Amazon is eliminating 16,000 corporate roles under "Project Dawn"—part of a 30,000-position reduction across 2025–2026. This guide covers the 90-day internal search period, severance, and transition planning.
Amazon confirmed Project Dawn layoffs in January 2026 after an accidental calendar leak. Affected employees have ~90 days to find internal roles before severance applies. This guide focuses on navigating that window and planning your next move.
Project Dawn represents CEO Andy Jassy's continued effort to streamline operations following mandatory RTO policies and previous rounds of cuts. Key Context:
US employees have ~90 days to find internal roles before severance. Not everyone will succeed—openings are limited and competition is high. Use this time strategically by running parallel internal and external searches.
Based on reporting and Amazon's stated rationale of reducing management layers, employees most likely affected include:
The restructuring targets corporate roles specifically. Warehouse, fulfillment, and logistics positions are not part of this announcement.
Amazon's cuts are part of a broader pattern across tech. According to Layoffs.fyi, approximately 700,000 tech workers have been laid off over the past four years.
In January 2026 alone:
The common thread: companies are restructuring around AI capabilities while reducing management overhead. This trend shows no signs of slowing.
Being notified that your role is affected is stressful, but you have time before any final decisions take effect. The 90-day internal search window is real time—use it.
Your notification should include:
If anything is unclear, request written clarification from your manager or HR business partner. Don't rely on verbal explanations for important details.
US employees receive approximately 90 days to seek internal roles before severance kicks in. Key points:
The 90-day clock is already running. Don't wait.
Document everything. Save emails, meeting notes, and records of your internal applications. This documentation matters if questions arise later about your search efforts or severance eligibility.
Even while pursuing internal roles, start preparing for external opportunities:
The goal isn't pessimism—it's having options. Running parallel tracks means you're not scrambling if the internal search doesn't pan out.
Understanding your options clearly helps you make informed decisions and avoid surprises.
Amazon's internal job market allows affected employees to apply for open roles across the company. However:
Treat your internal search like an external job hunt: tailor your applications, prepare for interviews, and follow up appropriately.
If you don't secure an internal role within the 90-day window, severance applies. Key points based on reporting:
Get the exact terms in writing. Don't assume anything based on what colleagues received or what you've heard secondhand.
In some cases, employees may prefer to take severance rather than continue the internal search. If you're already planning to leave Amazon or have strong external opportunities, voluntary departure may make sense.
Considerations:
If you're close to a vesting date or bonus payout, the timing of your departure matters significantly. Run the numbers before making decisions.
Understanding your financial situation helps you evaluate options and plan for different scenarios.
Amazon's severance packages are tenure-based. While specific formulas vary, typical components include:
Request a written severance estimate from HR so you can plan accurately.
If you hold unvested RSUs, understand how departure affects them:
If you're close to a vesting cliff, the financial difference between leaving now versus in a few weeks could be substantial.
Understand your options for continued health coverage:
Don't let benefits lapse. Understand your options and deadlines before your coverage ends.
If you're laid off, you're likely eligible for unemployment benefits. Key points:
Check your state's specific rules, as they vary significantly.
The intersection of severance, stock, and unemployment can be complex. Consider consulting a financial advisor or tax professional if you have significant equity or a large severance package.
Amazon experience carries weight. The challenge is translating it effectively for audiences outside the company.
Your Amazon background translates directly to similar roles at other companies:
AWS experience is particularly portable—cloud infrastructure skills are in demand across the industry.
Your skills transfer beyond tech:
The US federal government and defense contractors increasingly hire tech talent:
These paths often offer stability, mission-driven work, and benefits packages that differ from tech norms.
Amazon resumes need translation for external audiences:
Internal jargon to remove:
What to emphasize:
For guidance on structuring your resume for different audiences, Yotru's resume builder can help you create clear, targeted documents without starting from scratch for each application.
Job transitions affect more than your paycheck. How you handle the social and emotional dimensions matters.
Keep it brief, factual, and forward-looking:
"My role was affected by Amazon's January 2026 restructuring as the company reduced corporate headcount. I'm proud of what I accomplished on [team/project] and I'm now looking for opportunities where I can apply my experience in [your area]."
