Technical specialist @ FCA (Stellantis)
Jun 15, 2021
52 Comments
Can somebody familiar with FCA org chart advise if TECHNICAL SPECIALIST is a step up or lateral move for me
PhD
9 YoE
Current title : Staff product development engineer
This position requires a significant relocation (from a state With great weather to MI). So I want to know if I am making the right choice.
And what is a good salary package for this title at FCA? If you are from Ford or GM please add your feedback as well. Much appreciated
comments
I would seriously aim higher to start though like $150k+
There is an individual factor too, so if you are high performer you can multiply by another 110-130%.
I would say most won’t reach level 8 in their career. Having a PhD is a big differentiator though, so level 8 is more common. Some I know in R&D get to level 8 around 8-10 years after PhD. Others on the engineering side might be 15+ years before getting to Level 8 even with a PhD. But some get there much faster in engineering if the role is new and they are the best technical fit for it. They are paying a manager salary, bonus, etc for an individual contributor role at a level 8, so making that jump up is big.
Just check to make sure that a Tech Specialist at Stellantis is equivalent to their manager in terms of level. That is the big differentiator in my opinion and you want to make sure it’s an ‘8’ for this job.
The wage you come in with at any auto company in MI is most likely the same wage you’re going to have for the next 5-7 years + some bonuses and very incremental merit raises that everyone gets. Make sure it’s a damn good wage no matter where you go since you’re so locked in with having a PhD (less flexibility compared to those earlier in careers).
Also be extremely careful with NDAs. Ford is shitting it’s pants right now cuz it’s afraid it’s employees are going to leak or steal IP. If you sign an NDA in an offer with one of the big three auto companies in Detroit you could lock yourself out of the entire auto industry, and— even some tech giants too because of how close these companies are in R&D efforts…
Good luck! 🍀