AWS - Hard work, freedom to shine - Program Manager Amazon Employee Review

5.0
Jun 8, 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

1) Risk taking and new ideas are strongly encouraged. 2) Treated like an adult, freedom to do you job as you know how, not micro-managed. You are given reins to excel. 3) Stock incentives and sign-on bonuses fantastic (but salary only so-so) 4) Everyone here is outstanding -- helpful, engaged, whip smart. You will think to yourself "How did they let me in here?" 5) Very strong focus on customers and making their businesses better. It is a winning formula, as evidenced by tremendous growth of AWS. 6) Strong culture of the Leadership Principles (Google it). They are lived every day. If you want to win a debate/discussion with other employees, remind them how their position is not in keeping with a specific LP. Works almost every time. 7) Huge career opportunities. AWS is growing so fast, we have hundreds of openings. Moving around is supported.

Cons

1) Salary is so-so. At some point you will max out (but at least for me, the stock incentives and sign-on bonuses -- think multiples of a year's salary -- more than make up for not getting an extra 5-10% in the paycheck). 2) You will work hard, very hard. You can take PTO and vacations, but you have to protect them and not get caught in a trap of 24x7. If you remind them you need a break, managers will support you being away. 3) All your friends will ask you for discounts on Amazon goods. Little do they know employees barely get any.

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5.0
Jan 23, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Working as a Data Center Engineering Operations (DCEO) technician at AWS has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. Every day, I know that my work directly supports the infrastructure that powers services used by millions of customers worldwide—from Netflix streaming to NASA processing Mars rover images. What makes this role special is the sense of ownership and responsibility. DCEO technicians are truly the heartbeat of the data center, maintaining the critical power, cooling, and life safety systems that keep AWS running at 99.999% uptime. The mission is clear: be stealthy in action and swift in recovery, solving problems before they impact customers. The technical challenges keep the work engaging. Whether I'm monitoring building management systems, responding to alarms, managing preventative maintenance programs, or coordinating with vendors, there's always something new to learn. The role demands both hands-on technical skills and critical thinking, which makes every shift dynamic and rewarding. AWS invests heavily in training and development. The comprehensive onboarding process, detailed standard operating procedures, and access to subject matter experts across Field Engineering and other support teams ensure you're never alone in solving complex problems. The emphasis on safety is genuine—leadership truly prioritizes that everyone goes home in the same condition they arrived. Working alongside dedicated teams like DCO, Infrastructure Delivery, and Logistics creates a collaborative environment where everyone understands how their role contributes to the bigger picture. The 24/7 nature of the work means building strong relationships with your shift team, and there's real camaraderie in knowing you're all working toward the same critical mission. For anyone who enjoys hands-on technical work, values operational excellence, and wants to be part of maintaining world-class infrastructure at global scale, DCEO at AWS offers a challenging and meaningful career path.

Cons

Time constraints, and demands can be overwhelming.

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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