Sr. CNC Prototyping Specialist, Device Design Team

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. CNC Prototyping Specialist, Device Design Team Company: Amazon Location: Seattle, Washington, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: Operations (Manufacturing & Prototyping) Date Posted: October 22, 2025 Experience Level: 10+ Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive innovative CNC programming and machining solutions to support rapid prototyping initiatives within Amazon's Device Design Team.
• Manage day-to-day CNC operations, including equipment maintenance, consumables, and safety protocols, ensuring a high-performance and compliant workshop environment.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, design, and facilities teams to integrate prototypes into broader product development cycles and ensure regulatory adherence.
• Contribute to strategic capital planning by providing expert input on new CNC equipment and fabrication technologies to enhance prototyping capabilities.
• Play a key role in the discovery and implementation of advanced prototyping and manufacturing technologies that unlock future product possibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job description focuses on technical CNC expertise, the "Device Design Team" context and Amazon's "customer-obsessed" culture imply a strong emphasis on how these prototyping capabilities directly impact consumer product innovation and quality. The role requires not just technical proficiency but also strategic thinking about how advanced manufacturing can accelerate product development and create differentiated customer experiences.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute precise CNC programs for a wide range of materials, ensuring high-quality prototypes that meet stringent design and functional specifications.
• Oversee the setup, operation, and post-processing of various CNC machines (e.g., Datron, HAAS, Okuma), ensuring optimal performance and adherence to safety standards.
• Manage the procurement and inventory of necessary consumables, implement proper waste disposal procedures, and conduct routine equipment maintenance to minimize downtime.
• Provide expert technical consultation and support to design and engineering teams throughout the prototyping lifecycle, from initial concept to functional testing.
• Actively participate in the annual capital planning process by researching, evaluating, and recommending new CNC equipment and fabrication technologies to enhance the team's capabilities.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety protocols and regulatory compliance requirements in the workshop environment, collaborating closely with Facilities and EH&S teams.
• Document and streamline CNC processes, workflows, and best practices to improve efficiency, repeatability, and knowledge transfer within the team.
• Contribute to R&D efforts by exploring and testing new prototyping and manufacturing techniques, materials, and software to push the boundaries of what's possible.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workshop, fostering a culture of precision, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Support the creation of functional mock-ups, texture studies, critical fixtures, and complex engineered components essential for product validation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on technical execution and strategic operational management. The role is expected to not only operate machinery but also to proactively manage resources, contribute to long-term planning, and drive innovation in manufacturing processes, aligning with the broader GTM and product development objectives of Amazon's Device Design Team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate's degree in Engineering, Management, Technology, or a closely related field.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: A Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, or a related field is strongly preferred, indicating a desire for candidates with a more comprehensive theoretical and practical foundation in design and manufacturing principles relevant to consumer electronics.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience operating and post-processing a variety of CNC equipment (e.g., Datron, HAAS, Okuma).
• Minimum of 7 years of comprehensive experience with CAD/CAM software for component creation, modification, and intricate toolpath processing.
• Minimum of 7 years in CNC shop floor management or team leadership, demonstrating an ability to oversee operations and guide teams.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+ Years" AI-derived experience level suggests that candidates with even more extensive experience, particularly in leadership or advanced application areas, will be highly competitive.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in operating and maintaining diverse CNC machinery, with a strong understanding of their capabilities and limitations.
• Expertise in multiple CAD/CAM software packages for generating complex toolpaths, optimizing machining strategies, and ensuring design integrity.
• Demonstrated ability to manage shop floor operations, including workflow scheduling, resource allocation, and quality control.
• Solid understanding of materials science and their behavior during machining processes.
• Proven experience in developing and enforcing robust safety protocols and ensuring regulatory compliance within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong aptitude for problem-solving, with the ability to troubleshoot complex machining issues quickly and effectively.
• Excellent organizational skills for managing consumables, waste disposal, and equipment maintenance schedules.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including design, engineering, and facilities.

Preferred Skills:

• Expertise in specific advanced CAM software such as SolidCAM, HyperMill, Siemens NX, and Mastercam.
• Experience with additional design software like AutoCAD, Rhino, Revit, SolidWorks, CREO, SketchUp, or KeyShot to enhance model quality and design visualization.
• Proven track record of innovating with existing technology and extending capabilities through creative prototyping methods.
• A customer-obsessed mindset, translating into a drive for delivering exceptional prototype quality and supporting product innovation.
• Experience in capital equipment planning and procurement.
• Knowledge of complementary fabrication techniques beyond CNC machining.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preferred qualifications point towards a candidate who can not only execute but also innovate and lead. Expertise in specific advanced CAM software and a broader CAD toolset indicates a deeper technical mastery. The emphasis on "innovation with current technology" and "customer-obsessed mindset" suggests that candidates should highlight instances where they've proactively improved processes or contributed to product success through their prototyping skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing a range of complex CNC projects, highlighting precision, material versatility, and successful prototype outcomes.
• Include case studies of process improvements or innovations implemented in previous CNC operations, detailing the problem, solution, and measurable results (e.g., reduced cycle time, improved accuracy, cost savings).
• Present examples of how CAD/CAM software was utilized to overcome design challenges or optimize manufacturing feasibility for intricate components.
• Showcase experience with managing workshop resources, including consumables, equipment maintenance, and safety procedures, with documentation examples if possible.

Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation or examples of workflow design and optimization for CNC machining processes, emphasizing efficiency and repeatability.
• Illustrate experience with system implementation or enhancement, such as integrating new software or upgrading machinery, focusing on the implementation and automation phases.
• Include examples of how performance is measured and analyzed in a CNC prototyping environment, focusing on key metrics and continuous improvement strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should not just be a collection of parts but a testament to the candidate's ability to manage the entire CNC prototyping lifecycle. It should demonstrate strategic thinking in process optimization, resource management, and the application of technology to achieve specific business objectives related to product development speed and quality.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The base pay for this position ranges from $138,800/year in the lowest geographic market up to $239,900/year in the highest geographic market.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: This range is for the United States. For Seattle, Washington, a market with a high cost of living and strong demand for specialized engineering talent, the salary is likely to be at the higher end of this spectrum. A reasonable estimate for Seattle would be in the range of $180,000 - $230,000 annually for a Sr. Specialist with 10+ years of experience. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks from reputable salary aggregators (e.g., Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary) for similar roles in major tech hubs, adjusted for Amazon's compensation philosophy and the specific demands of the Device Design Team.

Benefits:

• Medical insurance coverage.
• Financial benefits, potentially including retirement plans (e.g., 401k) and financial wellness programs.
• Equity participation, which may include Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) or other stock-based compensation.
• Potential for sign-on payments, offered on a case-by-case basis.
• Comprehensive benefits package typically includes paid time off, parental leave, and access to Amazon's employee discount programs.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's benefits are generally competitive, aiming to provide a total compensation package that extends beyond base salary, with a strong emphasis on long-term financial well-being and employee growth.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically around 40 hours per week.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: While a standard 40-hour week is expected, the fast-paced R&D environment of the Device Design Team may occasionally require flexibility or overtime to meet critical project deadlines, particularly during intense prototyping phases.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Consumer Electronics, E-commerce, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Streaming. Company Size: Amazon is a global technology giant with hundreds of thousands of employees worldwide, typically categorized as "Large Enterprise." Founded: 1994 by Jeff Bezos.

Team Structure:

• The Device Design Team operates as an innovative R&D group within Amazon, akin to a specialized internal startup focused on hardware innovation.
• Reporting structure likely involves direct reports to a manager or director within the Device Design organization, with close collaboration with product managers, industrial designers, and hardware engineers.
• Cross-functional collaboration is fundamental, requiring seamless interaction with various departments across Amazon, from software development to supply chain and marketing, to bring new devices to market.

Methodology:

• Data analysis is crucial for understanding prototype performance, material properties, and manufacturing efficiency, informing design iterations and process improvements.
• Workflow planning and optimization are key to managing the rapid prototyping cycle, ensuring speed, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness.
• Automation and efficiency practices are continuously sought to streamline repetitive tasks, reduce errors, and accelerate the delivery of functional prototypes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's culture is famously fast-paced, data-driven, and customer-obsessed. For an R&D prototyping role, this translates to an environment where innovation is expected, measured, and directly tied to customer impact. The "Device Design Team" specifically fosters a culture of invention and rapid iteration, building on the legacy of products like Kindle and Echo.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a Senior Specialist position, indicating a high level of individual contribution and expertise. It sits above junior or mid-level roles and often serves as a technical lead or mentor.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. CNC Prototyping Specialist likely reports to a Manager or Director within the Device Design Team, with direct oversight of CNC operations and potentially mentorship of junior technicians.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is direct and significant, enabling the rapid creation of physical prototypes that are essential for validating design concepts, testing functionality, and iterating on electronic devices. Success here directly accelerates product development timelines and enhances the quality and innovation of Amazon's consumer electronics, ultimately driving customer satisfaction and market success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in advanced CNC machining, additive manufacturing, and other prototyping technologies, potentially leading specialized projects or new technology initiatives.
• Leadership Development: Potential to move into a team lead or supervisory role, managing a larger team of technicians and overseeing broader operational functions within the prototyping lab.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Develop deeper understanding of product design and engineering processes by working closely with diverse teams, opening pathways into broader R&D or manufacturing roles.
• Innovation Contribution: Contribute to patentable inventions or process improvements that advance Amazon's manufacturing and prototyping capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth for a CNC specialist who can demonstrate leadership, strategic thinking, and a commitment to innovation. The "Sr." title implies a mentorship component, and Amazon's scale provides ample opportunities to expand one's responsibilities and impact within the R&D ecosystem.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role within a dedicated R&D prototyping lab environment. The workspace will likely be a combination of a well-equipped machine shop and office space for CAD/CAM work and collaboration.

