I am a new grad with MS and I recently joined TI as an analog design engineer(<6 months). Looking at all the posts on Blind and people talking about switching over to SWE I wanted to know what a career in Analog IC design looks like in terms of WLB and compensation 5-10years down the line. I currently make a 120k TC in the bay area which is way lower than new grad SWEs. Is it worth pursuing Analog Design or should I switch over to SWE? Or are there any other hardware roles that I can look into? I wouldn't say I am super passionate about analog design.
Wlb can be rough, or TC is very low in HW. Switch fast or wait until you really think you want to.
Over the long run, the type of work that makes you happy will outweigh any TC. But here is the catch, you need to taste multiple plates before you know what you love
I’ve been trying to be a Design Engineer and/or Creative Technologist. The spots are few and far between, most are temporary contract work. I wish I had just gone SWE.
Much difficult if you are on VISA. Lately VISAs are being rejected of your profession doesn’t match up your masters degree.
Will VISA be a problem even if I have an Electrical and Computer Engineering Masters and a few courses in CE? And I'm on OPT so that shouldn't be a problem right?
True. I mean VISA will be a problem.
What's your degree?
MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Oh.. Okay.. Your major will be considered as electrical I guess although you have done in computer engineering. But you can show that you got skills as you said with your course work and some extra courses
I had 6 year of experience in Analog design and finally desired to move to SWE. If you are planning to move do as early as possible. Yes SWE earn more than analog design engineer. WLB is better in SWE
Analog industry is pretty mature in general. And it depends on opportunity to learn some insights. I would suggest you talk to some very senior people in SW industry and select a topic which has relative high bar. If a job can be taken by 6 month leecode, I would say it is low job security.
From what I have seen it looks like it could be years before I become a worthy individual contributor. Is this true?
5-6 years
How about opportunities in Hardware Accelerators like FPGA engineers in HFT and similar roles? How could I equip myself for those kinds of roles and what does the growth and future look like?
If either TC or WLB matter to you, get out now.
TC is lower and wlb is generally worse as well.