Looked around in existing posts re: Tesla compensation packages. Found a few helpful opinions, but seeking more perspective on compensation package. Offer details: - $95k base - $70k RSU (3x multiplier to convert to options // 4 year vesting with a 25% cliff at one year) - 3 out of 4 available medical plans are free (details TBD) - No signing bonus - No annual bonus - Position is not Associate not a Senior—just a Controls Engineer - Relocation = they will pay to move stuff by weight and up to 21 days of temporary lodging. They also contract with a company that will help support buying/selling our house. And they will provide a miscellaneous cash reimbursement of up to $2k. Seeking perspective on compensation, RSUs, and where negotiating power might reside in any of these categories of the package. Is this offer reasonable? Too low? I know that increasing base compensation and getting a signing bonus may be tough, as Tesla is (technically) a start-up and tight on cash...unless I’m way off base and I have more negotiating room than I feel like I do. It definitely seems like they’re wanting to hire every Controls Engineer in existence...but the hiring manager did tell me today that I stood out as a candidate to the team. Note: offer received today and no negotiation on these details taken place as of yet with Tesla.
My experience at Tesla taught me that if you are confident in your abilities to do the job well (or better!) ask for a senior position to get a better salary. Once hired it is very difficult to jump to Senior or Staff.
I actually applied for the Senior position, but because I have very little experience in the way of industrial machine design and Allen Bradley PLC, they pushed me to the “regular” position instead. Why is it difficult to jump to Senior?
I think it's because you really have to prove your worth. If you only do your job and rarely if ever go above and beyond you won't get promoted... although it does depend on your manager, some are probably "easier than others.
Do you have experience? Or fresh out of school?
3 years product design, but very little with industrial machine design, which is what this job would be.
That's a pretty standard package. You can ask for $100k and more stock maybe. Annual evaluations can give you a salary bump like 2-4% and additional stock which vests over 4 years again but no 1 year wait, it'll vest every quarter. Everything else about relocation is exactly the same for everyone.
Awesome advice, thanks! “Annual evaluations can give you a salary bump”—how do annual evaluations relate to promotions? My current company requires engineers to stay in each of their positions for a minimum 18 months before advancing. Similar with Tesla? And even if you can theoretically qualify to advance after X months at Tesla...how often does that actually happen?
No set limit for promotion. Lots of people getting promoted during product launches. Work hard and you move up fast. I've seen new grads go to associate manager in 4 years.
Every component is pretty standard in your package. Ask for a Sign On.
Why did you reject? Because of TC and another offer you had was better? If you had the same offer today, accounting for inflation, would you accept?
Had another offer. Would still not accept. I couldn't afford to accept it.
Go for it
Nio is hiring too - maybe get a competitive offer?
They have a HQ in Munich! Munich is awesome! Thanks for the lead!
Tableau's Munich office is also hiring 😊