Strong understanding of systems thinking, with experience in building tools, platforms, or infrastructure utilized by others.

• Excellent problem-solving abilities, particularly in handling ambiguous or undefined challenges with innovative solutions.

• Ability to effectively bridge the gap between design and engineering, translating technical concepts for both disciplines.

• Experience in shipping production-ready code and managing the development lifecycle. Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of Python, JavaScript, and source control systems like Git.

• Experience building web applications using React and other modern web technologies.

• Familiarity with Generative AI (GenAI) concepts and their application in creative workflows.

• Experience with agent-based systems design and implementation.

• Understanding of design systems and their role in scaling creative output.

• Portfolio or case studies demonstrating successful development of tools, platforms, or infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preferred skills, particularly in Python, JavaScript, React, Git, and GenAI, are highly relevant for operations roles focused on automation, system integration, and data-driven workflow enhancement. The emphasis on a portfolio demonstrating system-building capabilities is a key differentiator for operations candidates.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of built tools, platforms, or infrastructure that have demonstrably improved efficiency or enabled others.

• Include case studies detailing the process from problem identification to solution implementation and impact measurement.

• Highlight systems designed for prototyping within production constraints, demonstrating an understanding of technical limitations and creative needs.

• Present examples of agent-based systems or intelligent systems developed to connect teams or surface insights.

• Demonstrate experience with GenAI-powered workflows, detailing how these systems were refined and integrated. Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation of workflow design and optimization strategies for creative processes.

• Illustrate methods used for implementing and automating creative tools and systems.

• Detail approaches to measuring the performance and impact of developed systems on creative output and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, showcasing not just technical skills but also the ability to translate complex operational challenges into tangible, efficient systems. Operations candidates should focus on demonstrating process improvement, automation, and ROI through their portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Santa Monica, California: $131,800 - $178,300 USD annually

• New York, New York: $145,000 - $196,100 USD annually

• Seattle, Washington: $131,800 - $178,300 USD annually

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance package (medical, dental, vision, prescription).

• Basic Life & AD&D insurance with optional supplemental life plans.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Mental Health Support.

• Medical Advice Line.

• Flexible Spending Accounts.

• Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage.

• 401(k) matching program.

• Paid time off (PTO).

• Parental leave.

• Sign-on payments.

• Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (standard full-time).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary ranges are provided for specific locations and reflect the seniority and technical demands of the role. The extensive benefits package, including RSUs and sign-on bonuses, is typical for senior technical roles at large tech companies. The inclusion of adoption/surrogacy reimbursement and robust mental health support highlights Amazon's comprehensive approach to employee well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce, Advertising Technology, Cloud Computing, Digital Media. Amazon Ads operates within a highly competitive and rapidly evolving market, demanding innovation and agility.

Company Size: Amazon is a global technology giant with hundreds of thousands of employees, offering vast opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects and teams.

Founded: 1994. Amazon's long history is marked by a relentless focus on customer obsession, innovation, and operational excellence.

Team Structure:

• The Creative X Design Tech team is being built with a clear charter and scope, suggesting an opportunity to influence its direction.

• You will work collaboratively with UX Designers, Engineering teams, Applied Scientists, Product Management, and Design System teams.

• This role involves interaction with leadership, providing them with critical data-driven insights and automated visibility into creative operations. Methodology:

• Emphasis on rapid experimentation and building production-ready code.

• Development of intelligent systems and agent-based solutions.

• Refinement of GenAI-powered creative workflows in partnership with science teams.

• Focus on building connective tissue that enhances the speed, intelligence, and reliability of the creative ecosystem.

Company Website: https://www.amazon.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's culture is known for its fast-paced, data-driven environment with a strong emphasis on innovation and customer obsession. The Creative X team is positioned as a foundational element for future creative technology, offering a unique opportunity to shape processes and systems from an early stage.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Design Technologist II indicates a mid-to-senior level role, requiring significant experience and the ability to work independently on complex projects while also contributing to team strategy.

Reporting Structure: You will likely report to a Design Technology Manager or a Lead within the Creative X organization, with direct collaboration across multiple functional teams (Design, Engineering, Science, Product).

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of Amazon Ads' creative output. By building better tools and systems, you will accelerate campaign launches, improve creative quality, and drive better campaign performance, ultimately contributing to revenue growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like GenAI for creative, agent-based systems, or advanced front-end architecture for creative tools.

• Leadership: As the team grows, opportunities may arise for leading projects, mentoring junior technologists, or taking on management responsibilities within Design Technology.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broad experience working with diverse teams across Amazon, potentially leading to opportunities in product management, engineering leadership, or applied science roles.

• Innovation: Contribute to defining the future of creative technology at Amazon Ads, working on cutting-edge solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "II" in the title suggests a solid mid-level to senior individual contributor role. The emphasis on building foundational systems and defining operating models offers significant opportunities for leadership and strategic impact, especially as the Creative X team matures.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. This role requires physical presence in one of the specified Amazon offices (Seattle, New York, or Santa Monica).

Office Location(s):

• Seattle, Washington

• New York, New York

• Santa Monica, California Workspace Context:

• The environment is likely fast-paced and collaborative, with ample opportunities to interact with diverse teams.

• Access to Amazon's extensive technology infrastructure, tools, and resources.

• Opportunities to engage with other design technologists, engineers, and scientists to share knowledge and best practices.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and team agreements, but the "on-site" requirement implies a structured office presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Being on-site in major tech hubs like Seattle, NYC, or Santa Monica provides access to vibrant tech communities and Amazon's extensive office facilities. The collaborative nature is key for a role focused on building shared systems and tools.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely review your resume and potentially conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• Technical Interviews: Expect multiple rounds of interviews focusing on front-end development, systems design, problem-solving, and your experience with relevant technologies (JavaScript, Python, React, Figma, etc.).

