Caught in the Gears - Software Development Engineer Amazon Employee Review

2.0
3 May 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

You will learn. A lot. This company has some of the most challenging, most exciting, most technologically engaging problems I have ever had to solve, and I learned an amazing amount in the time I was there. You will find something in their culture to value. The principles of leadership are impressive, and the way they interplay with each other actually informs how the company operates.

Cons

Your employment will be a blessing or a condemnation depending almost entirely on the team for which you work. I was in Builder Tools on the deployment engine team, and in two-and-a-half years my life was hell. I was forever understaffed, overworked, and unsupported. My manager provided no coaching, no guidance, and no support except on performance "reviews" which were almost entirely full of new information. He was forced out of management, but not before ruining my chances of keeping my job. When I brought the matter up to HR and said I was being unfairly treated, their direct answer was, and I quote, "if we did something about this, we'd set a precedent of letting employees dispute their reviews, and then we couldn't manage." After that, I had no interest in fighting for my job, since it was clear the company had no interest in fighting for me.

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5.0
18 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Flexible schedule for second job

Cons

Hard to get shifts if your not on it

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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