I’m joining Amazon as an L6 TPM soon. Question for current and ex-Amazonian: - Any minimum time I need to stay in the TPM role before I can switch to an SDM role? - Will there be immediate TC adjustment given L6 SDMs make significantly more than L6 TPMs or will I need to wait until the next performance cycle? Would appreciate only relevant comments to my questions pls. Blind Tax: New TC: 330k YOE:18 #tech #amazon
TPM is considered a tech role in Amazon, so you can transition to SDM from it. Timing depends on needs of the org. 1 year is reasonable, less than 1 year I will doubt your manager.
That makes sense. I think it’s also dependent on your team and if any SDM roles that may become available within the near future.
You can change to a SDM on the first day you want to. (QAE) -> TPM -> SDM and beyond will make Amazon great again. Best of luck
Thanks for your input. 1st day may not be feasible.
The first day their manager wants to, they can want whatever doesn’t mean it happens immediately.
You can switch day 1. Good on you for exploiting the loop hole. Congrats on the offer.
Haha…not exploiting, more exploring. The hiring manager mentioned about moving to SDM path while answering career questions. I do have EM experience, but wanted to try out the TPM role as an IC and see how that goes before managing people at a tech firm.
You can after 6 months. The technical part of the interviews are the same for TPM and SDM. The 6 months is to evaluate if you can manage people. I have downleveled many SDE and SDM candidates to TPM who eventually became SDE or SDM.
Thanks for the info. I thought SDM interviews had a coding part. The team I’m joining now has a SDM opening.
I only interviewed for TPM, but do have EM experience.
SDM pay is higher than TPMs. So you will lowball yourself by joining as a TPM. 40-50 percent pay difference at any level
TPM -> SDM converts are the bane of amazon. Unless you've had legitimate experience as an engineer, respectfully, pound sand
I do, pls read above.
Please don't join. We don't need more tpm converted sdms.
Is it even allowed to switch to SDM if you are not SDE?
Yes, if you are TPM.