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio. Be prepared to discuss your projects in detail, focusing on the problem, your solution, the process, and the impact.

• Behavioral Interviews: Questions designed to assess your fit with Amazon's leadership principles, collaboration style, and ability to handle ambiguity.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: You may speak with designers, engineers, or scientists to evaluate your ability to collaborate across disciplines.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or impact. For each project, clearly state the problem, your role, the technologies used, your process, and the measurable outcomes.

• Focus on Systems: For this role, emphasize projects where you built tools, platforms, or infrastructure. Detail the "why" behind your design choices and how your solution solved a specific operational or creative challenge.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., "reduced prototype time by X%", "increased adoption by Y%", "improved workflow efficiency by Z%").

• Showcase Collaboration: Highlight projects where you worked effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Prepare for GenAI/Agent Systems: If you have experience with these, ensure those projects are prominently featured and ready for discussion.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Challenges: Be prepared for live coding exercises or take-home assignments focusing on front-end development, data structures, and algorithms.

• System Design: Practice designing scalable systems, considering factors like performance, reliability, and maintainability.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Think through how you would approach ambiguous problems related to creative workflow optimization or tool development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component for this role. Candidates should prepare detailed case studies that highlight their ability to build operational systems, drive efficiency, and integrate new technologies like GenAI.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects), Sketch.

• Front-end Development: JavaScript, React, HTML5, CSS3.

• Backend/Scripting: Python (preferred), Node.js.

• Version Control: Git (required).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated, experience with analytics platforms (e.g., Amplitude, Mixpanel) and dashboarding tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) would be beneficial for measuring the impact of developed systems.

• Internal Amazon analytics and reporting tools. CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms is not directly required but can provide context for how creative assets integrate into broader GTM processes.

• Potential use of internal Amazon tools for workflow automation and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in front-end technologies and design tools is essential. The preferred knowledge of Python and Git strongly suggests a need for scripting, automation, and robust code management practices, aligning with operations and engineering functions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Obsession: While this is an internal-facing role, the ultimate goal is to serve the end customer by enabling faster, better creative campaigns.

• Bias for Action: Drive projects forward rapidly, embracing experimentation and iterative development.

• Invent and Simplify: Develop innovative solutions that simplify complex processes for creative teams.

• Ownership: Take full responsibility for the tools and systems you build, from conception to production and maintenance.

• Dive Deep: Understand the intricacies of creative workflows and the underlying technical challenges.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working closely with designers, engineers, scientists, and product managers.

• Emphasis on clear communication, active listening, and providing constructive feedback.

• Ability to translate between technical and non-technical stakeholders is crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's Leadership Principles are deeply ingrained in its culture. Candidates should familiarize themselves with these principles and be prepared to demonstrate how their work and approach align with them, particularly "Invent and Simplify," "Ownership," and "Bias for Action."

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Ambiguity: The role involves defining new processes and systems, requiring comfort with uncertainty and the ability to chart a path forward.

• Scalability: Building solutions that can scale across a large organization like Amazon Ads.

• Integration: Ensuring new tools and systems integrate seamlessly with existing creative and production pipelines.

• Pace: Keeping up with the rapid evolution of creative technologies, including GenAI.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• GenAI Expertise: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in applying GenAI to creative workflows.

• System Architecture: Develop advanced skills in designing and building scalable, resilient systems.

• Cross-Functional Mastery: Gain deep insights into the interplay between design, engineering, science, and product management within a major tech company.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from and mentor other team members as the Design Tech function grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique chance to be at the forefront of creative technology innovation within Amazon Ads. The challenges are significant but present substantial opportunities for professional development and impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Scenario-Based: "How would you approach building a system that allows designers to prototype interactive ads within production constraints?" or "Describe a time you had to bridge a significant gap between design and engineering; what was your approach and outcome?"

• System Design: "Design a system for managing and versioning creative assets that integrates with GenAI tools." or "How would you build an agent-based system to surface relevant creative insights to campaign managers?"

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine creative production is consistently delayed by X%. What steps would you take to diagnose and solve this problem using technology?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why Amazon Ads and this specific Design Technologist role?"

• "How do you embody Amazon's Leadership Principles, such as 'Invent and Simplify' or 'Ownership'?"

• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment."

• "How do you collaborate with applied scientists or engineers?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio walkthrough like a story: problem, your innovative solution, the technical journey, and the impactful results.

• Highlight Operations Impact: For each project, explicitly state how it improved efficiency, reduced cost, accelerated timelines, or enhanced quality in a creative operations context.

• Demonstrate Technical Depth: Be ready to discuss code architecture, design patterns, and technology choices.

• Showcase Adaptability: Be prepared to discuss how you handled unexpected challenges or pivots during a project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your ability to build operational systems and drive efficiency. Quantifiable results and a clear understanding of how your work impacts business objectives will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Amazon Jobs portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in front-end development, system design, prototyping, and any work with GenAI, agent systems, or workflow automation. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your ability to build tools, platforms, or infrastructure that improve efficiency or enable others. Focus on case studies with clear problem statements, your solutions, and measurable outcomes.

• Prepare for Technical & Behavioral Interviews: Practice coding exercises, system design questions, and prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, linking them to Amazon's Leadership Principles.

• Research Amazon Ads: Understand their business, their creative challenges, and how Design Technology contributes to their success.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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