Go somewhere else - Software Development Engineer II Amazon Employee Review

1.0
Aug 5, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- you work on products that are used by millions of people every day - they have some good internal talks/conferences (if you have time to see/attend them)

Cons

- frugality: be sure to only receive the cheapest hardware(Macs, Screens) that Amazon can find - usually you only get a used laptop when you start. Also you are supposed to keep your laptop for 4+ years - "the leader in the cloud" develops its software on desktop-PCs (which are horrible slow and run your dev environment in a VM) - 10 days of vacation during your first year (don't underestimate your need for vacation - in my previous company I had 25 days already and it hurts to loose 15 days) - they run you into the ground (prepare for tons of overtime, 12h days are not only normal, but expected) - dont be alarmed if your team gets shut down and you have to find a new team within 30 days or you are fired (happened to my first team and heard of a handful of others) - only the minimal parent leave that are required by law - Java is pretty much the only language in the house - if you try to change their mind you get shut down fast - lots of legacy systems/code - if you came from a fast moving startup, be prepared that things that took you 2hours tops will now require a 2 week development cycle with tons of reviews and millions of side-effects to consider - the shares that you get only vest after 4 years and are not worth it - too low - people don't stay long - on average people stay about a year before they leave again

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5.0
Jun 22, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Career growth and opportunity for ownership

Cons

A lot of inefficiency and bureaucracy.

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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