Sr. Applied Scientist, AWS Automated Reasoning
Amazon · Seattle, WA
$167,100–$260,000from the description
Jul 16, 2026
Seattle, WA
Jul 21, 2026
What this job asks for AI summary
A research and engineering role focused on automated reasoning within AWS, tackling complex problems in areas such as SAT/SMT solving, theorem proving, program analysis, and related formal methods. The position involves leading the design and delivery of long-term technical solutions, influencing work across teams, and mentoring others. It suits candidates with a PhD-level background in formal verification or programming language theory.
Staff level · Seattle, WA · Doctorate required · Full-time
“or” means any one of them counts — you don't need all of them.
Posted 3 times — it's one opening, so apply once.
We read this from the posting text with AI. Skim the description below before ruling yourself out.
Why we read it this way (7)
This role is titled 'Applied Scientist' in the AWS Automated Reasoning group, focused on formal methods (SAT/SMT, theorem proving, type systems, program analysis) — it sits at the intersection of research and engineering. 15-2051 (Data Scientists) is the closest available SOC for applied research scientists; 15-1299 (Computer Occupations, All Other) is a reasonable runner-up given the formal-methods specialization.
The basic qualification requires a 'PhD or equivalent research experience' — because equivalent experience is explicitly accepted, the degree requirement is set to Doctorate as the stated credential, but the equivalence clause means it is not a strict hard gate on the credential itself.
The role description emphasizes cross-organizational influence, mentoring, and strategic problem ownership at a level consistent with Staff rather than Senior, despite no explicit level word in the title.
Multiple salary ranges are listed across four US locations (Santa Clara CA: $192,200–$260,000; Portland OR, Austin TX, Seattle WA: $167,100–$226,100). The figures shown reflect the full range across all listed locations.
The required skills are framed as an 'any of the following' list (SAT, SMT, theorem proving, symbolic simulation, type systems, program analysis) — these are treated as a single requirement with alternatives rather than independent hard gates, since the JD explicitly requires experience in any one of them.
Programming language preferences (OCaml, Dafny, Haskell, Kotlin, Lean, Rust, Scala) appear under Preferred Qualifications only.
Ignored 1 non-technology phrase(s) as skills (responsibilities/concepts, not named tools): program analysis.
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