Amazon Backend Developer Interview Questions (2026)

Landing a Backend Developer role at Amazon requires targeted preparation. Amazon uses a structured interview process called the Bar Raiser loop. Each interviewer is assigned specific Leadership Principles to evaluate. Expect deep behavioral questions using the STAR method, combined with technical assessments relevant to the role. The Bar Raiser interviewer ensures hiring standards remain high across the company. This guide covers the most frequently asked questions and insider tips to help you succeed in your Amazon Backend Developer interview.

About the Amazon Interview Process

Amazon evaluates candidates heavily against their 16 Leadership Principles, making behavioral questions a critical part of every interview loop.

Amazon uses a structured interview process called the Bar Raiser loop. Each interviewer is assigned specific Leadership Principles to evaluate. Expect deep behavioral questions using the STAR method, combined with technical assessments relevant to the role. The Bar Raiser interviewer ensures hiring standards remain high across the company.

Why Amazon Backend Developer Interviews Are Different

Amazon Backend Developer interviews differ from standard Backend Developer interviews in several key ways. The company has a unique interview culture, specific evaluation criteria, and expects candidates to demonstrate alignment with their values and mission. Understanding these differences gives you a significant advantage over other candidates.

Top 10 Backend Developer Interview Questions at Amazon

1. A common Amazon interview question: How would you design a rate-limiting system?
2. A common Amazon interview question: Explain the differences between REST and GraphQL.
3. At Amazon, you might be asked: How do you handle database migrations in production?
4. A common Amazon interview question: What is the CAP theorem?
5. Expect this at Amazon: Describe how you would implement authentication and authorization.
6. Amazon candidates should prepare for: How do you handle error handling and logging in a production system?
7. A common Amazon interview question: What is the difference between horizontal and vertical scaling?
8. Amazon interviewers often ask: Explain microservices architecture and its trade-offs.
9. Amazon interviewers often ask: How do you secure an API endpoint?
10. Expect this at Amazon: Describe your experience with message queues and event-driven architecture.

Amazon-Specific Preparation Tips for Backend Developer Candidates

• Memorize and prepare stories for all 16 Amazon Leadership Principles
• Use the STAR method rigorously with specific metrics and outcomes
• Prepare multiple stories for Customer Obsession and Ownership principles
• Practice system design for scalable distributed services
• Be ready to discuss trade-offs and how you handle ambiguity and conflict

General Backend Developer Interview Tips

• Understand database design and normalization
• Practice designing scalable system architectures
• Know common security vulnerabilities and how to prevent them
• Be ready to discuss trade-offs in architectural decisions

Preparation Timeline for Amazon Backend Developer Interviews

• 4 weeks before: Research Amazon culture, recent news, and the specific team you are applying to.
• 2-3 weeks before: Practice technical questions daily and prepare behavioral stories using the STAR method.
• 1 week before: Do full mock interviews with HireFlow AI simulating Amazon interview style.
• Day before: Review your notes, prepare questions for the interviewer, and get a good night of rest.

Practice Amazon Backend Developer Interview with HireFlow AI — our AI adapts to Amazon's interview style and gives real-time feedback.