Need help deciding offers: Amazon Applied Scientist vs. Apple Data Scientist

Atkins
pLDO01

Go to company page Atkins

pLDO01
Jan 10 30 Comments

Would appreciate blinders to help me choose between the two offers.

Current TC 130K
MS + 2.5 yoe in DS

Amazon, Applied Scientist L4
Base: 155K
Sign-on: 70K+53K
4 years RSU: 47
Avg 4 years TC: 226K
Location: Seattle

Apple, Data Scientist (level unknown, likely ICT3?)
Base: 135K
Sign-on: 20K
4 years RSU: 198K
Avg 4 years TC: 189K
Location: Austin

Need to respond by end of this week. I'm based in the east coast so both will provide relo, looks like Amazon can only give $7k lump sum where I could ask for valet services from Apple. Both teams are doing interesting work, in terms of interview difficulty I'd say Apple more technical than Amazon (the latter asked a ton of LP and BQ). Feel more chemistry with the Apple HM tbh, but the team at Amazon is new and currently tackling large scale problems (possibly more visibility). I interviewed for Amazon L5 but somehow was down leveled to L4, could be due to my experience solely in the construction design field. Would like to know if both offers are decent. Should be able to do more MLE/deployment type of work for both roles. #tech #amazon #apple #datascience #appliedscience

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TOP 30 Comments
  • Amazon
    Mudiji

    Go to company page Amazon

    Mudiji
    That 36k delta starts looking smaller when you factor in:
    1. COL difference between Austin and Seattle
    2. Upside potential for both companies
    3. Perks and benefits
    4. Of course, Amazon’s Achilles heel: Work culture (this always is team dependent but you’ll never find out until you start. In the absence of detailed information, decide based on what you know generally)
    Jan 10 4
    • Atkins
      pLDO01

      Go to company page Atkins

      pLDO01
      OP
      I like blind for giving me information about Amazon (could be due to the sheer volume of people venting here lol), Apple seems to be secretive but definitely enjoyed the interview process. I think I won't do a lot of cutting edge ML models at Apple, possibly with Amazon but still need to talk to both teams to learn more about the projects they have in mind.
      Jan 10
    • Amazon
      Mudiji

      Go to company page Amazon

      Mudiji
      Yeah Apple being secretive is baked into their business lol. Yes, finding out as much as possible about the work makes the most sense. Don’t take something just for the title, it’s not like you’re getting a Data Analyst title at Apple lol. Wherever you’ll make the next jump to, you’ll be doing it at a level where the hiring team won’t be swayed simply by the title.
      Jan 10
  • 189 will take you much further in Austin than 226 in Seattle
    Jan 10 3
    • They are complaining because they have not seen Seattle yet - just look at Redfin for both and you’ll see what I mean - I have lived in both the places and I’d take Austin any day over Seattle.
      Jan 10
    • Atkins
      pLDO01

      Go to company page Atkins

      pLDO01
      OP
      Very true, we have a nice house here in the east and I believe we can afford one in Texas too, but possibly not in Seattle. Thanks for the insight!
      Jan 10
  • Boeing
    DesiChakka

    Go to company page Boeing

    DesiChakka
    Applied scientist actually gets respect at amazon . Is also the highest paid title… more than SDE

    Also as someone who has lived in TX and WA… the heat will kill any hope of outdoor activities. If you’re outdoorsy, Amazon… if you like bars and nightlife and restaurants, apple
    Jan 10 2
    • Atkins
      pLDO01

      Go to company page Atkins

      pLDO01
      OP
      I heard the same. I wouldn't want to consider Amazon for all other job classes but always been fascinated by the science group. My interviews were just way too easy, nothing like what's shared on Glassdoor, thus I'm suspicious. Also not a fan of pip.
      Jan 10
    • Boeing
      DesiChakka

      Go to company page Boeing

      DesiChakka
      AS doesn’t have the same PIP culture as SDE. At least that’s my observation at AWS… I’m not an AS though
      Jan 10
  • Amazon
    KtAi72

    Go to company page Amazon

    KtAi72
    Amazon. That’s a very respected role and chance of growth is much higher
    Jan 10 3
  • Amazon
    Bello674

    Go to company page Amazon

    Bello674
    Golden advice…. Avoid Amazon.

    Just use Amazon / AWS for interview practice and use their offer letter for entry TC negotiation somewhere with a better management culture…. so that’s basically anywhere else.
    Jan 10 1
    • Atkins
      pLDO01

      Go to company page Atkins

      pLDO01
      OP
      Would the science group be different. I've never worked at faang before so thought that Amazon would be a good stepping stone. Plus I'm well versed with the AWS stack, looks like Apple is more in-house on premise work.
      Jan 10