Go somewhere else - Software Development Engineer II Amazon Employee Review

1.0
Aug 5, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- you work on products that are used by millions of people every day - they have some good internal talks/conferences (if you have time to see/attend them)

Cons

- frugality: be sure to only receive the cheapest hardware(Macs, Screens) that Amazon can find - usually you only get a used laptop when you start. Also you are supposed to keep your laptop for 4+ years - "the leader in the cloud" develops its software on desktop-PCs (which are horrible slow and run your dev environment in a VM) - 10 days of vacation during your first year (don't underestimate your need for vacation - in my previous company I had 25 days already and it hurts to loose 15 days) - they run you into the ground (prepare for tons of overtime, 12h days are not only normal, but expected) - dont be alarmed if your team gets shut down and you have to find a new team within 30 days or you are fired (happened to my first team and heard of a handful of others) - only the minimal parent leave that are required by law - Java is pretty much the only language in the house - if you try to change their mind you get shut down fast - lots of legacy systems/code - if you came from a fast moving startup, be prepared that things that took you 2hours tops will now require a 2 week development cycle with tons of reviews and millions of side-effects to consider - the shares that you get only vest after 4 years and are not worth it - too low - people don't stay long - on average people stay about a year before they leave again

Explore other reviews about Amazon

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
See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All