Software Engineer - Software Development Engineer Amazon Employee Review

4.0
13 June 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

1. It is quite likely that you will be able to find employees that are incredibly smart. Engineers are helpful and understand business. 2. As an engineer, you are expected to do more than just do engineering work. You are expected to drive business and make decisions with the help of your manager. There is a very good chance that as an engineer, you will be able to lead a project within the first year of being there. 3. Mobility is not a very big issue. The company is so massive, and considering everyone is looking for smart software engineers, if you are good, but not satisfied with the work/manager that you are working for, there is plenty of opportunities that you will get to move to a different part of the business. 4. If your primary aim as a software engineer is to learn quickly and are willing to put in the time for it, it is a good place to be.

Cons

1. Perks are pretty nonexistent. There is nothing really to talk about in terms of perks. If salary and the amount of money that you will earn is a major concern as a software engineer, the first two years will pretty much not give you that (their stock vesting schedule is one of the worst I have seen). 2. The dreaded oncall can be hard on some people (especially people with families). However, it will make you learn faster since you will get hands-on with the software. 3. For immigrations, the Green card process takes a while to get started. Their policy says that you cannot get a Green Card process started unless you are Level 5 (which is SDE 2). While there will be exceptions, usually SDE 1 to 2 takes between a year and a half to two years. So, you might want to consider that.

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5.0
3 July 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

good company, great learnings, good pay

Cons

more layoffs, very uncertain, long interview process

5.0
10 Jan 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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