Amazon Lab126 Firmware engineer offer
Thoughts on this offer? Firmware Engineer (L4/SDE1) Location: Sunnyvale, CA Base: 142k Sign-on: 53.5k / 42k Relocation: 7k RSU: 52 shares over 4 years TC: ~205k / yr YOE: 2 years industry + 2 years (university RA and internship). All relevant! I interviewed for L5 but was offered L4. The recruiter told me they will "fast-track" me to L5. Any thoughts on this? #amazonsalary #amazonl4 #amazon#l5 #amazonlab126 #amazon #engineering #software #swe #firmware #embedded #apple #google #facebook #qualcomm
Offer looks good but “fast-track” to L5 is a myth. It will depend on your performance. Having two years of prior work experience just gives you an edge.
Is the leveling at Amazon done via the L prefix or SDE?
How was your interview? Rarely see any firmware folks on here.
The interview was - 1 phone screen 6 virtual on-site rounds (3 behavioral, 3 system-design problems). The problems were pretty SDE2 level, and I thought I aced it. But probably the bar-raiser recommended hiring at SDE1.
Could you share your preparation process?
Search lab126 dude
fast-track is unlikely to happen (1 year at the very least), but with your YOE, SDE1 seems about right.
I joined right now, and their promotion evaluation is usually in April, should be sufficient time?
It will depend on your manager/org, but it usually takes 1.5y because the amount of requirements is quite important. L4 to L5 promotions can be done any quarter, no need to wait for April.
I have similar YoE to you (Masters + 2 years industry in US + 1 YoE elsewhere + internships). I interviewed for L5 and was offered a L4 as well. Recruiter said the exact same thing to me. I was a SDE2 at my previous company but chose to down-level because of Amazon. It's all BS. At Amazon, to get promoted, you have to show a body of relevant work you've done for Amazon. To accumulate that and make your case, it'll usually take 1.5-2 years at least (ignore exceptions). So I wouldn't consider the promotion when considering this offer. That said, it goes both ways. If you ever leave Amazon for a mid size company, there's a high chance you will be levelled up. Also, am I glad I took the offer? Yes, I am
So you down-levelled at Amazon first and then up-leveled at a mid-size company? Did they match or exceed your Amazon pay?
No I am still at Amazon. I know from others' experience that if you go outside FANG, you'll generally be up-levelled
OP, I'm curious, did you get promoted?
I'm on dev plan 🙃
Op you seriously were in Dev plan?
Looks like a great offer