Annapoorna Alla is a Data Engineer whose work helps to keep things running smoothly for customers using the Audible app. Her team, Data Integration (or dataX), builds and maintains systems that process millions of interactions across Audible, so that our Product teams have the data they need in order to continue improving our listening experience. Hear what she says about working in Tech at Audible!

What is life like at the hub you are aligned to?

I'm based in our Newark hub, which is located in the city's vibrant downtown. The neighborhood has a very friendly and welcoming vibe—people greet each other on the street and there's a diverse array of local eateries to explore during our lunch breaks. My team and I often use our employee meal credits to try out different cuisines, bonding over shared meals. We also participate in the community, volunteering at food distribution events and the local farmers market, and helping with garden maintenance and classroom decoration at schools. These experiences allow us to give back and strengthen the sense of camaraderie within our group.

How does your job contribute to Audible’s mission to surprise and delight listeners around the world?

Working in dataX, I support both external customers and internal stakeholders worldwide, from data scientists who need reliable data for building recommendation systems, to analytics teams requiring accurate reporting across multiple marketplaces, to finance teams processing transactions in multiple currencies.

For example, our data pipelines power everything from hourly business metrics dashboards to complex royalty calculations, ensuring teams worldwide can make data-driven decisions. Whether it's implementing new ETL (extract, transform, and load) processes for faster data availability or enhancing existing systems for better performance, my work helps create a foundation that enables teams across Audible to serve our customers better, regardless of their geographical location.

How do you draw inspiration from culture and technology?

I draw inspiration from our culturally diverse team and cutting-edge technology environment. The regular workshops and discussions about emerging technologies, particularly in generative AI, help me integrate innovative solutions into my daily work.

Can you share about a time when you felt that someone at work practiced Audible’s People Principle of “Activate Caring” towards you?

During a challenging personal situation, when a family member was dealing with a serious health issue, my management team provided exceptional support. They immediately offered the time off I needed and showed genuine concern for my well-being. My colleagues stepped up to handle my responsibilities without hesitation, demonstrating how our company's values of caring and teamwork translate into meaningful actions when team members face difficult circumstances.

Other than the people, what do you love most about the culture here?

What stands out most is Audible’s authentic commitment to innovation while maintaining a strong focus on customer experience. The culture encourages experimentation and learning, whether it's exploring new technologies or finding better ways to serve our listeners. I especially appreciate how we balance moving quickly with maintaining high standards of quality, and how we're encouraged to speak up and contribute ideas regardless of our role or tenure. 

What are the benefits you find invaluable for your personal well-being, or that help make both your work life and personal life more fulfilling?

As a parent of two daughters, I find Audible's approach to work-life balance invaluable. The flexible scheduling allows me to attend my children's school events or handle unexpected situations without stress. Beyond flexibility, the tuition reimbursement benefit has supported my technical skill development, helping me stay current with emerging technologies. The combination of flexible hours and generous PTO makes it possible to be both a present parent and a growing professional.

What’s one quality people interested in working on Audible’s Data Integration team need to be successful?

Ownership and curiosity. Ownership means understanding how your work impacts the entire data ecosystem, from considering downstream effects of ETL changes to proactively communicating with affected teams. Curiosity drives us to question and improve existing processes, whether it's exploring new Amazon Web Services features or learning from other teams' successes. Together, these qualities foster continuous improvement in our fast-paced technical environment.

What advice would you have for a candidate considering Audible?

Bring your authentic self. Whether you're a problem solver or an innovative thinker, there's room for diverse approaches here. The key is to demonstrate how you can contribute to our mission while being ready to grow and adapt in this dynamic environment.

What made you choose to work at Audible and what makes you want to stay?

The combination of innovative technology and collaborative culture keeps me engaged at Audible. Our team's commitment to technical excellence and supportive environment makes it an ideal place for professional growth. 

Lightning Round!

Favorite genre? Personal development and thriller.

Listening from a speaker or headphones? Headphones.

Favorite activity while listening? Commute and house chores.

Morning person or night owl? Morning person (reformed night owl).

Favorite snack? Peanuts.

What is your favorite listen?

Unfinished, a memoir by Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Hearing her tell her own story adds emotional depth and personal connection that you simply can't get from reading the text. Her journey of reinvention and breaking barriers comes alive through her voice, making it a powerful example of how audiobooks can transform written words into intimate, compelling experiences.

See open Technology roles at Audible