Amazon has announced 250 new roles in research and development in the Waverley Gate building adding to its workforce of over 2,500 employees in Scotland.
The former Post Office will now be home to an expanded Development Centre and the Customer Service team will move out to state of the art offices elsewhere in the capital.
There are already hundreds of software engineers, scientist and designers working at the site. Other teams work on new advertising technology and personalised shopping recommendations.
Graeme Smith, Managing Director of Amazon Development Centre Scotland said : “Edinburgh was Amazon’s first research and development centre outside of North America and it has a well-earnt reputation as a global centre for innovation, software engineering and machine learning,
“The new roles are Silicon Valley jobs right here in the heart of Scotland and will join teams working on large-scale projects using cutting edge technology which helps benefit hundreds of millions of Amazon customers around the world.”
“Scotland and Edinburgh in particular are home to some of Europe’s most exciting start-ups so it is fantastic we are able to expand our presence here. Beyond creating these new roles we look forward to continuing to contribute to the wider tech-sector through our commitment to gender equality and diversity in the workplace, with activities including sponsorship of the Scotland Women In Technology Awards and the Amazon Women in Innovation Bursary.”
Economy Secretary Derek Mackay said: “This is welcome, additional investment in Amazon’s Scottish Development Centre in Edinburgh which was the first of its kind outside of the US. This expansion will provide capacity for 250 new high-skilled roles and shows the level of talent in the Scottish workforce.
“The Scottish Government has an ambitious economic strategy to create the right environment for job growth. This includes delivering enhanced physical and digital infrastructure, core skills and increased innovation and use of technologies in key industries.”
Cllr Lezley Marion Cameron, Vice-Convener of the Housing and Economy Committee, said: “Edinburgh provides an excellent environment for companies of all sizes, both home grown and international due to the quality of life Edinburgh offers and its vibrant economy. The city’s rapid growth in tech means that Edinburgh is also well positioned to attract new jobs of this calibre.
“Our world class universities are turning out talented graduates every year and many of them are joining businesses in the city or setting up their own, leading to a wealth of talent and skills in this sector.
“Attracting more quality jobs in the city supports the data innovation element of our economy strategy. I therefore warmly welcome Amazon’s decision to increase its investment and operations in Edinburgh.”
Amazon is also opening its first UK corporate office outside London in Manchester with over 600 new roles there as well as over 180 new roles in Cambridge. The company says it is committed to the UK and now employs over 27,500 people here.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
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