Nice pay, culture used to be good but is now bad & everyone is overworked - Software Development Engineer II Amazon Employee Review

2.0
Dec 2, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- the pay is good - there are plenty of exciting and challenging problems to solve - most ICs who work here are very smart & nice/professional

Cons

- it has turned into the next IBM since Jassy took over (little innovation, just trying to squeeze profit out of everything, no more opportunities for bottoms-up ideas) - everyone is overworked since they're trying to prove that AI can replace developers (it can't yet) - the performance evaluation process is opaque and rubbish. Anyone who's moved past the young & single part of their life can't compete & will eventually be managed out despite the company's stated diversity goals (or you'll rarely see your spouse &/or kids) - lots of office politics, most management (especially VP level and above) are harsh and will throw anything and everyone under the bus to advance their careers unless you suck up to them. This unfortunately means that coworkers/fellow ICs can't afford to be compassionate even if they want to be & will occasionally need to stab you in the back just to make sure they don't get a bad rating (or keep their top rating so they can get promoted) - while the pay is competitive, the benefits are not (they're not complete trash, but you can get better almost anywhere else)

Explore other reviews about Amazon

5.0
Mar 31, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Pay was really good for the area

Cons

Long hours to work to survive

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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