I interviewed at amazon for a L5 role but they said they want to bring me on as an L4 instead. I’m interested to know what would be the difference in day to day and responsibilities and expectations between the two? How much difference would there be in terms of compensation? And how quickly can I move up to L5?
L4 is new grad to ~2-3 yrs exp
What about L5?
Do you mind to share which team did you interview with? Generally the requirement of L4 is being able to deliver sub components with some guidance, while L5 can deliver components without much guidance.
If you are good, you will get promotion in 1+ year(s).. pay will be lower initially though...
How many yoe?
I have 4 years of experience. They said based on behavioral questions they decided I’d be a better fit for L4 vs L5.
I am in a similar situation. OP did you take the offer?
Difficult to change team in sde 1. Visa processing is very slow or not at all. You have to be provided right project to demonstrate the capability or you will stuck for a while especially if you are not pushy. It adds advantage to your current team because you can be given shity work.
True
Same here. 5 years experience for smaller companies but received an L4 offer when interviewing for L5. A little disappointed as I had to correct the SDE2 and 3 that interviewed me multiple times.
OP. did you join Amazon at L4? I think I'm in the same situation.
uTib24 how'd it go? I'm in the same situation right now
You will be probably being brought in as higher end of the sde1 band. Based on how you performed on various leadership principles your level is decided. Even if you get hired as Sde2, you will be on the lower end of the band. So the difference would be ~ 20-30k. It's easy to move from 1 to 2 if you are really a solid developer. You can move to 2 in 6-12 months.
To add to this sde 2s have a little bit higher expectations. You start should ramp up pretty fast and start delivering features in the first 3-6months. For l4s the ramp is gradual.
Lol. There’s no such thing as higher end of sde1 band.