Software Development Engineer – 2027

Amazon.com; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

Amazon in Cape Town seeks an SDE-I to own the lifecycle of code from design to deployment and operations. You’ll work on scalable services, collaborate with cross-functional Amazonians, and employ AI-assisted tools to boost productivity while ensuring high-quality software.

You will participate in agile development with on-call duties and contribute to technical documentation and production troubleshooting. A foundation in CS/CE/DS and strong coding skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Information Systems, or related STEM field
• Experience with at least one general-purpose language (Java, Python, C++, etc.)
• Experience with AI-assisted development tools and data structures/OO design principles

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to design, build, and operate innovative products and services
• Break down complex problems into well-defined components
• Contribute to scalable, reliable services with CI/CD and on-call responsibilities
• Perform code reviews and provide constructive feedback
• Create clear technical documentation and validate AI-generated code with sound judgment

Skills

AI-assisted development

Java

Python

C++

Data structures

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE/DS or related STEM field

Tools

AWS

SQL/NoSQL

Version control

Open-source contributions

Job description

Do you want to solve real customer problems through innovative technology? Do you enjoy working on scalable services in a collaborative team environment? Do you want to see your code directly impact millions of customers worldwide?

At Amazon, we hire the best minds in technology to innovate and build on behalf of our customers. Customer obsession is part of our company DNA, which has made us one of the world’s most beloved brands.

Our Software Development Engineers (SDEs) use modern technology to solve complex problems while seeing their work’s impact first-hand. The challenges SDEs solve at Amazon are meaningful and influence millions of customers, sellers, and products globally. We seek individuals passionate about creating new products, features, and services while managing ambiguity in an environment where development cycles are measured in weeks, not years.

At Amazon, we believe in ownership at every level. As an SDE-I, you’ll own the entire lifecycle of your code - from design through deployment and ongoing operations. This ownership mindset, combined with our commitment to operational excellence, ensures we deliver the highest quality solutions for our customers.

We’re looking for curious minds who think big and want to define tomorrow’s technology. At Amazon, you’ll grow into the high-impact engineer you know you can be, supported by a culture of learning and mentorship. Every day brings exciting new challenges and opportunities for personal growth.

Key job responsibilities

• Collaborate and communicate effectively with experienced cross-disciplinary Amazonians to design, build, and operate innovative products and services that delight our customers, while participating in technical discussions to drive solutions forward.
• Break down complex, ambiguous problems into well-defined, solvable components before implementation.
• Contribute to the design and development of scalable, reliable services, with distributed-systems scope varying by team.
• Conduct code reviews as a core engineering practice, providing constructive feedback and validating correctness.
• Contribute to clear and accurate technical documentation.
• Use GenAI and AI-powered tools to enhance development productivity, and critically validate, verify, and integrate AI-generated code, exercising sound judgement about when to trust AI output.
• Write clean, maintainable code following best practices and design patterns.
• Work in an agile environment practicing CI/CD principles while participating in operational responsibilities including on-call duties.
• Demonstrate operational excellence through monitoring, troubleshooting, and resolving production issues.

Basic Qualifications

• Experience using AI-assisted development tools in academic or professional settings
• Experience with at least one general-purpose programming language such as Java, Python, C++, C#, Go, Rust, or TypeScript
• Experience with data structure implementation, basic algorithm development, and/or object-oriented design principles
• Currently has, or is in the process of obtaining, a Bachelor's degree or above in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Information Systems, or related STEM fields

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with one or more of the following: Cloud platforms (preferably AWS), Database systems (SQL and NoSQL), Contributing to open-source projects, Version control systems, Debugging and troubleshooting complex systems
• Demonstrated ownership and initiative in seeing work through from design to operation
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to learn and adapt to new technologies quickly
• Basic understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC)

Amazon is an equal opportunities employer, and we value your passion to discover, invent, simplify and build. We welcome applications from all members of society irrespective of age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief. Amazon is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from South African citizens who are members of designated groups who may contribute to Employment Equity within the workplace and the further diversification of ideas. In this regard, the relevant laws and principles associated with Employment Equity will be considered when appointing potential candidates. We are required by law to verify your ability to work lawfully in South Africa. Amazon requires that you submit a copy of either your identity document or your passport and any applicable work permit if you are a foreign national, along with an updated curriculum vitae.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. Veterans, military spouses, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.