Negotiating AWS Principal Solutions Architect L7 Offer

Accenture / Consultant
cnslt450

Go to company page Accenture Consultant

cnslt450
Jan 3, 2021 10 Comments

I'm interviewing for a Principal Solutions Architect L7 role at AWS. I have done a fair amount of reading online about the comp structure and benefits, and I'm preparing for negotiating an #offer. I know the cap on base salary is 165-185k depending on location, which is less than what I'm currently making. So first question, is there an argument to be made on matching (or maxing out) base regardless of where the role is located (i.e. can you get 185 outside bay area)? Secondly, how does one go about negotiating the RSUs and bonus? Is it right to assume the vesting schedule cannot be negotiated? Finally, if relocation is offered, is that included as a lump sum in the bonus or separately? #comp #aws #solutionarchitect

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TOP 10 Comments
  • PayPal
    sandypipe

    Go to company page PayPal

    sandypipe
    Base is non negotiable but you can negotiate 1st and 2nd year sign on and RSUs. Below was my offer for L5 in seattle
    Base:160k ( recruiter said non negotiatable)
    1st year sign on: 90k
    2nd year: 80k
    RSU: 96

    Now image the sign on for L7...TC should be around 550k ( check levels.fyi for more data points)
    Base:160k
    1st year: ~250k
    2nd year: ~250k
    RSU: ~400 stocks (vesting 5%,15%, 40%(20% every 6 months), 40%)
    Jan 3, 2021 1
    • New
      rPbP03

      New

      rPbP03
      The base kinda sucks (my current base is higher than 160) especially once you get to years 3 and 4 since there's no cash bonus or anything.
      Jan 31, 2021
  • Amazon
    BlueRibbon

    Go to company page Amazon

    BlueRibbon
    The base is non-negotiable. But who cares? You’re very cash heavy in years 1&2 anyway. In Y3 &Y4, sell your shares if you need the money. The vesting can not be negotiated. Relocation can be done a couple ways. A lump sum is one way
    Jan 3, 2021 0
  • 1. Max salary is tied to location.
    2. RSU vesting schedule is mostly fixed. If it is changed, it'll impact you sign in bonus.
    3. Relocation bonus is not part of lump sum.
    Your salary is composed of base + RSU +bonus.
    Keeping base fixed, only RSU and Bonus are variable. Hence, you should negotiate in 'Total Comp'. This will automatically increase your sign in bonuses and RSUs as they do math to make it more or less same per year.
    So when you increase total comp, it'll be contributed by your sign in bonus for 1st 2 yrs and RSUs for 3rd and 4th year.
    Jan 3, 2021 0
  • Alibaba Cloud
    Troyy

    Alibaba Cloud

    PRE
    Goldman Sachs
    BIO
    Still waiting .....
    Troyy
    OP what is your YoE. Any tips on cracking L7 SA position?
    Jan 4, 2021 1
    • Accenture / Consultant
      cnslt450

      Go to company page Accenture Consultant

      cnslt450
      OP
      10 YoE and no luck cracking it yet, I struggle with the amount of effort required to prepare vs the uncertainty of getting an offer vs what the comp potential is
      Jan 4, 2021
  • Accenture / Consultant
    cnslt450

    Go to company page Accenture Consultant

    cnslt450
    OP
    These answers are great, thanks a lot everyone. When negotiating comp, how do you frame it? do you just simply ask for more, or anchor the ask on something tangible (e.g. skills, demand, other companies)?
    Jan 3, 2021 1