Experience from various Amazon departments - Software Development Engineer II Amazon Employee Review

3.0
Sep 5, 2011
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Amazon does a great job of hiring the best people. You will get to work with some of the smartest people you'll encounter anywhere. I met more people with 2+ advanced degrees while working in the supply chain group than anywhere else.

Cons

There is hardly any chance of a person receiving a promotion. Part of the problem with hiring the best people is that really good performance is considered average. With hundreds of engineers in an organization only a tiny number would ever be promoted in a year. It's very discouraging. There are 2 very different worlds in Amazon, the older areas and the newer ones. Working in the original operations or retail areas you can have a work life balance. However, in the AWS division people are expected to work roughly 60 hours per week. There is no work/life balance. If you have a family your spouse really can't have a job.

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5.0
Feb 19, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I got paid weekly, there was a $2 premium for night shifts.

Cons

The only con was the 2 hour commute to and from work.

5.0
Jan 10, 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Really smart people, a lot of opportunity for growth, always encouraged to be innovative, think big, and create something new. Competitive salary and benefits with other major tech companies. 100% self motivating work environment. No dress code and 4 legged friends are welcome.

Cons

You have to be self motivated. NO ONE will hold your hand and tell you that you're doing a great job. If you need constant affirmations from management, this company isn't for you.

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