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Brief introduction on Interviewing at Amazon Web Services (AWS)

aws interview

 

 

AWS Network Development Engineer Interview Guide

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a subsidiary of Amazon providing on-demand cloud computing platforms and APIs to individuals, companies, and governments on a metered pay-as-you-go basis. Read more on https://aws.amazon.com/

Amazon keeps on hiring all round the year as they are continuously striving to look for candidates with great leadership and technical skills. The intent of this article to enable candidates to understand the process better and prepare themselves accordingly.

Finding Your Way to AWS

There are multiple ways of finding a job at AWS, and a few of my recommendations are:-

  1. Amazon Job Portal: This job portal is the best way to explore jobs according to your skills. Just search whatever kind of job and at what locations you are looking for, and you can see the multiple posted jobs that you are always free to apply for. Some FAQs
  2. Approach for referral: The second best way is to look for your former colleagues or acquaintance on Linkedin Contacts who can refer you for the correct job. Ask them to refer you, providing them with the Job ID mentioned on the application. This process helps you in getting some insights into the profile and the job nature.

Once your application is reviewed and found successful, somebody from HR will approach you regarding the job and ask you for your interview availability. They may ask few dates which suit your availability. Candidate is free to provide available date as per their choice.

Once the date is finalized, HR will confirm the next step, usually Phone Screen/Phone Interview.

I will explain here about Network Development Professionals. We use NDE(Network Development Engineers) as technical roles term. I will collect most of the information which is available in the public domain. This article is for experienced candidates with experience in relevant roles for some time.

Interviewing Steps

Phone Screen/Phone Interview

This will be a 45-60 min interview on the telephone. At scheduled time, candidate needs to join a chime bridge and you probably need to download Amazon Chime, our video-conferencing tool (the step-by-step guide can be found here). If you’re presenting, you will need to download Chime onto your desktop. The meeting ID# will be emailed to you by your recruitment point of contact. For optimal sound quality, use a headset with a microphone or with the details already provided in the email from HR.

Personal Recommendations

AWS Recommendations

Our interviews are based on behavioural questions which ask about past situations or challenges you’ve faced and how you handled them, using the Leadership Principles to guide the discussion. We don’t use brain-teasers (e.g., “How many windows are in Manhattan?”) during the interview process. We’ve researched this approach and have found that those types of questions are unreliable when it comes to predicting a candidate’s success at Amazon. Here are some examples of behavioural questions:

Keep in mind, Amazon is a data-driven company. When you answer questions, you should focus on the question asked, ensure your answer is well-structured and provide examples using metrics or data if applicable. Refer to recent situations whenever possible.

You should bear in mind that your interviewers won’t be evaluating your ability to memorise all the details of each of these topics. They will be analysing your ability to apply what you know and solve problems efficiently and effectively. Given that you sometimes have only limited time to prepare for a technical interview, I will recommend to go through the basic fundamentals with your technological stuffs. It is always recommended to looks for the lasted and most promising technology that are well proven in the technical community or different forums. This will likely yield the best results in the available time.

Other Tips for a smooth Phone interview

Virtual interviews

If you’ve been asked to do a virtual interview, you will probably need to download Amazon Chime, our video-conferencing tool (the step-by-step guide can be found here). If you’re presenting, you will need to download Chime onto your desktop. The meeting ID# will be emailed to you by your recruitment point of contact. For optimal sound quality, use a headset with a microphone

What to Expect after Phone Screen/Phone Interview?

Amazon HR will get back to you within two business days after your phone interview. If you haven’t heard from HR by then, feel free to give them a nudge via email.

Outcome

Once you are eligible for the next interview which is called On-site interview;HR will reach you again for scheduling your interviews and will send you a questionnaire with few questions. Major is Current salary (include base, bonus and equity) and Expected salary (include base, bonus and equity).Do your research and let them know the answers.

You can take your time and reply to HR with your availability. HR will send confirmation email for the interview along with the interviewers name(most of the time). Seeing current COVID-19 scenarios or sometime based on your geographical location or availability of Amazon office near your location you can opt for Video conference/In person visit to nearly Amazon office.This is generally faster else you need to wait for visa if in different country or travel arrangements.Everything is up to your choice and best available method combined.

Personal recommendation

Structure of Onsite-Interview

Mostly Five rounds of interview schedule (45-60min each) called Loop.

If you are visiting the interview location there will be a lunch buddy assigned to you who will go on a quick lunch between interview with you.

