Amazon Software Engineer I interview questions

I mainly went through Amazon’s Online Assessment for a Software Engineer role. The process started with an invitation email, followed by a timed OA that focused on coding and problem-solving under pressure. The questions required solid understanding of data structures, algorithms, and writing correct, efficient code within a limited time. Overall, the process was structured and standard for a large tech company, but the time pressure made it challenging.

The Amazon SDE 1 interview process typically consists of three main stages, heavily emphasizing **technical proficiency** and Amazon’s **16 Leadership Principles (LPs)**. ### 1. Online Assessment (OA) The first step is a **70–90 minute** proctored assessment on HackerRank. It usually includes: * **Two Coding Questions:** Medium-level DSA problems (e.g., Arrays, Strings, Hashing). * **Work Simulation:** A 60-minute module where you handle workplace scenarios and decision-making. * **Workstyle Survey:** A personality test to assess cultural alignment with LPs. ### 2. Phone Screen A **45–60 minute** technical interview with an engineer focusing on medium-level coding, edge cases, and a brief discussion on one or two Leadership Principles. ### 3. Onsite "Loop" This final stage consists of **4 to 5 rounds**, each lasting one hour: * **Coding (2 Rounds):** Deep dives into DSA, focusing on clean code and optimization. * **System Design/LLD (1 Round):** Basic architecture or Low-Level Design (e.g., designing a parking lot). * **Bar Raiser:** A rigorous round with a senior interviewer outside the hiring team, focusing heavily on **Leadership Principles** and high-level problem-solving.