Most teams's leadership is pretty toxic. Core platform teams have good tech architectures to learn from. - Software Dev Engineer II Amazon Employee Review

2.0
Aug 7, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You can have the opportunity to work on pretty cool stuff, given the scale at which Amazon operates. Although not at all teams, but if you join a core platform team, you'll be exposed to really scalable tech architectures, which is great to learn from as an entry level engineer.

Cons

I've worked in about 4 teams at Amazon. All the teams I have worked in, including my current one, have overworked me, burnt me out, and overworked me some more. My managers have been unsupportive throughout, most of them dealing with even worse pressure from their own managers. Its very common to be asked to work after hours or on weekends, without so much as a thank you, forget additional compensation. When asked to be compensated for it, they say 'sometimes you have to help out as an owner'. The company's 'Leadership Principles' are used as an excuse by managers to skirt any legal issues that may come up, by using them as documentation points for how the employee is 'not performing'. It's telling that the principles themselves contradict each other, which is clear proof that no employee can actually display all at any given time. So there will always be atleast a subset which someone is not displaying, helping managers justify incessant firing. Firing is also used as a subtextual threat by managers very often to get work completed after hours. There is almost no time given to upskilling, unless the project demands it, in which case you are expected to already have cutting edge skills without the company having to train you. Documentation is always stale. Work life balance is a myth. The only reason to stay is if someone cannot quit, e.g if their work visa depends on staying employed. Most employees that stay long enough stay because of visa issues. I would not recommend anyone joining this company until employee experience improves.

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5.0
Dec 25, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Bias for action and trust

Cons

Too much competition internally at all levels

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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