LinkedIn vs Snap Offer Comparison
LinkedIn: Base: 185k RSU: 385k over 4 years Sign on: 45k Target bonus: 10% TC without bonus: 325k first year, then dropping to 280k Location: Sunnyvale, CA Level: Senior Engineer Team: Streams infra Kafka team Snap: Base: 170k RSU: 534k over 3 years Target bonus: 10% (My friend working at Snap told me it's hard to meet target bonus though) TC without bonus: 348k Location: Seattle, WA Level: E4 Team: 2 teams to choose. Monetization Ads platform team and Testing platform team. I am currently based in Seattle. Snap seems like an easy choice because of the money and no need to move. But I am quite attracted to working in Kafka team and supposedly having the chance to contribute to Kafka upstream code. I feel I can learn really deep tech knowledge there and that'll bring a lot of value to my resume (correct me if I'm wrong). Also LinkedIn has a great reputation on WLB, which is also pretty important for me. Another concern I have with Snap is the risk of stock decrease. Neither of the company says its final offer, so there may be some room for negotiation, but I don't think LinkedIn will be able to beat Snap on compensation. Also I'm still waiting on FB interview result (targeting E5). But I'm not particularly interested in FB due to its bad reputation on WLB. I am pretty confuse on if I should choose more TC or better WLB or if I should wait for FB. Would appreciate it if ppl can give some insights about these companies and the teams! yoe: 4 years. current TC: ~210k #offers #linkedin #snap
You’ll probably get better WLB at Snap, in addition to the higher TC and lack of moving. Keep in mind that you enjoy zero income tax currently, and that a move to CA would take another 10% off of your income. To me, it’s a no brainer to choose Snap, even over FB.
Just curious. Why do you think Snap has better WLB? During team matching what I find is Snap is pretty fast paced like Amazon, while LinkedIn has no daily standup and has more long term project. I didn't have much interest in LinkedIn before the onsite, but now I feel team-wise I like it more than the 2 teams in Snap.
It'd be a no brainer for me if the team in LinkedIn is not Kafka. Also I was pretty impressed during the interview and think I can learn a lot from those guys. TC difference is indeed not negligible though...
That LinkedIn comp is Sunnyvale is even lower in comparison to Snap in Seattle. The cost of living is much higher in Sunnyvale.
I'm wondering, what consists of high cost of living in Sunnyvale aside from tax? I checked apartment.com and am seeing quite a few apartments nearby with 2000ish for 1b1b, which is similar to Seattle.
$2000 1b1b in Sunnyvale will be very run down. Should look at least $2500+ maybe even $3k for the more luxury high rise ones
Kafka is good. Open door to a lot more opportunities. Snap team is fine too. I’d go LI for wlb and extra time for self developement.
you dont wanna work with Kafka.. it's a nightmare
Why is that? Will appreciate it if you can give more details!
I just have a terrible experience maintaining legacy kafka. I personally dont like working with it because of weird edge cases. I would rather work with straightforward db backend stuff for same pay.
I think you might be over-glamorizing Kafka contribution. Spend the weekend splashing around in the code and make sure you really like it before eating that TC difference.
Great advice! Will do.
Snap stock is very risky, it was already 5x in 2020
Only poised to grow further during the AR/VR revolution.
lol no one is using AR/VR unless to take some dumb ass photos
@OP - if it helps - LinkedIn is now resourcing for engg talent in Seattle. You could check with the recruiter. Separately, LI proprietary tech is getting traded off for MSFT tech - slowly, but surely. So would recommend having a roadmap discussion with the HM before committing to it
Wait for FB offer or take LinkedIn. Snap no stack refresh. Offer looks good in the first year but for 3,4 years period, it is less than others.
This is true but I’m curious about WLB at Snap vs FB
Great offers! How were your interviews for both the companies ?
Snap: one standard system design and three coding rounds and one BQ. Did ask DP. LinkedIn: Concurrency programming and some infra related stuff. Plus two design rounds and two regular coding rounds.
Thank you for the information 🙏