Office Location(s): Seattle, Washington, United States.

Workspace Context:

• The workshop will be equipped with advanced CNC machinery, CAD/CAM workstations, and potentially other prototyping tools.
• It's a hands-on environment requiring close proximity to machinery, with a strong emphasis on safety and organization.
• Opportunities for collaboration will be frequent, involving direct interaction with industrial designers, mechanical engineers, and other technical specialists.

Work Schedule:

• A standard full-time schedule (e.g., 40 hours/week) is expected.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: Given the R&D nature and the goal of rapid prototyping, there might be a need for flexibility to meet project deadlines, though this would typically be managed to ensure work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is critical for this role, as it involves direct operation and management of specialized CNC equipment and a physical workshop. The environment is designed for hands-on work, precision, and collaborative problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely review your application and resume, focusing on keyword matches for CNC, CAD/CAM, and leadership experience.
• Technical Interview: Expect in-depth technical questions covering CNC programming, machining principles, CAM software expertise, materials science, and shop floor management. This may involve a hands-on assessment or review of your portfolio.
• Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated session where you present your portfolio, explaining your most relevant projects, your role, the challenges faced, and the solutions implemented. Emphasis will be on your problem-solving approach, technical depth, and impact.
• Behavioral Interview: Questions assessing leadership, collaboration, problem-solving under pressure, customer focus, and alignment with Amazon's Leadership Principles (e.g., "Invent and Simplify," "Are You Obsessed?").
• On-site/Virtual Tour & Team Meet-and-Greet: An opportunity to see the facility (if applicable) and meet potential team members, assessing cultural fit and collaborative potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most impactful projects that best showcase your CNC programming, machining, CAM expertise, and leadership. Prioritize projects relevant to consumer electronics prototyping.
• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific contributions, the technologies used (CNC models, CAM software), the process, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., reduced cycle time by X%, improved accuracy by Y%, enabled Z design iteration).
• Tell a Story: Structure your project presentations to highlight your problem-solving skills and innovative thinking. Explain the "why" behind your technical decisions.
• Demonstrate Process Thinking: Show how you manage the entire CNC workflow, from design interpretation and CAM programming to machine setup, operation, quality control, and post-processing.
• Highlight Collaboration: If possible, include examples where your work facilitated collaboration with design or engineering teams, or how you integrated feedback.
• Prepare for Technical Deep-Dives: Be ready to answer detailed questions about toolpaths, cutting strategies, material properties, and troubleshooting specific machining challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Challenge: You might be given a CAD model and asked to outline a CAM strategy, or presented with a machining problem and asked to propose solutions. Focus on efficiency, accuracy, and safety in your approach.
• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare to answer questions about managing conflicting priorities, handling equipment failures, ensuring safety compliance, or mentoring junior staff. Frame your answers using Amazon's Leadership Principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily emphasize both technical mastery and the ability to apply that mastery within Amazon's innovative and customer-focused R&D environment. A strong, well-documented portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical expertise and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CNC Machines: Datron, HAAS, Okuma (and similar high-precision CNC mills).
• CAD Software: AutoCAD, Rhino, Revit, SolidWorks, CREO, SketchUp (familiarity with at least one is required; multiple preferred).
• CAM Software: SolidCAM, HyperMill, Siemens NX, Mastercam (expertise in at least one is highly preferred; broad experience is a plus).
• Prototyping/Visualization Software: KeyShot (preferred for rendering and visualization).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, proficiency with data analysis tools for performance tracking (e.g., Excel, specialized shop floor monitoring software) would be beneficial for reporting on efficiency and output.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role's core functions, but an understanding of how prototyping feeds into product lifecycle management systems might be relevant for broader context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is heavily on specialized CAD/CAM software and CNC hardware. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their specific experience with these tools at a deep technical level. Familiarity with a broad range of design software indicates adaptability and a holistic understanding of the product development pipeline.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Obsession: All prototyping efforts are ultimately aimed at enabling the creation of better products for Amazon's customers. Understanding how your work impacts the end-user is paramount.
• Invent and Simplify: A drive to find innovative solutions to complex manufacturing challenges and to streamline processes for greater efficiency.
• Bias for Action: A willingness to make decisions and take calculated risks to move projects forward rapidly, especially in a prototyping context.
• Ownership: Taking responsibility for the CNC operations, equipment, and the quality of the prototypes produced.
• High Standards: Maintaining a commitment to excellence in precision, safety, and operational efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Prototyping specialists work closely with designers and engineers, requiring clear communication and a willingness to adapt to evolving design requirements.
