Nvidia vs Microsoft, need help deciding which offer to take

Jan 4, 2017 16 Comments

(for a friend)
Currently working in Intel, got an offer from Nvidia and Microsoft, some details and considerations below:

- Nvidia paying ~133k for senior software engineer, Microsoft 113k for level 60 sde
- nvidia team is Cuda chips driver team and Microsoft is display kernel development team in wdg
- prefer work and team culture more in nvidia judging from teams that interviewed
- nvidia 10k signing bonus, Microsoft 15k signing bonus and 15k worth stocks
- nvidia location is Santa Clara, while Microsoft is redmond (cost of living, tax, etc.)
- much less perks in nvidia vs Microsoft
- possibly better work life balance in microsoft, but he is highly motivated for good work so prefers nvidia here
- harder to move across teams in nvidia vs Microsoft eventually or if he doesn't like team
- moving to nvidia is easier since already close to bay area
- ex nvidia employee so environment would be more familiar and already worked in Cuda before
- nvidia in Santa Clara, so better weather than Seattle. Also better opportunities for other companies for his profile.

Money-wise Microsoft seems like the better option, but team and work-wise it's probably Nvidia (but Microsoft is not far behind in work quality from what he felt. The manager just tried to oversell the team and people didn't seem as friendly)

Any other factors you add might help in deciding. Or some gossip about either of these teams :)

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TOP 16 Comments
  • The level looks wrong. That won't guarantee rapid promos, mainly in WDG. Would recommend Nvidia at this time.
    Jan 4, 2017 2
    • Yep. Several years in and I've realized how bad it was to come in under leveled.
      Jan 4, 2017
    • Intel
      Astro_89

      Go to company page Intel

      Astro_89
      how's the scene in wdg and graphics org these days? I'm the guy this post is about btw ..
      Also although Nvidia senior software engineer does not equate to MS senior software engineer .. but the MS listing was for an SDE 2 i.e. L61. NV on the other hand is giving the correct grade level (IC 3) Nvidia grade levels are flatter and go from IC 1 (college grads) to IC 6 or 7

      also any thoughts on bay area vs Seattle?
      Jan 4, 2017
  • Microsoft / Eng
    deadpan

    Go to company page Microsoft Eng

    deadpan
    Seems weird to get offered a senior job at nvda and an L60 (junior) job at msft. You were likely under-leveled at msft, which should mean rapid promotions and pay increases as they realize their mistake. Senior at msft is L63 and 150ish base.
    Jan 4, 2017 2
  • Apple / Eng
    QwertyUser

    Go to company page Apple Eng

    QwertyUser
    Microsoft is known to bring at least a level lower. How many years of experience do you have?

    I believe Cuda work is more future proof. I don't know the levels in nvidia so I can't relate to l60 in msft. In Microsoft usually undergrads are brought in at 59, ms(sometimes) or less than 4 years experience is 60. Microsoft title change happens at every odd number: SDE 59,60. SDE II 61, 62 senior SDE 63,64 then title change every 3 levels
    Jan 4, 2017 3
    • Google
      zbiT13

      Go to company page Google

      zbiT13
      Arent you in ms already? (mugenzora), you should know the lvl systems and tell your friend about it?
      Jan 4, 2017
    • OP
      I'm an inexperienced college hire too. He knows of the level gap since the job listing said that they're hiring for senior or very strong sde 2 but then gave him an offer for 60. Also, "senior" in nvidia is more like a designation (apparently they have designation + level). But he understands that Microsoft has low balled him with the level at least.
      Jan 4, 2017
  • No RSU from Nvidia?
    Jan 4, 2017 3
    • Then use that competing offer to get more stock from MS. I know people who got 60-75k stock at L59 with competing offer.
      Jan 4, 2017
    • OP
      He tried negotiating with Ms prematurely (imo) when nvidia had not even told him the base, and only got 5k increased in signing bonus. But I guess he can try again now that he knows the numbers from Nvidia? I have no experience in negotiation either, so any tips would be welcome.
      Jan 4, 2017
  • Intel
    Astro_89

    Go to company page Intel

    Astro_89
    any insights from Nvidia folks here? Again the team is CUDA chips driver team .. level IC 3 and offer is 133k + 10k bonus .. no RSUs no annual perf bonus etc.
    Jan 4, 2017 0