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
May 24, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Flexibility, Pay, friendly culture and easy learning curve

Cons

demanding physical labor, on call

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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