• Process Review & Feedback: Openness to feedback on prototype quality and process efficiency, and a proactive approach to suggesting and implementing improvements.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture of sharing best practices, troubleshooting techniques, and insights on new technologies within the team and with collaborating departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's core Leadership Principles are deeply embedded in its culture. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they embody these principles in their daily work, particularly "Invent and Simplify," "Customer Obsession," and "Ownership," within the context of a demanding R&D prototyping environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Iteration Demands: The need to produce high-quality prototypes quickly for fast-paced product development cycles can create pressure and require efficient workflow management.
• Technological Evolution: Staying current with rapidly advancing CNC technology, CAM software, and new prototyping materials requires continuous learning and adaptation.
• Balancing Precision and Speed: Achieving high levels of precision while meeting aggressive deadlines for functional prototypes.
• Cross-Functional Communication: Effectively translating design intent into manufacturable prototypes and communicating technical constraints or capabilities to non-technical stakeholders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Access to training and development for advanced CNC machining techniques, emerging manufacturing technologies (e.g., advanced composites, multi-axis machining), and new software.
• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to attend relevant trade shows, conferences, and workshops to stay abreast of the latest innovations in prototyping and manufacturing.
• Mentorship & Leadership: Potential to mentor junior technicians, lead specialized projects, and develop leadership skills within a large, dynamic organization.
• Product Development Immersion: Deep involvement in the creation of next-generation consumer electronics, providing unique insights into product design and engineering processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic, challenging environment where continuous learning and problem-solving are part of the daily routine. The growth opportunities are tied to becoming a leader in advanced manufacturing within a pioneering tech company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe a time you improved a CNC process to increase efficiency or accuracy. What was your approach, and what were the results?" (Focus on your methodology, data used, and impact.)
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How do you work with design or engineering teams to ensure prototypes meet their requirements while remaining manufacturable? Provide an example." (Highlight communication, problem-solving, and compromise.)
• Problem-Solving: "Describe your most challenging CNC machining problem. How did you diagnose it, and what steps did you take to resolve it?" (Emphasize your analytical process, technical knowledge, and persistence.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Operations Culture: "How does your approach to prototyping align with Amazon's customer-obsessed culture?" (Connect your work to customer benefit and product quality.)
• Operations Team Dynamics: "How do you contribute to a safe and collaborative workshop environment?" (Discuss your approach to safety protocols, teamwork, and knowledge sharing.)
• Operations Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your prototyping work beyond just producing a physical part?" (Think about speed to market, cost-effectiveness, design validation, and enabling innovation.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with an overview of your role and the team's objectives. Then, present 2-3 key projects. For each project:
  • Context: What was the product/goal?
  • Challenge: What technical or design hurdles existed?
  • Your Solution: Detail your CNC programming, CAM strategy, machine setup, and any innovative approaches.
  • Results: Quantify outcomes (speed, precision, cost, enabling of design iteration).
  • Lessons Learned: What did you learn or improve for future projects?
• Metrics and ROI: Be ready to discuss metrics like cycle time, material waste, tooling costs, and how your work directly contributed to faster product development cycles or reduced R&D costs.
• Interactive Demonstration: If possible, use visual aids (videos of machines running, high-resolution images of parts, CAD/CAM screenshots) to make your presentation engaging and clear. Be prepared to answer deep technical questions about your showcased work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for not just technical proficiency but also a strategic mindset, a strong problem-solving capability, and alignment with Amazon's core values. Demonstrating how your skills and experience directly contribute to rapid product innovation and customer satisfaction will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Amazon Jobs portal at https://www.amazon.jobs/en/jobs/3113119.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords related to CNC programming, CAD/CAM software (mention specific ones you excel in), machining experience, shop floor management, prototyping, and any leadership roles. Quantify your achievements with numbers and specific outcomes.
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio that showcases your most relevant CNC projects. Focus on clarity, technical detail, and demonstrated impact. Ensure it's easily accessible for review.
• Leadership Principles Research: Familiarize yourself with Amazon's Leadership Principles and prepare specific examples from your career that illustrate how you embody them, especially "Invent and Simplify," "Customer Obsession," and "Ownership."
• Technical Deep Dive: Review common CNC programming and machining challenges, as well as the specific software mentioned (Datron, HAAS, Okuma, SolidCAM, Mastercam, etc.). Practice explaining your technical approach to complex problems.
• Company Research: Understand Amazon's Device Design Team's mission and recent product launches to better contextualize your skills and show genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.