April 16, 2025

Sr. Manager, Applied Science, Traffic Engineering

Senior • On-site

$196,900 - $340,300/yr

Sunnyvale, CA

DESCRIPTION

Amazon's Traffic Engineering organization plays a crucial role in safeguarding Amazon websites (including subsidiaries) and protecting shoppers' trust and privacy. Our team is at the forefront of defending against programmatically engineered traffic, known as bots, through a sophisticated layered defense strategy. We are seeking a Senior Applied Science Manager to lead a cross-functional team developing and implementing AI-powered solutions for managing robots and AI agents across Amazon Stores.

This role will oversee the integration of innovative AI technologies, including Large Language Models (LLMs) and deep learning systems, to protect Amazon's digital marketplace while ensuring a frictionless experience for genuine customers. This is an exciting opportunity to tackle one of the most challenging problems in e-commerce: distinguishing between legitimate and malicious automated traffic at massive scale. You'll be at the forefront of developing next-generation bot detection and mitigation strategies, working with advanced AI systems to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated automated threats. The role offers unique technical challenges, from analyzing complex behavioral patterns to implementing adaptive defense mechanisms that protect the marketplace without impacting customer experience. As a leader in this space, you'll shape the strategy for securing one of the world's largest e-commerce platforms while working with emerging technologies and innovative solutions.

Key job responsibilities
- Lead and manage a cross-functional team of Software Development Engineers, Applied Scientists, Data Engineers, and Risk Analysts
- Drive the development of sophisticated bot detection and classification systems using advanced ML/AI techniques
- Design and implement adaptive defense strategies that maintain marketplace integrity
- Establish scalable solutions for differentiating between legitimate and malicious automated traffic
Develop and deploy AI models for real-time threat detection and response

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

- PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or related field; or Master's degree with 10+ years of relevant experience
- 5+ years of leading technical teams in AI/ML or security
- Strong background in machine learning, particularly in anomaly detection and pattern recognition
- Effective verbal and written communication skills with non-technical and technical audiences.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Experience with bot detection and mitigation strategies in large-scale systems
- Background in cybersecurity or fraud prevention
- Track record of building ML systems for real-time classification and decision-making

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.

Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $196,900/year in our lowest geographic market up to $340,300/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Amazon is a total compensation company. Dependent on the position offered, equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. For more information, please visit https://www.aboutamazon.com/workplace/employee-benefits. This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.

Amazon

Amazon.com, Inc. founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos in the cozy confines of his Seattle garage, Amazon.com, Inc. quickly evolved from a humble online bookstore to a colossal e-commerce powerhouse. Today, it offers an extensive range of products from DVDs and electronics to furniture and groceries. With a global footprint that spans continents—from Canada and the UK to Japan and Brazil—Amazon's presence is truly international. The company has not only diversified into various domains, including acquiring Twitch in 2014 and venturing into the film industry in 2015, but also introduced initiatives like the brand registry program to safeguard intellectual property. Despite the hurdles of labor relations and competitive practices, Amazon remains a dominant force in the global e-commerce landscape.