Pros
-Having this on your resume gets you an automatic interview at google -You can contribute to huge scale projects which sharpens your skills for your next job -Pay is great -Most jobs are in Seattle, so you can buy MJ like beer -Beyond L4 the pressure to reach a promotion is low -Can negotiate vacation -Switching teams is getting easier -Locations all around the world -You know when your big stock vests are coming. When it does take that money and run to google.
Kontras
-The NY times article may be embellished, but is founded in reality for many folk (but not all teams) -Your offer may be for one team and then after moving to Seattle you show up day 1 and find out you are actually assigned to a different team -For 99% of folks amazon can only be a transitional place -Ops load is massive for devs -Tech debt is the main thing you'll get to work on -Most jobs are in Seattle, which has an insane cost of living -Promotions are insanely political: most folks won't even get a fair shot at one -Java, java, and more java -Paid in stock for a large portion of your compensation -US health insurance is so-so