AMZN SDE III Reject - Team Suggested PM-T
I was rejected after SDE III Onsite. The feedback from my onsite: The team thought that I did “great” in the behavioral aspects, and didn’t raise the bar in the technical aspects. The decision: They are encouraging me to consider a PM-T role. Background: I only have engineering experience on my resume. During my onsite, I expressed my passion for developing products end-to-end, process, and touched on my first-to-market app that I solely developed. Questions: 1. What level should I expect for PM-T? a. Is TC band similar to SDE? 2. Is product volatile at AMZN? 3. Is this situation common? TC: 170 YOE: ~5 (ENG) / 0 (Product)
PMT is lower pay than sde, but higher than TPM, at L5 median would be arnd 160, and 240 L6, and pretty clear career progression as a peoples manager or principal, and good chance for a director of product, and having eng background will help alot for tech heavy product. Typically PmT at fang requires you to have eng bachelors and an MBA from top10 programs, and you to have at least few years as a product manager. So if youre considering this track, i think you are in a really good spot, which may never again will become an option for you as you stay as an engineer.
Thanks for the response. I am truly considering going this direction. I do have to mention that I do not have a degree.
Surprised they would consider non-FANG folks with only 5yoe for SDE III
It was a referral. I was also surprised. I also don’t have a degree.
it’s not common, they would much more likely to offer SDE II instead. though 5 yoe is extremely rare to get SDE III so it’s not a surprise, I am not even sure why they put you into the loop. As for PM-T an example could be defining requirements for a product that will be used by developers, as many AWS products are. If they offered L6 it’s a good opportunity. With L5 it’s much risky as it’s basically probational L6 with lower pay and high risk of being fired without option to come back.
I agree that the level of the loop was quite difficult. I was originally referred to this position due to my experience in an area of need.
if it’s L5 try to find some product manager with amazon you know and talk over it. PM-T L5 is very tricky and without support and mentor is risky.
How many interviews did you have during your onsite?
I had 5 rounds. 4 technical, 1 non-technical.
I see, interesting
You'll not code and have limited say in System architecture and design as PMT. You will interface with SDEs daily and will define the product boundaries and vision. It is easier to move to L7 than as SDE. I don't have much info about compensation.
some coding may be possible if PM-T is serious and eats his own dog food. to understand their customer they will have to code enough to understand their product.
Heard G has a coding round for PMs - LC easy or sql? I havent seen one required from amazons pmt interviews. Does this differ by a team?
Very similar thing happened to me but I told them no as I am only interested in engineering role
How did you even get feedback? I've only heard the "we don't give feedback" response
Go for it
@op. What was your decision?
What’s pm-t? TPM? Pay is lower than SDE for sure
No its product manager - tech. Its a pm role for a tech-heavy product. Pay is higher than TPM and slightly lower than SDE, but a lot easier to become L7, L8 than SDE
Are you sure the pay is higher than TPM