Allana Huttenlocher Cunha
Allana Huttenlocher Cunha (She/Her) is a Senior Process Design Engineer at Amazon, where she applies her expertise in industrial and systems engineering to transform complex operations into efficient, scalable systems. She has led projects that enhance productivity, strengthen processes, and deliver measurable impact across Amazon’s North American Sort Center network. Her work includes developing engineered rates, building multivariable performance models, and implementing sustainable process improvements, while mentoring teams and fostering cross-functional collaboration.
Allana is a dedicated lifelong learner, holding a Bachelor of Science in Applied Engineering Sciences from Michigan State University with a concentration in Supply Chain Management and currently pursuing a Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering with a concentration in Engineering Management at the University of Florida. She has earned professional certifications, including Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt and Basic MOST (Maynard Operation Sequence Technique). In 2021, she received the Michael Sadler Competitive Edge Award from Michigan State University in recognition of her excellence in applied engineering design.
Fluent in English and Portuguese and conversational in Spanish, Allana brings a global perspective and clear communication to every project. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is deeply committed to mentorship and volunteerism. She is a member of Latinos@Amazon and actively supports STEM initiatives and leadership programs that guide and inspire the next generation of engineers.
Outside of work, Allana is deeply connected to her family and close friendships, which continue to shape how she shows up in both life and leadership. She enjoys traveling, discovering new places and cultures, and making space for reflection and personal growth. Grounded and guided by curiosity, she values balance and connection, bringing intention and thoughtfulness into how she works, leads, and builds relationships.
• BasicMOST Certification
• Michigan State University - BS
• Michael Sadler Competitive Edge Award
• Mentor at Society of Women Engineers
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a commitment to continuous growth, a willingness to take calculated risks, and a focus on creating meaningful impact. I began my career at Amazon as an Area Manager in operations and later transitioned into my current role as a Senior Process Design Engineer. Today, I support and oversee work across 120+ sites, developing and implementing engineered rates that transform complex operations into efficient, scalable systems. I am passionate about building trust with teams, mentoring others, and designing solutions that strengthen both people and processes. Fluent in English and Portuguese and conversational in Spanish, I bring a global mindset and clear communication to every project, with a consistent focus on learning, growth, and leaving every space better than I found it.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to embrace continuous growth, seek out challenges, and never shy away from taking calculated risks. Throughout my career, mentors have played a pivotal role in shaping my journey by offering guidance, sharing their experiences, and helping me see possibilities I might not have considered on my own. As I reflect on my path from starting as an Area Manager at Amazon to my current role as a Senior Process Design Engineer, I look forward to sharing my story, my goals, and the inspirations behind my work, including the personal lessons I’ve gained from the mentors who have influenced me along the way.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to choose your mentors wisely and trust your instincts. Not everyone will have your best interests at heart, so be intentional about whose advice you take. Speak up, ask questions, and share your ideas with confidence. The perspective you bring may be exactly what moves the work forward, shapes the industry, and accelerates your growth.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field today is scaling complex operations while maintaining efficiency, adaptability, and long-term sustainability. As systems grow, there is an increasing need to modernize how we design and optimize processes. At the same time, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence present an opportunity to enhance decision-making, modeling, and optimization when applied thoughtfully. The greatest impact comes from integrating these tools with strong engineering fundamentals and human judgment, ensuring solutions are practical, scalable, and trusted in real-world environments.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are continuous growth, integrity, and creating meaningful impact. I care deeply about learning, challenging myself, and making thoughtful decisions that align with my values. Mentorship and giving back are also important to me, whether that means supporting others in their careers or creating space for people to grow and be heard. Outside of work, those same values show up in how I prioritize relationships, maintain balance, and stay connected to what matters most to me. I believe growth is lifelong, impact goes beyond titles, and success is most meaningful when it is shared.