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Amazon·Product Manager·Onsite - System Design / Architecture·Senior

Senior
May 2026

Summary

Amazon PM interview with a single system design question that was way more hardware-heavy than I expected. Not a typical product sense round at all.

Questions Asked (1)

Q1

Design the architecture for a hardware device that measures temperature and social distancing among warehouse employees during a pandemic.

System DesignTechnical Trade-offsProduct Sense & Ideation
Author's notes

I went straight to the software layer and kind of glossed over the actual hardware constraints, which I think hurt me.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Start by clarifying the business goal and constraints, then propose a high-level architecture that balances technical feasibility with privacy and scalability. Walk through the key components, data flow, and trade-offs, emphasizing how the solution improves warehouse safety and efficiency.

Pro tip: Frame the solution as a product that must drive adoption and trust—address privacy concerns proactively and suggest a phased rollout with clear success metrics.

1. Clarify Requirements and Constraints

Ask questions to understand scale (number of employees, warehouse size), accuracy needs, budget, privacy regulations, and integration with existing systems. Define success metrics like compliance rate or reduction in incidents.

2. Outline High-Level Architecture

Propose a system with wearable devices (e.g., badges) that measure temperature and distance via sensors (e.g., IR, UWB). Include a communication layer (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy, Wi-Fi) and a backend for data aggregation and alerts.

3. Detail Key Components and Data Flow

Describe sensor selection, data processing (on-device vs. cloud), privacy measures (anonymization, aggregation), and alerting mechanisms (e.g., supervisor dashboard, real-time notifications).

4. Discuss Trade-offs and Alternatives

Compare options: wearable vs. environmental sensors, on-device vs. cloud processing, accuracy vs. cost, and privacy vs. effectiveness. Justify choices based on requirements.

5. Define Rollout and Metrics

Propose a phased implementation, pilot testing, and metrics to measure success (e.g., adoption rate, reduction in close contacts, temperature screening accuracy).

Key Points to Mention

  • Privacy-preserving design: anonymize data, aggregate for social distancing, and ensure compliance with regulations like GDPR or CCPA.
  • Sensor technology choices: UWB for precise distance, IR thermometers for temperature, and BLE for low-power communication.
  • Scalability and reliability: handle thousands of devices, ensure real-time alerts, and maintain uptime in warehouse environments.
  • Integration with existing warehouse systems: tie into badge systems, HR databases, and safety protocols.
  • Cost and battery life: balance accuracy with device cost and battery longevity to ensure practicality.
  • Change management: address employee concerns, provide training, and communicate benefits to drive adoption.

AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.