1h ago
AmazonPosted 1d ago
L1
Software Development Engineer, Amazon Java Runtime
Software Development Engineer, Amazon Java Runtime at Amazon scores 0 out of 100 on AI centrality, which makes it a Level 1 role on this board.
Remote (US, WA, Seattle)seniorfull-time$168k-$227k
AI in this role
Optimize Java runtime performance, garbage collection, and JIT compilation across Amazon's infrastructure.
javaopenjdkcorretto
jvmcompiler-optimizationgarbage-collectionsoftware-engineering
We are hiring a Runtime Engineer to work across three closely-linked areas: the JIT compiler, garbage collection, and systems-level software optimization. You will profile real production workloads, identify runtime bottlenecks, prototype and land improvements in the JVM, and help encode that expertise into tools that scale beyond one-to-one consultation.
Key job responsibilities
1. Analyze production JVM workloads to identify compiler, GC, and runtime bottlenecks, and translate findings into concrete optimizations.
2. Design, implement, and benchmark improvements to JIT compilation, garbage collection, and core runtime subsystems.
3. Contribute changes upstream to OpenJDK and to Amazon Corretto, working through code review and community processes.
4. Tune runtime behavior for performance and efficiency across x86 and Graviton (AArch64) architectures.
5. Build and improve profiling, observability, and auto-tuning tooling so runtime expertise scales across the fleet rather than through manual, per-service consultation.
6. Validate performance and reliability of changes against real workloads before broad rollout.
7. Partner with service teams to drive adoption of runtime improvements and newer JDK versions.
Basic qualifications
- 5+ years of non-internship professional software development experience
- 5+ years of programming with at least one software programming language experience
- 5+ years of leading design or architecture (design patterns, reliability and scaling) of new and existing systems experience
- Experience as a mentor, tech lead or leading an engineering team
Preferred qualifications
- 5+ years of full software development life cycle, including coding standards, code reviews, source control management, build processes, testing, and operations experience
- Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent
- Knowledge of ARM CPUs
- Experience contributing to OpenJDK, the HotSpot JVM, or another production language runtime.
- Depth in one or more GC algorithms (G1, ZGC, Shenandoah, or generational collectors) and their performance trade-offs.
- Compiler backend or optimization experience (instruction selection, code generation, escape analysis, inlining, or similar).
- A track record of upstream open-source contributions or published performance work.
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, WA, Seattle - 168,100.00 - 227,400.00 USD annually
Prepare for this job
A free preview built only from this posting: what it asks for, what you could be asked in an interview, and how to adjust your resume.
Skills and AI tools this role asks for
JvmCompiler OptimizationGarbage CollectionSoftware EngineeringJavaOpenjdkCorretto
Questions you could be asked
- Tell me about a project where jvm was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where compiler optimization was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where garbage collection was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where software engineering was part of your work. What did you do?
- Walk me through how you've used Java in your day-to-day work.
Adapt your resume
- List these exact terms on your resume: Jvm, Compiler Optimization, Garbage Collection, Software Engineering, and Java. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
- Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them — a tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.
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