How to switch from HW(vlsi) to SWE, possibly join FANG
Hi folks, I realized I am making peanuts as a HWE and even though I like what I do, the compensation from FANG is way over what i get paid now and i have genuine interest in software development. How does one go about switching from HWE to SWE? What are the key skillsets that are needed?
My bad for asking the question in a completely money sided, i am currently working in software side of vlsi and genuinely interested in switching to mainstream software company.
Right now you are doing system software and by mainstream s/w you mean web and mobile development, right? you can change, it’s all about coding skills. See if you can change internally, that will be the easiest way, on parallel you can look outside as well, but the competition will be tough, so you should step up your learning. Also don’t get carried away at the numbers posted here in Blind, all the best.
Thank you for the information, this definitely helps!!
OP I went from writing firmware to SRE. Don't lose hope, there is always a path if you have the motivation.
$$ Thank you for the moral support. I will keep working on improving my skills and spend time on leetcode as folks on blind keep mentioning that.
Also consider smaller jumps, look for jobs which might be a middle ground to sort of slowly migrate to your desired path. It doesn't have the be a black and white change.
my old manager was mechanical engineer and switched to tech for money. He almost brought the entire organization down. Please don’t join if you don’t want to do good stuffs and just want to make money. You can probably climb the political ladder quickly but remember it’s at others ‘ cost.
Who cares what his motivations are as long as he can deliver. Get out of here with this attitude. Like you think everyone is in tech to "build cool shit". I was good at hw before and am good at systems engineering now. I chose the more profitable path.
yea you are probably right. I shouldn’t judge others...