Amazon Robotics - Human Factors and Ergonomics Research Scientist Co-op - 2025

• Currently working towards PhD program in Human Factors, Ergonomics, Biomedical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Life Sciences (e.g. Biology, Physiology, Kinesiology, Biomechanics), or equivalent
• Ability to work full-time (40 hours per week) for the whole duration of the internship/co-op
• At least 1 year of relevant academic research or industry experience in human factors, ergonomics, and/or biomechanics
• Experience conducting human factors/ergonomics assessments, using tools such as: NIOSH Lifting Equation, ACGIH tables, Liberty Mutual MMH Tables, RCRA, OCRA, 3DSSPP, Energy Expenditure Prediction Program (EEPP), and digital human modeling software (e.g., Siemens Jack/Process Simulate)
• Experience conducting laboratory studies in human performance using motion capture technology, electromyography, metabolic carts, etc.

Are you inspired by invention? Is problem solving through teamwork in your DNA? Do you like the idea of seeing how your work impacts the bigger picture? Answer yes to any of these and you’ll fit right in here at Amazon Robotics. We are a smart team of doers that work passionately to apply cutting edge advances in robotics and software to solve real-world challenges that will transform our customers’ experiences in ways we can’t even imagine yet. We invent new improvements every day. We are Amazon Robotics and we will give you the tools and support you need to invent with us in ways that are rewarding, fulfilling and fun.

Amazon Robotics is looking for a bright and motivated research scientist co-op who is excited to work on complex, real-world challenges. We are interested in someone who has experience applying human factors and ergonomics standards, method, and analysis tools. The ideal candidate would be familiar with the ISO 11228 standard (Ergonomics - Manual Handling) and have experience conducting ergonomic evaluations with common tools, such as the NIOSH lifting equation, ACGIH threshold limit values, Recommended Cumulative Rest Allowance (RCRA) method, and the Liberty Mutual Manual Material Handling tables. We are also seeking candidates who have experience with digital human modeling software, such as Siemens Jack or Process Simulate, wearable/optical motion capture systems, and EMG analysis.

Additionally, we are seeking candidates who have experience conducting ergonomics/biomechanics research and publishing peer reviewed articles in reputable journals and/or conference proceedings. The ideal candidate would have experience coding in MATLAB and/or Python, and be able to utilize data science and machine learning to develop novel ergonomic assessment methodologies.

Key job responsibilities
The role will entail conducting ergonomics research to ensure the safety of Amazon associates, operators, and maintainers. This research will help shape the HFE team’s methodology, allowing us to better guide product design decisions that limit injury risk. You will help to identify fundamental questions pertaining to human capabilities and tolerances in a variety of work environments and provide human factors/ergonomics input to teams across Amazon Robotics, such as Hardware Engineering, Product and Program Management, Safety, Systems Engineering, and Operations. You will work closely with our ergonomics research colleagues in the Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) organization to develop and refine a unified toolkit of ergonomic analysis methodologies.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Conducting novel HFE research to improve the speed and accuracy of our assessment methodologies.
• Staying up-to-date on the latest in ergonomics industry research, and recommending new approaches/technologies that the team should consider adopting.
• Contributing to comprehensive assessments of workstations and processes covering biomechanical, physiological, and psychophysical demands.
• Continuously striving to gain in-depth knowledge of your profession, as well as branch out to learn about intersecting fields, such as user experience, industrial design, robotics and mechatronics.
• Supporting the development of internal guidelines, process documents, and standards to broaden our impact and improve the clarity of our methods for the hardware design organization.
• Occasionally traveling to various sites to conduct research or support product assessments (e.g., collect biomechanical/physiological data and collect associate feedback)

About the team
At Amazon Robotics, we create high tech products that help associates to work faster, safer, and with greater satisfaction. In order to best serve our associate customers, we need to incorporate ergonomic considerations into the design cycle for associate facing hardware development projects. The Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) team conducts iterative evaluations of every new Amazon Robotics product, in order to minimize injury potential and enhance the overall associate experience. Utilizing advanced technologies and cutting-edge research, we develop and institutionalize state-of-the-art ergonomic assessment tools that accurately and efficiently predict impacts to associates working in AR fulfillment centers.

• Publications at top-tier peer-reviewed conferences or journals
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; the ability to build consensus among a group of stakeholders with varied interests and goals
• Strong presentation skills
• Drive to see a project through from research concept to working prototype
• Skilled in probability/statistics, data modeling, and evaluation * Skilled in programming languages/tools (such as MATLAB, Python, C, C++, Java, JavaScript, R) for basic data manipulation/analysis and machine learning applications
• Experience applying machine learning algorithms and libraries (e.g., Scikit-learn, Pandas, Numpy, Matplotlib, NLTK, TensorFlow, etc.)

Amazon is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please visit https://www.amazon.jobs/en/disability/us.