Technical specialist @ FCA (Stellantis)

TE Connectivity / Product
Ibm675

Go to company page TE Connectivity Product

 Ibm675
Jun 15, 2021 52 Comments

Can somebody familiar with FCA org chart advise if TECHNICAL SPECIALIST is a step up or lateral move for me

PhD
9 YoE
Current title : Staff product development engineer

This position requires a significant relocation (from a state With great weather to MI). So I want to know if I am making the right choice.

And what is a good salary package for this title at FCA? If you are from Ford or GM please add your feedback as well. Much appreciated

Fiat Chrysler Ford Motor Company General Motors
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 TOP 52 Comments
  • For GM, “Technical Specialist” falls under Staff Level (Level 8), same as starting Engineering Group Manager who usually starts around $135k and up.

    I would seriously aim higher to start though like $150k+
    Jun 16, 2021 8
    • Don't know about FCA/Stellantis, but I've been at GM for 7 years and I think the lowest payout has been like 90% of company target. Even this year after COVID year they paid out 95% of target. A few years ago there was a really good year at like 160-170%.

      There is an individual factor too, so if you are high performer you can multiply by another 110-130%.
      Jun 19, 2021
    • EGM/EGL starting at $135K seems pretty low. That’s like a 7A’s median base. No wonder they can’t get quality people here.
      Sep 6, 2021
  • For your YoE, i think you could target a Principal role at OEMs in the Bay Area with >200k TC (>170ish + >20% Bonus). Lot more if you if the company gives stocks too.
    Jun 16, 2021 8
    • Uber
      ewesirnaam

      Go to company page Uber

      ewesirnaam
      Rent a 1 bedroom in SF maybe, but 90k in most places you own your house, and that’s way more in SF.
      Jun 16, 2021
    • TE
      I would say most won’t reach level 8 in their career. Having a PhD is a big differentiator though, so level 8 is more common. Some I know in R&D get to level 8 around 8-10 years after PhD. Others on the engineering side might be 15+ years before getting to Level 8 even with a PhD. But some get there much faster in engineering if the role is new and they are the best technical fit for it. They are paying a manager salary, bonus, etc for an individual contributor role at a level 8, so making that jump up is big.

      Just check to make sure that a Tech Specialist at Stellantis is equivalent to their manager in terms of level. That is the big differentiator in my opinion and you want to make sure it’s an ‘8’ for this job.
      Jun 17, 2021
  • Autoliv
    PSdC78

    Go to company page Autoliv

    PSdC78
    I have worked with them when I was at a supplier. They are bad at everything. I would not recommend them. Ford and GM are much better. All three give you the same kind of pay. My TC at GM for a level 7 is 120k.
    Jun 16, 2021 2
  • Ford
    turbull

    Go to company page Ford

    turbull
    I don’t think Tech Spec is a step up to staff engineer when comparing companies in at least Bay Area to Traditional Auto OEMs.. it’s probably the same.. but depends on companies. I worked at FCA for a couple of years.. not a great company to work for.. but auburn hills is a very good area and cheap..FCA’s car leasing program is awesome tough..I was a contractor there but worked with a lot of direct employees who mentioned the company is not that great in terms of how they treat employees .. I am at Ford now and can sure say Ford is pretty good in those terms.
    Jun 16, 2021 5
    • Ford
      turbull

      Go to company page Ford

      turbull
      Dm me
      Jun 16, 2021
    • Ford
      hgu4i

      Go to company page Ford

      hgu4i
      This person above me started at Chrysler and ended up at Ford. So they most likely got a raise when they came to Ford.

      The wage you come in with at any auto company in MI is most likely the same wage you’re going to have for the next 5-7 years + some bonuses and very incremental merit raises that everyone gets. Make sure it’s a damn good wage no matter where you go since you’re so locked in with having a PhD (less flexibility compared to those earlier in careers).

      Also be extremely careful with NDAs. Ford is shitting it’s pants right now cuz it’s afraid it’s employees are going to leak or steal IP. If you sign an NDA in an offer with one of the big three auto companies in Detroit you could lock yourself out of the entire auto industry, and— even some tech giants too because of how close these companies are in R&D efforts…
      Good luck! 🍀
      Jun 18, 2021
  • Amazon
    mEnt60

    Go to company page Amazon

    mEnt60
    I worked for Ford before and yes, I think Technical Specialist is a step up.
    Jun 15, 2021 4
    • Ford
      hgu4i

      Go to company page Ford

      hgu4i
      Look at what university of Michigan professors make. It’s public information. You can see how much researchers and/or professors nearby are making. I’d seriously shoot for higher than $120k like this Amazon person is saying above me. Auto companies have loads of capital. They just only spend it on things + people they really want.
      Jun 18, 2021
    • FORD’s TS is equivalent to GM’s Tech Fellow which is a 9th level technical expert role. I would say that level should start around $200K base, at least.
      Sep 6, 2021