Probably makes more sense if you are a fresh grad - Software Developer II Amazon Employee Review

3.0
Feb 24, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Exposure to planet-scale services with a very high bar on reliability. Your work literally has impact on the rest of the world as many other companies build things on top of the services you own. Full ownership (from design through carrying the pager) teaches you to think ahead and avoid cutting corners. It's relatively easy to move within the company if you want to try something else. Compensation is pretty good.

Cons

Too much operational work, very slow promotion process (it's normal to see people stay at one level for 5+ years despite doing good work), unreasonable assumptions around on-call rotations that sometimes cause whole teams to implode. Internal tooling is powerful but very difficult to use and might make things seem very complicated if you already have experience using standard modern tooling. The extremely competitve market Amazon finds itself in often results in things being shipped before they are ready. As those services start scaling (typically there is a huge demand for them) the operational side tends to get out of hand with too many people running behind the curtains to keep the lights on, while fixing the underlying core issues remains out of sight. My personal observation is that (largely due to the reasons outlined above) most folks who already had relevant work experience before joining Amazon tend to not stay for too long - typically 1-2 years.

Explore other reviews about Amazon

5.0
Jun 1, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Amazon is a very good company to work for with great people."

Cons

"Compensation is too low for the level of responsibility we have."

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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