PhD + 6 yoe at Intel in multiple roles - mfg, EE, optics design in Bay Area. Current TC ~215k. Offer in hand (HW EPMs): FB TC 165k base/ 10% bonus/ 180k RSU/40k sign-on. In Redmond. Apple TC 176k base/160k RSU/ 50k sign-on. Bay Area. Apple Updated TC 176k base/ 160k RSU/ 70k sign-on. Bay Area. Question 1. Is this kind of career move from technical to TPM advisable for a longer term career. Shorter term driving a program with enough technical complexity seems appealing. Hiring managers said, PMs is a good diversification since moving industries is easier. Is he sugar coating the role? 2. Any suggestions on offer evaluation & negotiation. Cash for both companies is less than Intel. RSUs higher in other companies. Thanks in advance. Since, this is my first time exploring options outside Intel, help is extremely appreciated. #intel #facebook #oculus #apple
I would try to pivot to Product Management
Would you give more insight on program management vs product management? I am trying to pivot my career as well to management role either in product or program.
Hi Telangpuu, I agree Product Mgmt is a coveted role. But, it's hard to get there. I thought there is better chance after EPM or TPM roles than directly going from tech role? They all look for related experience. Is program management that bad? :)
Apple Epms are not appreciated well unless you have extremely strong relationship with your manager. You get told about what you didn’t achieve due to bandwidth rather than your actual major contributions and I finally gave up dealing with the discriminatory manager ..
Thanks YBdh55, good insights. I understand the frustrations it can cause. Isn't it still better CV with 6 yoe Intel technical + 4 yoe TPM (ext company) than 10 yrs within Intel technical? Groups within Intel are lead by Sr Principal Engg, becoming an Engineering manager here is out of question. But, WLB is amazing, and work is technical & fun.
Fb is probably better environment and comp anyways than Apple
Won’t it impact your visa status? Assuming you are on H1-B
Head out if ur in same company for more than 3-4 years
OP I personally know PMs at MSFT making more than what you listed. What I've heard from folks at oculus is that they lack structure and it is extremely chaotic. It may not be worth the move for awful traffic, absolutely chaotic working environment and likely much worse WLB. Also, this area is increasingly getting more dangerous with COVID19. Not sure if you have family/kids so that might be something to consider too.
All depends on the level and quality of the offer. You would need a very good L63 offer or a ok L64 offer to beat these. And that seems unlikely with 6yoe coming from Intel.
Thanks for the inputs, fellow Blinders. Now, I have both the offers in hand. Decision time. Any inputs on which one is worth it? What are the final questions to ask before making the switch or not switch at all? Also, does Apple HW EPM not have cash bonus - what does discretionary 0-10% mean? Intel has ~15-20% cash bonus guaranteed every year.
What's the TC of the other offer? What's your motivation to move - money? Better WLB? Work? What are you biggest concerns?
Updated TCs for both Apple & FB. Motivation - career diversity, money. Biggest concerns - Apple/ FB WLB worse & chaos in HW depts.
Curious to know what you selected OP and how has your experience been negotiating with both employers. Please share :)
Hey, can you give any insight on interview? I'm doing my final round next week at Apple for PM role (role is EPM on paper). Thanks ahead of time :)
Hello Telangpuu, I have an EPM interview coming up for an Apple EPM. Can I DM for for any insights you may have? Any help is appreciated.
Congrats OP, which level are these offers for?
How did you actually make the switch to TPM/EPM? Did you already have some experience while you were at Intel? Basically, how did you land these interviews? Thinking of going the same route. What were the interviews like? What kind of questions do they ask you?
Have the same questions as covid, op. I've been trying a similar switch and I get the occasional call, but haven't been able to convert the couple I got with the reasoning they did not get a strong product signal (one company gave this feedback and the other said they found a better fit). Would appreciate a DM and if u r in SC, maybe we can sync over ☕? Do let me know.
Hi COVID-19 & TripHazard, I would be happy to help in details, let me deal with upcoming on-site & the Seattle offer. On a high level, what is helping me I believe is a PhD in the technical field of interest, my switching within Intel to multiple roles with conscious focus on end-to-end product manufacturing, being team manager (of a small team) in one of the roles.