Josh Kastman never imagined his childhood obsession with Midwest snowstorms would one day land him inside one of the world’s largest companies. Growing up, he tracked blizzards, measured snowfall hourly, and volunteered with the National Weather Service in high school. After earning a Ph.D in meteorology from the University of Missouri and spending seven years as a research scientist, Kastman’s career took an unexpected turn when his wife spotted a meteorologist job listing at Amazon.
From Public Service to Big Tech
Kastman initially doubted the opportunity was real, calling a scientist’s role at a major tech company a “mythical unicorn job.” But once he explored the position further, the mission aligned perfectly with his core values. Where the National Weather Service served the general public, Amazon offered something equally meaningful — protecting millions of warehouse employees and delivery partners navigating dangerous weather daily. He joined in 2024 as Chief Meteorologist and has held the role for over two years.
Inside Amazon’s Global Weather Operations
Kastman’s team operates within Amazon’s Global Security Operations Center, monitoring weather threats around the clock. On high-stakes days, team members divide responsibilities — one handles deep analysis, another leads briefings, and another fields urgent queries from regional leaders. Their assessments can trigger real operational decisions, including rerouting drivers and closing sites. During Winter Storm Fern in January, early warnings about dangerous ice conditions across Mississippi and Tennessee led to proactive shutdowns, keeping workers safely at home.
Beyond crisis response, Kastman sees his role as providing calm and context. When an exaggerated forecast predicted 40 inches of snow for New York City, his team issued a measured briefing that correctly predicted a less severe outcome, preventing unnecessary panic across Amazon’s vast network.