Amazon SDE I Loop
The SDE I loop rests on correct, clean coding, an object-oriented design round, and Leadership Principles stories that can draw on internships and school projects. The Bar Raiser round is almost entirely behavioral, so thin stories can sink an otherwise strong loop.
The Rounds
Screens
- Online AssessmentTimed coding problems and a Workstyles survey tied to the Leadership Principles. Full-time roles add a work simulation of everyday scenarios.Practice Online Assessment
- Technical Phone ScreenUsually one coding problem in a shared editor, followed by a few Leadership Principles questions.Practice Technical Phone Screen
Onsite
- CodingTwo rounds of medium problems with follow-ups, each closing with Leadership Principles questions.Practice Coding
- Object-Oriented DesignModel a concrete system such as a parking lot or an elevator with classes and relationships, then adapt it as the requirements change.Practice Object-Oriented Design
- Bar RaiserA behavioral round led by an interviewer from outside the hiring team, testing your stories against several Leadership Principles with detailed follow-ups.Practice Bar Raiser
What the SDE I Loop Weighs
- Working, syntactically correct code with edge cases covered, written without running it.
- A clear spoken plan before you code and steady narration while you do.
- Class design that stays easy to extend when the interviewer changes the requirements.
- STAR stories from internships, school projects, or a first job that show ownership and customer focus.
Sources
Last checked Nov 2026. Loops vary by team and change over time, so confirm the details with your recruiter.