Amazon.com, Worth 2 years of your life but not much more - Software Engineer II Amazon Employee Review

3.0
May 16, 2009
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Amazon hires very smart, reasonable people. While people are A-types, people are cooperative and willing to work toward the greater good -- customers. That said, it is _very_ customer focused with a very strong corporate culture. The technologies available to work on are world-class, albeit it can take time to learn it all as much of it is steeped in tribal knowledge.

Cons

Work-life balance is tenuous at best. Even in relaxed areas, the only way to get ahead is to put in a lot of over-time. Some areas talk of 40-hour weeks, this is what it takes to just stay afloat. This can lead to lone warriors pushing changes to team code. A lot of agile team de-evolve into ad-hoc processes. A lot of work is geared toward maintenance engineering than cutting-edge engineering; the challenge is to remain stimulated. Operational support can vary from team to team, in some instances being on-call is minimal; in others it can drown you.

Explore other reviews about Amazon

5.0
Mar 17, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Simple, stable, easy, active, growth opportunity

Cons

physically demanding, boring for some

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.

3159
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