Technical specialist @ FCA (Stellantis)
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
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+
You mean TC or base?
Base, level 8 annual bonus comes at like 18% from Team GM?
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.
Thank you for the feedback. I definitely don't want to do a lateral transfer to MI. Can you pls add some more details on what you mean by treating employees right. That would be very helpful.
I heard they don’t provide yearly salary increase. Check with HR if that’s true. Benefits might not be great I heard. Like at Ford, the employee and employees family comes first. I don’t think that’s true in FCA. But depends on team. If yu are a tech spec it’s a cool role to be in though. Usually difficult for an average engineer to get there. What is your tc increase and where are you moving from? Michigan winters could be too much for some one who is new..
Tc
$140k base is around right for the 9yoe, could probably push to around $150k. Bonus is not the best for the tech specialist role, others have it better
What is a good bonus in your opinion?
12-18% base bonus going up to either 1.5-2x that depending on performance. Problem is that bonuses are level based and you can't negotiate percentage, so negotiate base salary
I worked for FCA, this is a lateral move. From the technical side, it goes: -Tech Specialist (Staff engineer) -Senior Tech Specialist (Sr Staff engineer) -Tech Fellow (Principal engineer)
Glad to see feedback from someone who worked at fca. Is it a good role at FCA? Or you wouldn't recommend it? The salary range seems reasonable? Any feedback on that? I am assuming it will be very difficult moving up once we accept the tech specialist role.
@hfibtlus, I’m at my 2 year mark at Ford and thinking about jumping to Tesla. Can I dm you? I’d really like to hear about your experience from leaving Detroit auto to Tesla.
Seems more like a ‘step down’ title vs Staff Engineer
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.
Problem is 200k in bay area is like 90k in my city (or even Detroit) according to cost of living comparison data
Absolutely, but the potential past that gets better. I know a lot of 10 to 15 YOE non-software engineers making $400k in SFBay. I didn’t know many making $200k back when I worked in the Midwest.
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.
What level is tech specialist at gm?
I would say 8. Similar to a manager. They get a car, 18% bonus and around 150k. I would say it is equivalent to 350 - 400k in the bay area. Michigan is very affordable.
I worked for Ford before and yes, I think Technical Specialist is a step up.
Thank you for the feedback. Any comments on the salary package?
Few technical specialists that I know in that area make from 120K to 150K TC. I think it is great in MI.