Can I become SDM at Amazon? If so what level?

Google
google____

Go to company page Google

google____
May 13, 2021 17 Comments

Been @Google for 2.5 Years, L5 Tech Lead, Currently leading a major project with 5 engs. Before Google, 2 Years Research Scientist in Academia and lead a part of our lab, before that I was studying PhD.

Do I have a chance for SDM 6? I’m not officially a EM in Google.

#Amazon

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TOP 17 Comments
  • Alation
    KCHF57

    Go to company page Alation

    KCHF57
    Why leave Google for Amazon?
    May 13, 2021 6
    • Alation
      KCHF57

      Go to company page Alation

      KCHF57
      So the PIP culture that people keep talking about is true/false? Asking because I just turned down a recruiter and didn’t proceed after initial call for an SDM role .
      May 14, 2021
    • Twitch
      milkseed

      Go to company page Twitch

      milkseed
      Amazon definitely PIPs people but I've never seen it done without cause. Additionally there's so much documentation with hr around the performance issues. It's way less ambiguous shadow games than all the other companies I've been at. Your manager cannot do it on a whim. They have to document it and then even on the pip it has clear things written down that you must meet and also has a take this sack of cash option.

      Most place the boss can just axe you yet amazon gets all the hate about this extremely visible detailed process.

      I actually had a boss that tried to fire me and the pip process saved the entire situation and actually fixed my boss's expectations which were unrealistic. But he had to spell them out to try and start the PIP and HR challenged them on my behalf.

      I'm sure there are shit teams at Amazon but my experience has been excellent and nothing like these horror stories I keep saying.
      May 14, 2021
  • Twitch
    milkseed

    Go to company page Twitch

    milkseed
    No you have no chance for L6 sdm with no formal SDM experience
    May 13, 2021 1
  • Amazon
    baloons

    Go to company page Amazon

    baloons
    No harm in trying, ask recruiter that I want to loop for L6 Science Mgr. Loop can down level to L5 based on feedback.
    May 13, 2021 0
  • PayPal / Eng
    smfry

    Go to company page PayPal Eng

    smfry
    One recruiter told me SDM can be L5 and up. At least you can go for L5 if they don't hire you for L6.
    May 13, 2021 2
    • Amazon / Other
      Cinderela

      Go to company page Amazon Other

      PRE
      DC Government
      BIO
      🐦
      Cinderela
      true there are L5 SDMs at Amazon. Usually they transition from PM or TPM roles
      May 13, 2021
    • PayPal / Eng
      smfry

      Go to company page PayPal Eng

      smfry
      Lol I guess first time managers anywhere mostly suck regardless of level based on my experience. Some grow to be really good and move up the ladder.
      May 13, 2021
  • Amazon
    saami

    Go to company page Amazon

    saami
    Not likely
    May 13, 2021 0