Amazon sde offer evaluation - Seattle

Heya, Just got an offer from Amazon. I interviewed for sde2 position but got offered sde1 position despite good interview feedback. I have total of 3.5yrs of exp. Recuirter mentioned that I will be fast tracked for promo for sde2 1. should I accept the offer given Amazon's recent stock rise and growth potential. 2. Recruiter mentioned Max sde1 comp is 150k ish. Is this true ? 3. My current TC is 180k. Should I accept the pay cut for growth potential ?

Add a comment
Amazon Foods Apr 10, 2018

What comp did they offer you?

Goldman Sachs Truth() OP Apr 10, 2018

Recruiter mentioned 150k is on the higher end of the band. Given my current TC she said she can push it to 170k

Amazon Foods Apr 10, 2018

Gut reactions: 0.) do not accept your offer before you have a comp number in writing 1.) both a pay cut and a title cut seems excessive. If you’re not desperate I would push for one or the other - if you ask me, the comp side 2.) growth potential is one thing, and Amazon is a big name, but you’re guaranteed at least six months of ramp up time

Goldman Sachs Truth() OP Apr 10, 2018

Thanks. Do you think I should push for 180k then ?

Amazon Foods Apr 10, 2018

That’s a question only you can answer. If you don’t much care for moving to Amazon, sure. “Match my current TC” isn’t an absurd demand coming from GS. If you love the company and would be very disappointed if your recruiter tells you to fuck off, then don’t - you can comfort yourself with the fact that cost of living means you’re effectively making 30% more in Seattle than the same salary in NYC

Amazon Foods Apr 10, 2018

150k sounds like a reasonable top end for sde1, but that’s also usually someone with 2 years of experience and a couple internships. My starting sde1 comp is ~106k base, 35k signing and 30k over the second year, plus whatever happens to 65k in stock over four years

Amazon Foods Apr 10, 2018

So yes: I think 170k would be pushing it, indeed. It’s also, coincidentally, the bottom of the target range for SDE2

Amazon Tgisd6 Apr 10, 2018

SDE2 can go above 250k, 150k is about median for SDE1

Amazon Tgisd6 Apr 10, 2018

Growth potential at Amazon? Most people quit if not jump off buildings in 2 years. Get at least 2x current TC for first 2 years

Amazon Foods Apr 10, 2018

What the actual f

Salesforce catty Apr 10, 2018

Don't

Apple :-P Apr 10, 2018

How much is your base in your current 180k TC?

Goldman Sachs Truth() OP Apr 10, 2018

140k base. My expected next year's TC is 240k.

Apple :-P Apr 10, 2018

Negotiate on RSUs and joining bonus if the recruiter can't push beyond 170k base.

Amazon RBMY63 Apr 10, 2018

Know that you are negotiating for four years now. Yes, the stock might grow, but assume nothing but what’s in your offer letter until year five, and at that time it will be leveled back to target. Yes, you might get promoted. But if you negotiate well now and the stock grows at all, you’ll already be in band for SDE II. New promos now are around 180TC. So again: you are negotiating now for the long term. Do not expect any additional comp beyond stock growth.

Apple Omdxzxx Apr 10, 2018

Dont ever believe recruiters or an employer for that matter unless you get promises in a legally binding and enforceable contract.

Airbnb Amds46 Apr 10, 2018

Why would you? Never do that.

Google jCNW14 Apr 10, 2018

Recruiters can’t promise promos, so that isn’t even a talking point.