Avionics Hardware Manager, Amazon Prime Air

Job description

Prime Air is Amazon's drone delivery program, working to safely deliver packages to customers in 30 minutes or less. We are looking for an experienced Hardware Manager to lead the Avionics team, responsible for the design, development, and production of key subsystems for the Prime Air drone — including flight computers, communication hardware and avionics sensors.

This is a people-manager role with direct reports. You will own the technical roadmap and execution for avionics hardware, driving innovation while meeting fast program timelines. You'll collaborate across disciplines (software, flight sciences, systems engineering, manufacturing) to deliver reliable, certifiable propulsion systems at scale.

Key job responsibilities

Own the technical direction and execution of avionics hardware development.

Hire, develop, and manage a high-performing team of hardware engineers and research scientists ; provide mentorship, career development, and performance feedback.

Define and drive the avionics hardware roadmap aligned with Prime Air program milestones.

Lead design reviews, trade studies, and risk assessments for propulsion subsystems.

Collaborate cross-functionally with systems engineering, software, flight sciences, manufacturing, and safety teams.

Manage supplier and vendor relationships for key propulsion components; drive make-vs-buy decisions.

Ensure designs meet safety, reliability, and certification requirements (e.g., DO-160, DO-254, FAA Part 135).

Drive continuous improvement in design processes, test methodologies, and manufacturing readiness