Software Development Engineer, AWS Data Services - 2026 (US)

Amazon is hiring a Software Development Engineer, AWS Data Services - 2026 (US) in Seattle, United States. It pays $129k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on Amazon.

Level's read on this job

Little AI ●○○○ is how Level rates this software engineer role: aI is not part of the work.
Tools and skills the posting cites include distributed systems, database systems and storage engines.
Level classifies it as a junior role.
Level lists 20,000+ other open roles at Amazon.

AI in this role

Designs, develops, and operates scalable database, storage, and analytics services within AWS Data Services.

distributed-systemsdatabase-systemsstorage-enginesquery-processingsoftware-development-lifecycle

By applying to this position, your application will only be considered for Software Development Engineer (SDE) roles in the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Data Services organization.

Do you want to solve real customer problems through innovative technology? Do you enjoy working on scalable services in a collaborative team environment? Do you want to see your code directly impact millions of customers worldwide?

At Amazon, we hire the best minds in technology to innovate and build on behalf of our customers. Customer obsession is part of our company DNA, which has made us one of the world's most beloved brands.

AWS operates some of the world's most widely used database, storage, and analytics services. Our SDEs solve challenges across distributed systems, query processing, storage engines, and data platforms at massive scale.

Our SDEs use modern technology to solve complex problems while seeing their work's impact first-hand. The challenges SDEs solve at Amazon are meaningful and influence millions of customers, sellers, and products globally. We seek individuals passionate about creating new products, features, and services while managing ambiguity in an environment where development cycles are measured in weeks, not years.

At Amazon, we believe in ownership at every level. As an SDE-I, you'll own the entire lifecycle of your code - from design through deployment and ongoing operations. This ownership mindset, combined with our commitment to operational excellence, ensures we deliver the highest quality solutions for our customers.

We're looking for curious minds who think big and want to define tomorrow's technology. At Amazon, you'll grow into the high-impact engineer you know you can be, supported by a culture of learning and mentorship. Every day brings exciting new challenges and opportunities for personal growth.

We will take your location preferences into consideration. Preferences are based on business availability and are not guaranteed. Applicants will be considered at all locations in the United States.

During your application, you will have the opportunity to highlight your expertise in one or more specialized areas. While team placement is based on business needs, sharing your specific skills and interests helps us better align your experience with potential roles.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. For an update on your status or to confirm your application was submitted successfully, please login to your candidate portal at Amazon.jobs. Amazon works with a high volume of applicants so we appreciate your patience as we review applications.

Key job responsibilities
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with experienced cross-disciplinary Amazonians to design, build, and operate innovative products and services that delight our customers, while participating in technical discussions to drive solutions forward.
• Design and develop scalable solutions using cloud-native architectures and microservices in a large distributed computing environment.
• Participate in code reviews and contribute to technical documentation.
• Build and maintain resilient distributed systems that are scalable, fault-tolerant, and cost-effective.
• Leverage and contribute to the development of GenAI and AI-powered tools to enhance development productivity while staying current with emerging technologies.
• Write clean, maintainable code following best practices and design patterns.
• Work in an agile environment practicing CI/CD principles while participating in operational responsibilities including on-call duties.
• Demonstrate operational excellence through monitoring, troubleshooting, and resolving production issues.

Basic qualifications

- Experience with at least one general-purpose programming language such as Java, Python, C++, C#, Go, Rust, or TypeScript
- Experience with data structure implementation, basic algorithm development, and/or object-oriented design principles
- Currently has, or is in the process of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Information Systems, or related STEM fields
- Must be 18 years of age of older

Preferred qualifications

- Experience from previous technical internship(s) or demonstrated project experience
- Experience with one or more of the following: AI tools for development productivity, Cloud platforms (preferably AWS), Database systems (SQL and NoSQL), Contributing to open-source projects, Version control systems, Debugging and troubleshooting complex systems
- Demonstrated ability to learn and adapt to new technologies quickly
- Basic understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC)
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills

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 starting pay for this position is listed below. Starting Day 1 of employment, Amazon offers EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, 401(k) matching. Learn more about our benefits at https://hiring.amazon.com/why-amazon/benefits.

Seattle, WA, USA - 129,000.00 USD Annually

How we rate this

Software Development Engineer, AWS Data Services - 2026 (US) at Amazon rates 0 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Little AI (AI Level 1 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Little AI. AI is not part of the work.

●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
●○○○ Little AI0 to 39

Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.

Key facts

Software Development Engineer, AWS Data Services - 2026 (US) is an open job at Amazon.
Level rates this role AI Level 1 of 4: Little AI.
The listed salary is $129k a year.
The role is based in US, WA, Seattle.
The job was posted on May 7, 2026.
Seniority: junior.
Applications are handled by Amazon. Apply on Amazon

Prepare for this job

Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.

Skills and AI tools this role asks for

Distributed SystemsDatabase SystemsStorage EnginesQuery ProcessingSoftware Development Lifecycle

Also common in software engineer jobs at this level

Kubernetes React Docker JavaScript Azure Google Cloud

Pay

This job starts at: $129k
Typical software engineer job: $167k

This posting starts 23% below the typical software engineer job. See software engineer jobs

Questions you could be asked

Tell me about a project where distributed systems was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where database systems was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where storage engines was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where query processing was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where software development lifecycle was part of your work. What did you do?

Adapt your resume

List these exact terms on your resume: Distributed Systems, Database Systems, Storage Engines, Query Processing, and Software Development Lifecycle. 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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