Tips for the interview

Go through Leadership principles

We use our Leadership Principles every day, whether we’re discussing ideas for new projects or finding the most effective solution to a problem. It’s just one of the things that makes Amazon peculiar. All candidates are evaluated based on our Leadership Principles. The best way to prepare for your interview is to think about how you’ve applied the Leadership Principles in your previous professional experience.

Prepare for Behavioural Interviewing

Our interviews are based on behavioural questions which ask about past situations or challenges you’ve faced and how you handled them, using the Leadership Principles to guide the discussion. We don’t use brain-teasers (e.g., “How many windows are in Manhattan?”) during the interview process. We’ve researched this approach and have found that those types of questions are unreliable when it comes to predicting a candidate’s success at Amazon.

Here are some examples of behavioural questions:

Keep in mind, Amazon is a data-driven company. When you answer questions, you should focus on the question asked, ensure your answer is well-structured and provide examples using metrics or data if applicable. Refer to recent situations whenever possible.

Use best proven STAR answering format

The STAR method is a structured manner of responding to a behavioural interview question by discussing the specific situation, task, action and result of what you’re describing. Here’s what it looks like:

SITUATION

Describe the situation that you were in or the task that you needed to accomplish. Give enough detail for the interviewer to understand the complexities of the situation. This example can be from a previous job, school project, volunteer activity or any relevant event.

TASK

What goal were you working towards?

ACTION

Describe the actions you took to address the situation with an appropriate amount of detail and keep the focus on you. What specific steps did you take? What was your particular contribution? Be careful that you don’t describe what the team or group did when talking about a project. Let us know what you actually did. Use the word “I,” not “we,” when describing actions.

RESULT

Describe the outcome of your actions and don’t be shy about taking credit for your behaviour. What happened? How did the event end? What did you accomplish? What did you learn? Provide examples using metrics or data if applicable.

Consider your own successes and failures in relation to the leadership principles. Have specific examples that showcase your expertise and demonstrate how you’ve taken risks, succeeded, failed and grown over the course of your career. Bear in mind that some of Amazon’s most successful programmes have risen from the ashes of failed projects. Failure is a necessary part of innovation. It’s not optional. We understand that and believe in failing early and iterating until we get it right.

Tips for great answers

Personal recommendation for technical Interviewing

I will recommend to choose good technical experiences if you are applying for technical roles as it will be easy for both candidate and interviewer to probe more and conclude the skill.

For Optical Engineers

Core Technical Knowledge for Optical Network Engineers

Based on real interview experiences, AWS places significant emphasis on deep optical networking knowledge for NDE positions. Here are the key technical areas you should master:

DWDM Fundamentals

You should have a comprehensive understanding of:

Performance Metrics and Measurement

Be prepared to discuss:

Advanced Coherent Systems

AWS interviewers often ask about:

Network Architecture and Design

Be able to discuss:

Automation and Programming

AWS places increasing emphasis on:

Example Technical Questions with STAR Format Answers

Question: “Describe how you would troubleshoot a sudden increase in bit error rate on a 100G wavelength.”

Situation: “While managing a metropolitan DWDM network, we experienced a sudden increase in BER on multiple 100G wavelengths on a critical financial services route.”

Task: “I needed to quickly identify the root cause and restore service quality while maintaining communications with stakeholders.”

Action: “I implemented a systematic troubleshooting approach. First, I gathered initial data to understand the scope – verifying the timing of BER increases across all affected wavelengths, confirming which wavelengths were impacted, and collecting historical performance data for comparison. Second, I performed systematic analysis by examining OSNR values, checking for recent network changes, analyzing power levels, and reviewing environmental factors. Third, I executed targeted tests including OTDR measurements, protection path testing, and loopback tests to isolate network segments.”

Result: “I discovered a failing optical amplifier that was introducing excess ASE noise. We replaced the unit and restored normal BER levels within two hours of initial alarm. This methodical approach became our standard procedure for similar issues, reducing troubleshooting time by 40%.”

Question: “How would you implement an optical network to support high-reliability data center interconnect?”

Situation: “While leading network architecture at a major service provider, I was tasked with designing a high-availability DWDM network connecting multiple data centers, with requirements for sub-5ms latency and 99.999% availability.”

Task: “I needed to create a design that would ensure maximum reliability while optimizing for low latency and high capacity.”

Action: “I developed a comprehensive design approach with several key elements. First, I established a dual-ring topology with mesh interconnections to provide multiple diverse paths. Next, I implemented colorless, directionless, and contentionless ROADMs at each node to allow flexible wavelength routing. I designed diverse fiber paths with physical separation requirements and established optimal regeneration points based on distance and latency requirements. I also developed detailed specifications for amplification strategies, channel plans, and monitoring systems.”

