Amazon low SDE2 vs high SDE1
If you were given the choice between a low 170k SDE2 offer or a high 165k SDE1 offer in Seattle which would you choose? Is the title worth the extra 5k? Given the higher expectations and responsibility? 3 YOE, TC 110k
Expectation would be the same.. basically high SDE1 means operating at SDE2 level and almost ready for being promoted... think of Amazon levels as overlapping or continuous instead of big step functions :) If you don’t expect promo in 1-1.5 years then different story though. But you risk PIP in that case for your almost SDE2 comp..
How are the yearly raises for SDE2? I’ve heard I won’t be eligible for a raise for two years. Is that true?
Very little... 3-5% base increment depending on your perf... and existing numbers. So no increment possible for some SDE2s nearing the upper limit of 160K. Amazon expects already granted stock to increase 15% each year and want you to stay happy with that. Unlike other companies like FB/Apple Amazon has bands. So, if you’re near the top of the band they will give you less reward to keep you in band. If you become top tier (TT) performer then you can get substantial stock award (scheduled to vest two years in the future) though. But that’s quite hard to achieve and as a new hire you won’t reap such benefit before 4th/5th year.
Yes. Because the range is different. If you are doing a good job. You get more raise. For sde-1 you get nothing if you have no promotion. And promotion is hard with <1 year.
How much one would get when getting promoted from sde1 to sde2?