Not as much opportunity for SDETs - Software Development Engineer In Test Amazon Employee Review

3.0
Jan 24, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

* Exciting projects that have high visibility and use * Customer-centric focus * Lots of good software engineer tools and frameworks in place

Cons

* Not a whole lot of opportunity for SDET or test career. Sure, there are pockets of them, but I wouldn't count on Amazon as a long term place for a test career. Not uncommon to see the senior test folks eventually leave due to lack of promotion process for them. * Heavy emphasis on on-call activities with less emphasis on building quality in from the beginning. * Fairly young engineering management

Explore other reviews about Amazon

5.0
Jun 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Amazon offers an exceptional work environment with cutting-edge technology and world-class engineering challenges. The compensation package is highly competitive, including strong base salary, RSUs, and comprehensive benefits. Career growth opportunities are abundant — there are clear promotion paths and access to internal mobility across thousands of teams globally. The scale of impact is unmatched; you work on systems that serve hundreds of millions of customers worldwide. Colleagues are incredibly talented, driven, and collaborative, making every project both challenging and rewarding.

Cons

The pace can be fast and demanding at times, which requires strong time management skills. Work-life balance may vary depending on the team and project deadlines.

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