Independent Contractor Emerging Talent Software Development Engineer Jobs

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is building a central pipeline of Software Development Engineer (SDE) talent for anticipated roles in 2026. This requisition supports hiring across all AWS SDE positions, from fungible SDE roles to specialized engineering positions in areas including:
- Embedded Systems
- Game Development
- Compiler Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
- Healthcare AI
- Infrastructure Services
- Firmware Development
- Cloud Computing
- Distributed Systems
- Security Engineering
- Video Processing and Streaming
- Content Delivery Network (CDN)
When you apply to this position, your profile will be considered for current and future SDE openings across AWS, including teams such as Twitch, AWS Elemental, and AWS CloudFront.
Key job responsibilities
As an AWS Software Development Engineer, you will:
- Design, develop, and maintain efficient, reusable, and reliable code
- Implement complex software solutions that meet business requirements
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define, design, and ship new features
- Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks and bugs
- Participate in architecture and design reviews to provide technical guidance
- Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying opportunities for process enhancement
- Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to building a strong engineering culture
A day in the life
On a typical day as an AWS SDE, you might:
- Start your morning with a team stand-up to align on priorities and address any blockers
- Collaborate with product managers to refine requirements for upcoming features
- Write code and develop solutions for complex technical challenges
- Review pull requests from team members, providing constructive feedback
- Participate in design discussions for new services or features
- Debug and troubleshoot production issues as they arise
- Attend learning sessions to stay current with AWS technologies
- Document your work and contribute to technical specifications
- Engage with customers or internal stakeholders to better understand their needs
About the team
Our central SDE sourcing team specializes exclusively in the SDE job family across AWS. This team of experts understands the nuances of various SDE roles throughout the organization and serves as your dedicated resource throughout the hiring process. Here's what you can expect:
- An SDE sourcer will contact you for an initial screening call to understand your background, skills, and interests
- They will share specific details about what you need to succeed in the interview process
- As the right roles become available, your sourcer will stay in touch and connect you with appropriate teams
- Throughout the process, the central team will provide guidance and preparation support
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years of non-internship professional software development experience
- 2+ years of non-internship design or architecture (design patterns, reliability and scaling) of new and existing systems experience
- 3+ years of building complex software systems experience
- 2+ years of designing and developing large-scale, multi-tiered, multi-threaded, embedded or distributed software applications, tools, systems, and services using: C#, C++, Java, or Perl experience
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of ML frameworks including JAX, PyTorch, vLLM, SGLang, Dynamo, TorchXLA, and TensorRT
- Knowledge of Machine Learning and LLM fundamentals, including transformer architecture, training/inference lifecycles, and optimization techniques
- Knowledge of Python and/or C++ programming
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company's reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
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.
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.
USA, CA, Cupertino - 165,200.00 - 223,600.00 USD annually
USA, CA, SANTA CLARA - 165,200.00 - 223,600.00 USD annually
USA, CA, Santa Clara - 143,700.00 - 194,400.00 USD annually
USA, CA, Santa Clara - 165,200.00 - 223,600.00 USD annually
USA, NY, Astoria - 158,100.00 - 213,800.00 USD annually
USA, NY, BROOKLYN - 158,100.00 - 213,800.00 USD annually
USA, NY, Carle Place - 158,100.00 - 213,800.00 USD annually
USA, NY, New York - 158,100.00 - 213,800.00 USD annually
USA, VA, ARLINGTON - 143,700.00 - 194,400.00 USD annually
USA, VA, Arlington - 143,700.00 - 194,400.00 USD annually
USA, WA, SEATTLE - 143,700.00 - 194,400.00 USD annually
USA, WA, Seattle - 143,700.00 - 194,400.00 USD annually