Result: “The network was successfully deployed and maintained 100% availability for critical services over two years of operation, with measured latency consistently below 4ms between any two points. The design became our reference architecture for future high-reliability networks.”

Advanced Preparation: AI and Machine Learning in Optical Networks

Recent interviews have increasingly included questions about AI/ML applications in optical networking. This reflects AWS’s growing interest in network intelligence and automation.

Key AI/ML Applications to Understand:

If asked about AI/ML, remember to structure your response according to your level of experience. If you’ve directly implemented such solutions, provide specific examples using the STAR format. If it’s an area you’re learning about, acknowledge your current knowledge level while demonstrating your understanding of potential applications and benefits.

Tips before you head in

Interview day

Before and after the interview

Outcome

Successful

Great you have made it. Lot of Amazonians are looking forward to meet you to learn and share the best with you and from you.

Next Time

Dont worry, you can still apply for different opportunities and its good that you got the first hand experience of interview and next time you can prepare yourself in a better way. Remember that the decision is taken in consideration with multiple parameters like current available candidates skill sets in same role, current available racks that meets your skill sets, your future growth aspects etc.

Offer

HR will give call to explain the offer.Based on your experience, job level and skill sets there will be an competitive compensation offered to you.There is always a scope for negotiations if the explanations are convincing and agreed between candidate and the HR.

Offer consists of base salary +RSU stocks+joining bonus and other relocation benefits.It is recommended to know your worth and expectation and for that candidate can refer to online websites/different forums etc.

Understanding the AWS Network Development Engineer Role

The Network Development Engineer (NDE) role at AWS is a technical position focused on designing, implementing, and operating large-scale optical and IP networks. This role is critical to AWS’s infrastructure expansion and reliability.

Key Responsibilities of NDEs:

NDE Career Progression:

AWS typically has multiple levels of NDEs, from entry-level (L4) to principal engineers (L7+). Progression depends on technical depth, scope of impact, and leadership abilities.

What Differentiates Successful NDEs at AWS:

Technical Deep Dive: Optical Transport Network Architecture

AWS has one of the largest and most sophisticated optical transport networks in the world. Understanding key architectural concepts will help you demonstrate your expertise during interviews.

Key Architecture Concepts to Master:

Data Center Interconnect (DCI)

AWS relies heavily on high-capacity, low-latency DCI connections. You should understand:

Backbone Network Design

AWS’s global backbone connects regions and availability zones. Key aspects include:

Optical Layer Control Plane

Modern optical networks use sophisticated control planes. Be familiar with:

Next-Generation ROADM Architecture

AWS extensively uses ROADMs for flexibility. Key concepts include:

Advanced Technology Focus: Coherent Optical Systems

AWS is at the forefront of deploying coherent optical technologies. A deep understanding of these systems is crucial for optical NDEs.

Key Coherent System Concepts:

Digital Signal Processing (DSP)

Modern coherent systems rely heavily on DSP capabilities:

Advanced Modulation Formats

Understanding modulation is critical for optical system design:

Forward Error Correction (FEC)

FEC is fundamental to modern optical systems:

Optical Network Performance Analysis

AWS values engineers who can analyze and optimize network performance. Be prepared to discuss:

Key Performance Metrics:

Performance Monitoring Tools:

AWS Leadership Principles in Action: Optical Engineering Examples

Understanding how AWS’s Leadership Principles apply specifically to optical networking roles can help you prepare relevant examples.

Customer Obsession for Optical Engineers

Example scenarios that demonstrate this principle:

Ownership for Optical Engineers

Example scenarios that demonstrate this principle:

Invent and Simplify for Optical Engineers

Example scenarios that demonstrate this principle:

Dive Deep for Optical Engineers

Example scenarios that demonstrate this principle:

Recommended resources for Optical Network Engineers

These additional resources can help you prepare more thoroughly for AWS optical engineering interviews:

Technical Knowledge

AWS-Specific Knowledge

Interview Preparation

Recommended sites for more exploration

Final Thoughts: Showcasing Your Excellence as an Optical Engineer

AWS is looking for optical engineers who combine deep technical expertise with leadership abilities and a customer-focused mindset. To stand out in your interview:

By thoroughly preparing both technically and behaviorally, you’ll position yourself as a strong candidate for AWS’s optical networking roles. Remember that AWS values not just what you know, but how you think and approach challenges.

Good luck with your AWS interview journey!