Amazon L5 17 YOE - What can I expect?
Hi, I got selected for a L5 position in Amazon. Recruiter told me that I missed L6 by just couple of negative points and should reach L6 sooner or later depending on my performance once I join. But, all the interviewers said yes. I don't really know what it means and I am waiting for the offer. What is the max TC for L5 in Austin? #amazon
At 17 YOE I wouldn’t take Amazon L5 regardless of the TC
Current TC? L5 at Amazon is a mid level engineer. And is this for SDE?
Current TC : ~160k in Saint Paul I am pretty sure Amazon will be much better in Austin. Have to wait and watch
Amazon-Austin also has URA targets and stacking. Only way to escape that is work for an Amazon subsidiary like Twitch (or transfer over to Twitch side like I see other Amazonians do). But who knows- with your YOE you should do very well. All my acquaintances at Amazon-Austin are doing very well. Sure, one or two could be happier but as far as stability they seem to be in a good place (no one I know has been PIPed although my one friend got close to put on focus at the beginning to be honest).
L5 is terminal level - if you don't really care about advancing and don't want additional burden. Being an L5 is fine. I know 11 yoe's at L5 who don't want to move up. That said, an average new grad usually gets promoted to L5 in 2 years. If tc and scope of work matters to you - ask for L6 or above.
I don't think they will give L6. Anyway, I will wait for their offer and see if there is any room for negotiation.
no they won't up-level since that requires bar raiser approval and most probably that is where you went down.
Try to get 280-300k for your offer if you're coming in with so many years of experience.
That's what I am hoping.
I've gotten a verbal offer of low-300s from Amazon L5 (position is remote, but I'm based out of Seattle). I've gotten a FAANG offer for mid-300s, and waiting on a couple more. My Amazon recruiter asked me for a year 1 TC number and I want to tell them 380-390. Is that too high/would they even consider it?
Danger ⛔️
With 17 years of experience and L5 doesn't give good impression. I fear, In Amazon culture it would be tough.
Ok. I should admit relevant experience for this technology or skill set is only 6 years. I was working on a totally different technology for first 11-12 years
We’re you still a developer?
Don’t take down level. You will need to compete with younger folks who are motivated to do what you did 10 years back and you may lack that motivation.
I am sure the competition will be much higher in L6 as well, whether it is old or young guys. But, I agree with you on some points.
Why do you think it's a down level? Yoe doesn't mean anything beyond L5 since L5 is a terminal level. What is your current role and scope?
If the role and project are interesting and the TC delta is more than say 75K a year I thibk you should take this even if L6 might have been more appropriate/interesting for you career-wise. L6 promo will happen soon if you really are performing as L6 , so don’t make the decision to join or not purely based on level as some suggested here
That's a really good point. Thanks for the suggestion. Recruiter actually gave a hint that I am almost close to L6 and should be there soon with some improvements.
All the best! I think having Amazon on your resume will also open more doors for you in the future.
Not worth it, you will be at a level with those who have 2 YOE. Unless you plan on jumping after a year or two