Decision Time: Databricks Core Team vs. Quant SWE Role
Hey everyone! I am an early career SWE based in NYC/Chicago. I have gotten offers to some really good places, and I am having troubles deciding. I would really appreciate any input from experienced & accomplished devs! Databricks: Joining a new, *very* core team focused on Lakehouse architecture - it's a blend of research and engineering, basically building from the ground up. Based in Washington/SF. Quant SWE: A role at a smaller firm (sub-500 employees), on par with HRT and JS. The offer is 15-35% higher than Databricks, not counting the sign-on bonus. Based in NYC/Chicago. Some factors I'm considering: Managerial Chemistry: At Databricks, I've already connected with my potential manager (director level) and foresee a strong working relationship. In the quant role, I'd be directly under the CTO or their immediate report. Interestingness of work: Both roles can be interesting work, but it's challenging to gauge the exact scale and impact at this stage of my career. Compensation Growth: TC in quant SWE is relatively opaque, especially in smaller firms, would love input on this! Location: Would love input on COL & taxes in Cali/Washington vs NYC/Chicago! Would love to get input from those working in quant/tech as staff or higher! Thanks and have a great day :). TC: Will share after I decide #HRT #JaneStreet #Google #NVIDIA #DataBricks #Snowflake
More potential as a quant
Would you mind elaborating on your reasoning? Thanks!
Is this OMC
Is OMC really considered "on par with HRT and JS" now? Back when I got an offer from them they seemed ok but not fantastic, and it seemed like they struggled to attract talent away from those two firms.
DB isn't that appealing on the resume as a quant firm. Enough said.
I'm not looking for prestige. I care about learning, the interestingness of the work, and my career prospects 10+ years from now. The team I will be working at Databricks is a very solid core team.
'more appealing' != 'prestige' But it sounds like DB might be more suitable for you.
This depends a lot on the smaller firm. If its headlands or another shop which values software, then go there. Otherwise db is a good company
Thank you for the response! Mind if I DM you?
Sure!
Depends what role you have for the hft. If it’s a front office team working directly with traders your compensation might be able to grow a lot quickly. However, the work will tend to more data engineer or adding in features for quants to do their work more easily. Basically super firm and team dependent
Thank you for the advice!
Got to DB for learning potential, Quant for big bucks.
Would you mind sharing some data points as to what the earning diff is? I'd imagine somewhere like NVIDIA or DB with enough stock also is on par w/ quant swe?
Normally I would advise against DB for early career since it’s very top-down, tough to grow and get promoted, and most L5 and below end up with lots of tech debt and on-call work. However, since you’re on a new team, this probably won’t apply to you. Just keep in mind that as teams mature, the work becomes less interesting and more ops-heavy. This happened to our serverless teams; for a while, they were the crown-jewel, cutting-edge team to be on and now they’re Sev0 central. In all though, I would strongly consider DB for your case. I think people who are lucky enough to make it onto a high impact team will have a good time and grow quickly. For everyone else, highly don’t recommend DB for early career. I’m looking to leave ASAP personally.
What level are you currently?
Thank you for the advice!
Both are strong so it depends how you want to shape up your career and in what location. If staying in Ny long term, the small quant firm may have good local reputation and it will easy to move to other quant/fintechs. Whereas if you move to db you’ll have strong profile for tech companies specifically in bay area. Not saying you can’t change industry or location but local markets definitely play a role since interviewers are familiar with what other companies on block doing. I see remote opportunities and cross industry opportunities are shrinking and market is not what it was in 2021-22.
Thank you for the advice!
Why does each job have two cities? NYC ≠ Chi and SF ≠ SEA, especially when it comes to COL.
I did it mostly to obfuscate identity, hope you'll understand!
Congratulations! May I DM you regarding the quant offer? I have two names in my mind wanna see if I am correct.
Thank you! Sure, DMs open :).