CompensationSep 17, 2019
AppleNiagra

Evaluate Zoox vs Waymo offer

UPDATED Waymo comp: Need feedback on whether to stay where I am vs. jumping to Zoox or Waymo. Currently discussing offers - verbal with recruiter at this point, don't want to start official offer process until I decide to actually pursue. Zoox: TC=325k : L5 / 205k base / 35k signon / 446k RSU (not liquid) / actual role very interesting / 0% 401k Match / decent benefits Waymo: TC=327k : L6 (Staff) / 210k base / 20% bonus / $0 signon / 300k RSU (not liquid) / actual role less interesting / max $9,125k 401k match / Google benefits YOE: 17, in hardware/systems design, always individual contributor (not mgr). Both Zoox and Waymo will have upside and possible (not guaranteed) RSU refreshes. Current TC: 478k total ($376k/year guaranteed cash + 400k bonus with 50% chance of getting it within next 4 years): Pay described is for next ~ 3.5 yrs (221k base + 10% bonus + guaranteed monthly retention cash payments + 10k 401k match) + 400k unvested cash payments over next 4 yrs based on team performance against very tight deadlines and difficult objectives (I look at it as 50% chance i'll get it). Current role medium interesting but not as exciting as I was hoping for. After next ~ 4 years - no visibility of future career growth. My company is in top 100 (but non-Apple), not a startup and can't offer RSU refresh. Possible LTI of maybe 20% but not guaranteed. Future career prospects with this company after 4 years unclear.

Add a comment
Uber gezibu Sep 17, 2019

Holly molly. Good job.

Amazon qw6fe$ Sep 17, 2019

So you want to switch from current $476K TC to $325K or $285K? Why?

Facebook Hodinkee Sep 17, 2019

Lol, exactly

Adobe Spidey™🕸️ Sep 17, 2019

Neither. If you are into Cars go to Apple SPG

Apple Niagra OP Sep 17, 2019

I'd definitely consider Apple SPG but no one is calling me :) lol. I left Apple (non-SPG) a year ago for a cooler more complex project and a much higher pay :) Apple benefits are really good.

Tesla ujOi24 Nov 24, 2019

@adobe: what is so cool about Apple SPG over zoox and waymo?

Facebook Hodinkee Sep 17, 2019

L5 is not staff at google

Apple Niagra OP Sep 17, 2019

you're right, Waymo is L6 (staff), I made a mistake when writing the post

Facebook Hodinkee Sep 17, 2019

I do not see a good reason to make a switch

Facebook readysetno Sep 17, 2019

Uhmm you’re in hardware making almost 500k TC!(congrats) Would only switch if you’re really excited or passionate about the job opportunity/role

Apple Niagra OP Sep 18, 2019

I'm excited about long term prospects plus I like the long term value appreciation of autonomous driving business especially Waymo as it is the long time player. The role I'm in right now is ok and nothing is pushing me out. I have decent WLB and guaranteed cash coming in for next ~ 4 years. The role I have right now is a bit better than the offered role at Waymo, actually, but looking at overall, it seems Alphabet is a nicer place to be overall for life quality and people connections.

Samsung MtuC05 Sep 17, 2019

Did you negotiate? Why would you take pay cut? Also remember both are paper money and Zoox might never see day light anytime soon.

New
king_james May 13, 2022

Oops bumped into this blast from past. How are we doing now

Verb Surgical hoopdee Sep 17, 2019

Go for waymo...it has best shot...zoox management is not good...

Juniper UsA51 Sep 18, 2019

Care to elaborate? Recruiter contacted me what to know how is current situation?

Airbnb ckck Sep 19, 2019

Go to zoox

Apple Niagra OP Sep 20, 2019

Thank you. Why?

Zoox streetfood Sep 20, 2019

Because it's a fun place to work and is much more interesting than you ending your career forgotten at Apple.

Apple gghhr Sep 22, 2019

Not sure why you would take a 100k paycut. Also 300K RSU for L6 is really really low.

Aptiv Younever Oct 3, 2019

Do you mean L6 at Google or L6 at Waymo? Could you also give some numbers?

Apple Niagra OP Sep 25, 2019

@zoox @waymo