Poor engineering makes Amazon.com a training experience for a better job elsewhere. - Senior Software Engineer Amazon Employee Review

2.0
Nov 23, 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good place to learn about e-commerce. Seattle is a great city, and Amazon near the core rather than stuck out in the suburbs. Great coworkers. Amazon.com looks great on a resume. You get to roll-your-own engineering much of the time.

Cons

Bad place to learn about software engineering. Amazon.com is a Rube Goldberg machine that sells books (and other stuff). Many SEs spend more time in support than development. Management quality is very uneven. Everyone else also gets to roll-their-own engineering. The dynamics of the resume system mean you are most likely to be hired by a group with high turnover.

Explore other reviews about Amazon

5.0
Jun 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Amazon offers an exceptional work environment with cutting-edge technology and world-class engineering challenges. The compensation package is highly competitive, including strong base salary, RSUs, and comprehensive benefits. Career growth opportunities are abundant — there are clear promotion paths and access to internal mobility across thousands of teams globally. The scale of impact is unmatched; you work on systems that serve hundreds of millions of customers worldwide. Colleagues are incredibly talented, driven, and collaborative, making every project both challenging and rewarding.

Cons

The pace can be fast and demanding at times, which requires strong time management skills. Work-life balance may vary depending on the team and project deadlines.

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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