Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
What does the term SDE mean at amazon?
3.
Difference between SDE-II and SDE-III
4.
Software Development Engineer-2
5.
Software Development Engineer -3
6.
Amazon SDE 2 to SDE 3 promotion
7.
Frequently Asked Questions
7.1.
What is meant by SDE?
7.2.
What does SDE 3 do at Amazon?
7.3.
Who is in a higher position, SDE-II or SDE-III?
7.4.
How to prepare for Amazon SDE?
7.5.
How many levels of SDEs are in Amazon?
8.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024

Moving from SDE-2 to SDE-3 at Amazon

Author Alok Pandey
1 upvote
Career growth poll
Do you think IIT Guwahati certified course can help you in your career?

Introduction

Do you want to know the difference between Amazon SDE-II & SDE-III job levels? You are at the right place. In this blog, we will see what is the process of amazon SDE 2 to SDE 3 promotion and the differences between SDE-II And SDE-III at Amazon. Before knowing the difference, let's understand what SDE is? Software Development Engineers strive to optimize and simplify the operation of any technology by using the strengths of algorithms and data structures.

What does the term SDE mean at amazon?

SDE refers to Software Development Engineer. SDE is in charge of developing cross-platform applications and software systems using computer science, computer engineering, information technology, and analysis concepts to assist companies and individuals in making informed decisions. They make all software modifications based on client requests and are involved in application optimization for better performance delivery.

Based on different levels, we name it SDE-1, SDE-II, and SDE-III. If we arrange them according to their level the SDE-III > SDE-II> SDE-1. These terms are often used in Amazon for other companies like Microsoft and Google. There are other terminologies to describe the different job levels.

Difference between SDE-II and SDE-III

Now you know from the above content what these terms mean, Let's see the difference between SDE-II & SDE-III. These levels are different because at each level means that you have more experience than the other level.

The main difference between SDE-II and SDE-III is experience. The SDE-III has more experience than SDE-II. There are different ways your experience is counted. one simple way is by the years of experience in your industry, second is based on your communication skills, third is based on the type of project and performance of your project and the fourth is by your leadership abilities whether you are able to lead people initiatives projects etc. 

Software Development Engineer-2

  • SDE II scope of work is generally on a major portion of existing or new team software. 
  • In SDE-II the technology is already defined but the solution design is not defined. SDE-II works independently with the help of some direction given by upper management.
  • SDE-II mainly works on Designs, develops, tests, and deploys software. And understand a broad range of design approaches.



 

  • The Entire work role revolves around reviewing the code.
  • SDE-II solves difficult software problems. Solutions are logical, testable, maintainable, and efficient. 
  • SDE-II are able to confidently train new team-mates about your customers, what your team’s software does, how it is constructed, tested, operates, and how it fits into the bigger picture.

Software Development Engineer -3

  • SDE-III scope is at the team architecture level.
  • In SDE-III Business problems are defined. Technology strategy may not yet be defined.SDE-III delivers independently with limited guidance.
  • SDE-III mainly works on Designs, develops, tests, and deploys software and Knows how to divide so they can work in parallel with other SDEs and reassemble into a cohesive launch.
  • The Entire work role revolves around simplification of the code.
  • SDE-III solves complex software problems. Solutions are extensible and scale. 
  • SDE-III actively participates in the hiring process as well as mentors others - improving their skills, their knowledge of your software, and their ability to get things done.

Amazon SDE 2 to SDE 3 promotion

Since you are already working as SDE-II, it is not a big challenge for Amazon SDE 2 to SDE 3 promotion. The process will be different for the internal person(who is working at amazon SDE-II) And the External person (Who is working as SDE-II) in any other company. Growth from sde2 to sde3 amazon involves the following processes:

A person who is working at amazon as SDE-II.

Amazon SDE 2 to SDE 3 promotion is based on the previous work and contribution to the team of the candidates. He can also apply for SDE-III from open vacancies since the candidate is already working in amazon, so they will have more edge towards getting this role. He also has to go through all the three- rounds mentioned below.

A person who is working for other companies as SDE-II.

The first step for getting an SDE-III is to apply for the SDE-III job role. For reference, you can visit here to check all available roles on amazon. 

Once you have applied based on the roles, you need to crack mainly three milestones:

1. Coding 

2. Interview

3. HR

Multiple coding rounds may be done because it is a senior-level post. For the preparation of the coding round, you can check out here. Once you clear the coding round, the interview round will be scheduled, which is the most important round because it may decide the level you are getting. In the case of external applications, It may also happen that if they find you suitable for the role of SDE-II, they will offer SDE-II instead of SDE-III. And once you cleared the interview, the last round, which is the HR round, is conducted. After clearing that

Ta-dah! You are now all prepared for SDE-III at amazon. 🚀

Frequently Asked Questions

What is meant by SDE?

SDE refers to software development engineers who strive to optimize and simplify the operation of any technology by using the strengths of algorithms and data structures.

What does SDE 3 do at Amazon?

SDE-III will be responsible for giving technical supervision to a highly technical team of Software Engineers and maintaining a high software quality bar.

Who is in a higher position, SDE-II or SDE-III?

SDE3 is in a higher position as compared to SDE-II. The complete order will be SDE-III>SDE-II>SDE-1.

How to prepare for Amazon SDE?

You can prepare from Coding Ninjas special SDE courses, which help many students to get SDE roles.

How many levels of SDEs are in Amazon?

Generally, Amazon has 3 SDE roles SDE-1, SDE-2, and SDE-3. These levels are divided based on the experience and skills of an SDE.

Conclusion

Now, you have got your answer: what is the difference between SDE-II and SDE-III, And amazon SDE 2 to SDE 3 promotion. 

To know more about the Amazon Jobs, the way to get into Amazon, or different profiles, you can check out these articles:

Take a look at the Amazon Interview Experience and interview bundle for placement preparations.

Do upvote our blog to help other ninjas grow. 

Happy Coding!

Live masterclass