Mass layoffs from organizational restructuring are understood by employers. There's no stigma. Avoid over-explaining or sounding defensive. Focus on what you accomplished and what you bring forward.
Amazon alumni networks are active and extensive:
Reach out directly to people you've worked with. Most people want to help, and referrals significantly improve your odds at the interview stage.
Beyond Amazon-specific networks:
These connections provide job leads, market intelligence, and support during your search.
Job loss is a significant stressor, even when you see it coming. Practical suggestions:
If you're struggling, use available resources:
Seeking support is practical, not weak. Workforce adjustment is a significant life event. Use the resources available to you.
Moving from Amazon to your next role often requires adjusting how you present your experience. Amazon's internal language, tools, and frameworks don't translate automatically.
Yotru helps bridge this gap by guiding you through building a resume tailored to your target audience. You can create different versions for tech companies, consulting firms, or other industries without rebuilding from scratch each time.
With Yotru, you can:
Instead of manually reworking your resume for every opportunity, Yotru provides a structured way to position your experience clearly and consistently—helping employers quickly understand the value you bring.
Our AI-powered scoring system helps organizations assess and standardize resume quality at scale. ATS-compliant templates support consistent formatting, keyword alignment, and interview readiness across cohorts.
Team Yotru
Employability Systems & Applied Research
Team Yotru
Employability Systems & Applied Research
We bring expertise in career education, workforce development, labor market research, and employability technology. We partner with training providers, career services teams, nonprofits, and public-sector organizations to turn research and policy into practical tools used in real employment and retraining programs. Our approach balances evidence and real hiring realities to support employability systems that work in practice. Follow us on LinkedIn.
Project Dawn is Amazon's internal codename for its January 2026 corporate restructuring. The name leaked when an accidental calendar invite titled "Send project Dawn email" was shared before the official announcement. The restructuring eliminates approximately 16,000 corporate roles globally.
This article is written for Amazon corporate employees who have been laid off or notified that their roles are at risk as part of Amazon’s January 2026 restructuring, internally known as Project Dawn. It is designed for employees navigating the 90-day internal search period, severance decisions, benefits, and an external job search. The focus is on practical, step-by-step guidance to help readers make informed decisions during a high-stress transition, whether they intend to remain at Amazon or move on.
Yotru content is produced and reviewed to ensure accuracy, neutrality, and relevance. We prioritize evidence-based guidance, avoid promotional language, and do not make guarantees about outcomes. All factual claims are checked against authoritative sources, including company statements, reputable reporting, and government resources. Articles are updated as new, verified information becomes available to reflect changes in policy, timelines, or employment conditions.
This article draws on publicly available reporting about Amazon’s January 2026 Project Dawn restructuring, including confirmed headcount figures, internal transfer practices, and severance frameworks. It also incorporates general employment law principles, government labor and unemployment guidance, and Yotru’s applied research on job search strategy and resume positioning for large-scale employers. Sources include company communications, established media outlets, government labor agencies, and widely accepted employment practices.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, tax, or career advice. Individual outcomes depend on personal circumstances, regional regulations, and employer-specific policies. Readers should consult qualified legal, financial, or career professionals for advice tailored to their specific situation.
Layoff Support and Job Search Strategy
If you are working on employability programs, hiring strategy, career education, or workforce outcomes and want practical guidance, you are in the right place.
Yotru supports individuals and organizations navigating real hiring systems. That includes resumes and ATS screening, career readiness, program design, evidence collection, and alignment with employer expectations. We work across education, training, public sector, and industry to turn guidance into outcomes that actually hold up in practice.
Part of Yotru's commitment to helping professionals succeed in real hiring systems through evidence-based guidance.
More insights from our research team
Brock University is laying off administrative staff amid provincial funding cuts. Here's what affected employees should do now.
Oracle is reportedly planning major job cuts and an asset sale in 2026. Here’s what Oracle employees need to know about layoffs, severance, legal advice, and planning their next career move.
Peloton laid off approximately 286 employees (11% of staff) in January 2026. Here's what affected staff need to know about severance, next steps, and job search support.
Federal public servants must return to office 4 days a week by July 2026. Executives face full 5-day mandates in May. Here's what the policy means for your career.
