Solutions Design Engineer, External Fulfillment

We are seeking an experienced Supply Chain professional to lead the strategic development and evaluation of technology solutions that drive 3P Parity across Amazon's fulfillment network. This role sits within the Special Projects & Expansion (SPEX) team and is focused on identifying, assessing, and implementing the right technologies; including racking systems, sorters, automation, and other fulfillment infrastructure — to ensure our third-party logistics (3PL) partners can match and expand their product and service offerings in alignment with Amazon's internal capabilities.

You will bridge Amazon's internal technology landscape with the external 3PL ecosystem, evaluating both Amazon-native solutions and market-available technologies to identify where 3PLs can increase their operational capabilities and close parity gaps. This role requires a blend of strategic thinking, technical acumen, and cross-functional collaboration to translate complex operational requirements into actionable 3PL solutions.

Key job responsibilities

Lead the strategic planning and solution design for 3P Parity initiatives, translating Amazon's network expansion needs and internal technology standards into commercially viable 3PL partnerships
Evaluate technologies internal to Amazon (e.g., automation systems, racking configurations, sortation equipment) and external market solutions to identify where 3PLs can increase their product and service offerings
Assess 3PL facilities and operational capabilities to identify parity gaps and develop targeted technology roadmaps for partner improvement
Own multiple projects simultaneously — from concept and feasibility through design approval — including greenfield, brownfield, and retrofit scenarios across fulfillment centers, cross-dock facilities, and transportation centers
Develop and negotiate commercial frameworks and operational agreements that incorporate technology requirements and parity standards
Serve as the primary technical point of contact for 3PL partners on SPEX-related projects, ensuring alignment between Amazon's requirements and partner capabilities
Drive cost modeling and financial analysis to ensure technology solutions are operationally viable and cost-effective
Collaborate with internal teams (Ops Engineering, Capacity Planning, 3PL Solutions) to hand off approved designs and support successful installation, commissioning, and launch
Build and maintain strategic relationships with key 3PL partners while representing their capabilities and technology roadmaps internally

A day in the life
As a Special Projects Manager for 3P Parity, your days will blend technical deep-dives with strategic planning. You might start the morning reviewing a 3PL facility assessment to identify automation gaps, then shift to a cross-functional session with internal engineering teams to evaluate whether an Amazon-native sortation solution can be adapted for 3PL use. In the afternoon, you could be structuring a technology roadmap for a key 3PL partner or presenting parity findings to senior stakeholders. Whether you're analyzing fulfillment system designs, evaluating external vendors, or designing innovative solutions from scratch, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping how Amazon's 3PL network evolves to meet tomorrow's demands.

Note: Position may require up to 20% travel, primarily to 3PL sites and Amazon fulfillment centers.

About the team
The External Fulfillment (EF) organization at Amazon manages our third-party logistics (3PL) partnerships across the network. Within this organization, you will join the North America External Fulfillment Strategy team's Special Projects & Expansion (SPEX) function — a team dedicated to exploring new business opportunities where 3PL currently cannot operate at scale. Our mission is to close the gap between Amazon's internal fulfillment capabilities and what our 3PL partners can deliver, driving parity through technology, innovation, and strategic partnership. We operate at the intersection of supply chain strategy, engineering, and business development to unlock the next generation of Amazon's external fulfillment network.

Basic Qualifications

- 5+ years of Design/Innovation, research & development, manufacturing, process, industrial engineering, or related experience
- Experience in Design/Innovation, research & development, manufacturing, process, industrial engineering, or related work
- Experience in management of engineering design projects

Preferred Qualifications

- Master's degree in Engineering (any domain) or foreign equivalent, Operations, Business Administration, or a related field
- Knowledge of concepts like system architecture, optimization, system dynamics, system analysis, statistical analysis, reliability analysis, and decision making
- Experience with complex automated material handling equipment, packaging technologies, and systems and high-speed manufacturing
- Experience with design-in-safety
- Experience with process design based on Lean Principles

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including 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, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.

USA, AZ, Tempe - 99,300.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
USA, NY, New York - 109,200.00 - 185,000.00 USD annually
USA, TN, Nashville - 94,300.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
USA, WA, Bellevue - 99,300.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually