I got 2 offers: Flexport: SWE2, 180k base, 310k TC, Bellevue SpaceX: SWE2, 145k base, 230k TC, Hawthorne Is SpaceX more prestigious or better of an opportunity? All the numbers point to flexport but SpaceX has rockets so 🤷♂️ 3 YOE
I thought flexport is only hiring Sr SWE+ now
Idk. I think I got a backfill
How was the SpaceX interview?
Presentation followed by like 4 one on one and two on one meetings. Lot of system design with an emphasis on networks. I don’t think it’s standardized.
No coding?
Well obviously Flexport doesn't win the prestige game; we're well-known as a potential unicorn in tech circles, but at SpaceX you'll never have to explain to your friends and family what your company does. Is that worth $80k/year to you?
That’s what I’m trying to figure out
Depends on your priorities. $80k/year is a lot. I was in a similar situation as a new grad and chose SpaceX. Stock appreciation has since more than made up the difference but obviously that’s not guaranteed.
Did you negotiate the SpaceX offer?
Hi, do you know how many weeks of parental leave SpaceX offers?
Your SpaceX stock has much greater upside, and 20k a year after tax isn’t a lot imo.
SpaceX TC is awful
I doubt Flexport TC, did you use $14 as the share price? Let’s be honest, secondary market is around $10. Also, you can not sell Flexport RSU until a liquidity event, aka IPO or any acquisition. I am not suggesting any company, just present current fact. You will need to make your decision. Not an easy one
This is a good point. SpaceX has annual stock buy-backs during which employees can liquidate.
I used the $14 price
Would you rather live in Bellevue or Hawthorne?
Do people actually live in Hawthorne? Looks pretty run down and sad. I might be wrong. Just wondering what neighborhoods SpaceX folks go to live
Yeah Hawthorne sucks lol. Most people live in Santa Monica, Manhattan/Hermosa Beach, Culver City, etc.
The E2 base salary band for SpaceX is 140k-170k. That includes internal promos, so you should be able to negotiate at least 155k as an external hire. As others have mentioned, SpaceX stock has a bit more liquidity due to roughly annual purchase offer, though it's not guaranteed. Both companies are private and likely slightly overvalued under current market conditions. No one can tell you what the future holds. Another consideration is state tax - your Flexport offer is in WA where it's 0. SpaceX offer comes with CA taxes. That being said, total cost of living in LA is similar to Seattle. Which place would you rather live? What program is the SpaceX offer? Starlink WLB is decent... Starship could be rough. On the other hand, you are still fairly early career, so you may care more about career growth. Promo to senior at SpaceX should take around 2 years. Personally, I'd try to negotiate salary with SpaceX, but I would take the Flexport offer if they won't budge.
How's Starshield in terms of wlb?
I'm not sure, my impression is that the pace is slower but you have to be more of a generalist because you are working across the same domains as Starlink with far fewer engineers. Base pay is also higher with active clearance.
YOE?
Added
Go with Flexport OP, no brainer