Received offer at Booz Allen Hamilton for Senior Software Engineer
I recently got an offer for an L3 position at BAH. I originally interviewed for a Mid (L2) position but was upgraded to Senior (L3) after the final rounds of interviewing, need to know if BAH is a solid move right now. I was offered a $130k base with no sign on bonus.. The reason why I am iffy is because I provided a range of $120k-130k, in the initial stage, so I feel like they are lowballing me. I took a look at the original role compensation range for the Mid (2+ YOE) position and it was maxed at $133k base. BUT a senior (5+ YOE) position was maxed at $186k base! Am I being lowballed here, if so how much is too much to negotiate up to, or should I just accept the offer in case they rescind... for whatever reason? *FYI* I only received a VERBAL offer, so nothing in writing yet.. They mentioned once I provide a counteroffer then they will provide a written one. YOE: 4 TC: 96K #peanuts Received Offer TC: ~$130k #engineering #software #position #negotiation
Move, keep applying
I’ve been in the Gov Contracting game for over a decade. Booz Allen is a top tier company if you enjoy the work.
Thanks for your insight :)
Keep pushing back on salary until you get a hard no
Why did you provide the 120-130K range if you weren't going to be happy with it. However, you may still be able to bump it up. Say "since I will be taking on Senior level expectations and after doing some market research I feel the offer provided is a bit low. I would feel more comfortable if the offer was closer to X". X should be a number you'll be happy with but also a number you're confident is in the salary range. If they know you're going to counter already definitely ask for more.
I am happy with it dont get me wrong.. It's more of being upgraded but being paid Mid level is what is my problem.
You're overly fixated on the level. Our third level is a catch-all of sorts. If you have zero interest in leadership-type activities, you can stay at that level the rest of your career. The higher max is there to accommodate people with high YoE. I don't think you're being lowballed. What's your clearance level?
You have a point. Do you feel as if 130k is good for 4 YOE in BAH. I have a secret clearance.
With only a secret, yes.
BAH doesn't use L# levels so that might add to the confusion. If you're being brought in as an A, 130 is meh but not insulting. If you're being brought in as an LA, 130 is a super lowball. I left as an LA in the mid 180s. There's pressure as salaries hit 200 but it's possible to exceed that. SA can certainly clear it but you're a salesman at that point, not an engineer.
Check out booz Allen's levels.fyi page
Depends on the contract’s budget but assuming by “senior” you mean Associate level, I’d say you’re in the range but on the lower end. I would personally counter with 140 and see what happens. For reference I came on recently as a SC with <1 YOE at 115 with 5K bonus and a secret clearance living in a HCOL location.
Op, what location is the job going to be ?
I mean, you are probably being a little lowballed but if it's better than what you're doing, take the jump. Lockheed shafted me on internal move and I only make 120k with 4 ish yoe so, take that as you will. For a machine learning req too!
For some reason govt internal moves are crap... Esp now! For 4 yoe and ML 120k is crazy low... I see your point though. The bump in pay is definitely huge. I am just scared they will rescind if I negotiate. Thanks for your insight.
Negotiate and see if you can get offers from other companies to compete with but at the end of the day, its a boost.