Software Development Manager - Core distro, Amazon Linux (AWS)

Amazon; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 184,900 - 250,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RSUs

Sign‑on payments

Health insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Amazon is seeking an experienced Software Development Manager to lead the core distro packaging teams for Amazon Linux. You will own end‑to‑end delivery of RPM packages for foundational components, driving secure, scalable builds across AWS architectures.

You will manage 8–12 engineers, shape the technical roadmap, and partner with kernel and security teams to raise the bar on performance and availability. A strong track record in distributed systems and leadership is required.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of engineering team management.
• 7+ years of engineering experience.
• 8+ years of leading multi‑tier web services development.
• 1+ years of delivering large distributed systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of software engineers focused on packaging, build, test and release for core components.
• Own the technical roadmap, architecture, and delivery of packaging pipelines for AWS.
• Collaborate with kernel, security, and service teams to prioritize features and resolve dependencies.
• Hire, mentor, and develop engineers; foster an inclusive culture with high standards.
• Align priorities with product management and customer needs (productivity, compatibility, security).
• Influence long‑term strategy for Amazon Linux packaging and open‑source contributions.
• Ensure operational excellence: monitoring, incident response, and improvements to build/release systems.

Skills

People management

Engineering leadership

Distributed systems

Java/C#/C++ proficiency

SOA architecture

Lifecycle leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering

Job description

Software Development Manager - Core distro, Amazon Linux

Amazon is looking to hire an experienced engineering leader to lead our core packaging teams within the Amazon Linux organization. Amazon Linux is a Linux distribution optimized for AWS, powering millions of EC2 instances worldwide. This role focuses on leading teams responsible for building, maintaining, and delivering RPM packages for foundational components.

The successful candidate will own end‑to‑end delivery of high‑quality, secure, and performant packages that enable developers to build and run applications efficiently on AWS. As an SDM, you will combine strong technical expertise in Linux systems and packaging with exceptional people management skills to drive innovation, scalability, and operational excellence in a fast‑paced environment.

After joining, you will quickly become a key partner to the leadership team, where you will understand core business goals and priorities. In the first three months, you will review existing processes and understand them. You will guide your team of initially 8‑12 engineers to collaborate with internal teams and the Open Source community. In the upcoming months, you will drive continual improvements to the efficiency and flexibility of the platform while keeping a high bar for security and availability. You will own key parts of the software stack that is running on most Amazon servers worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of software development engineers focused on RPM package maintenance, building, testing, and release for core components such as compilers, linkers, debuggers, and related toolchains.
• Own the technical roadmap, architecture, and delivery of packaging pipelines, ensuring packages are secure, reproducible, and optimized for performance on AWS architectures.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including kernel engineers, security teams, and AWS service owners, to prioritize features, resolve dependencies, and address customer pain points.
• Hire, mentor, coach, and develop top engineering talent; foster an inclusive team culture focused on innovation and high standards.
• Partner with product management and stakeholders to define priorities, working backwards from customer needs such as developer productivity, compatibility, and security.
• Influence long‑term strategy for Amazon Linux packaging, including tools, processes, and contributions to open‑source projects.
• Ensure operational excellence: monitoring, incident response, and continuous improvement of build and release systems.
• Communicate effectively with senior leadership on progress, risks, and technical designs.

Basic Qualifications

• 3+ years of engineering team management experience
• 7+ years of engineering experience
• 8+ years of leading the definition and development of multi‑tier web services
• 3+ years of Software Engineer, Software Developer, or related occupational experience
• 1+ years of providing technical leadership and project management for all aspects of the software development lifecycle
• 1+ years of developing large‑scale, multi‑tiered distributed software systems using Java, C#, or C++
• 1+ years of developing large‑scale, multi‑tiered distributed software systems using service‑oriented architecture
• 1+ years of developing large‑scale, multi‑tiered distributed software systems using distributed programming
• Bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field
• Knowledge of engineering practices and patterns for the full software/hardware/networks development life cycle, including coding standards, code reviews, source control management, build processes, testing, certification, and livesite operations
• Experience partnering with product or program management teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in communicating with users, other technical teams, and senior leadership to collect requirements, describe software product features, technical designs, and product strategy
• Experience in recruiting, hiring, mentoring/coaching, and managing teams of Software Engineers to improve their skills and make them more effective, product software engineers

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

USA, WA, Seattle - 184,900.00 - 250,200.00 USD annually

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign‑on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.