Negotiation turned sour.
I interviewed for a sr engg role at Blue origin. PhD + 10 YoE. Role requirement was for BE and 8+ YoE. Not a single bad remark during interview. Manager was very excited and said he wants me onboard. Was offered one level under sr engg First offer : 153k base. No other comp. Told them I currently make 145 and need more to make the jump. This will also require a move from LCOL to HCOL (Seattle). I called HM to inquire about why I was downgraded. He said due to my background being non-aerospace. But he said in 8 months he will review and give me senior. I wasn’t happy obviously but rolled along and said will look forward with the next offer in terms of comp. And he said three times on the call he doesn’t want to lose me just for some silly title. And was very warm and welcoming. Second offer : 160k base + 10k sign on. I said that wasn’t in sync with role and and cost of living. Asked for 180-190k They kind of said that’s the best and final offer. I rejected it but still wondering if I should have played along. What are your thoughts? I would definitely enjoy working on space technologies but the way they drew a hard line and weren’t willing to work it out makes me worried to accept their offer. I have another offer from Stellantis as a subject matter expert TC 146k. This company did not even ask me for my counter. It was an accept or reject type deal. Hate how I worked for so many months to give these interviews and finally am at the same spot. Who the fck would be excited to change roles and relocate for 10% or less TC.
What’s the question? You rejected it for a reason - reflect on it and move on. No point doubting yourself. Loads of other companies out there and they’re hungry for talent.
That’s close to a 20% increase for you. If you wanted the job you should have asked what the senior comp is. If was the 180-190 you wanted, then this was a good deal. Now you’ll have to interview potentially for another 6 months when you could have been at that number by then On the other hand, if you’re willing to walk away, you must have other better options on the table.
If a manager is acting like titles don’t matter and is dangling a quick promotion after downleveling from the JD, that’s usually a red flag. 8 months can turn into two years into never real quick.
Wondering how it’s a 20% increase? I am at 145 and my final offer is 160K. Sign on is obviously for one year only and I am not counting it as % increase. Sr comp on Glassdoor is 130k to 220k. Midpoint being 165k. So my offer is less than mid point for the role I interviewed. But they are telling me it’s the best for level 3.
You handled it properly. If they can’t meet your quote and they are acting like levels don’t matter (titles don’t; levels do), walk away.
No, you made the right call.
Blue, I'm curious about why you think that way?
I am not SWE. Sensors product Development engg. Automotive.
You are selling your skills and time in the market to make money. If the company cannot pay you the right price then move on. Analogy: If you go to buy a car in a store and you really want it then you will pay the price the dealer quotes you, not that the dealer would lower the price just because you cannot afford or don't want to pay. Of course, there is some negotiation, but not to an extent that you feel unhappy after the transaction.
2 cents from fellow in same field. 1. If you make 145 in detroit, you should ask for 220k+ atleast. If they dont give, dont bother. 2. Stellantis accept or reject is just a game. If you reject, they will come bavk with another offer. I fid the same in past. They dont ha e good talent and need some. 3. Dont bother aerospace or automotive. Both fields are competitive these days.
Regarding 1: the offer was that I can go to Seattle wa or cape canaveral Florida. I was initially leaning towards Seattle area. But with the lowball offer I am like Florida is the only option. Which is similar cost of living from my current location. Regarding 2: I rejected ten days ago and so far they did not reach out. You think it’s still possible I get it or should I just forget it? I was thinking about reaching out to the HM just to check. But not sure about it. What are your thoughts?
Stop giving JB free labor.
With Phd and 10 YoE I would not take anything under staff at FAANG or Principal anywhere else. Why are you low-balling yourself? You are agonising over grad comp - move on and look for a place that apreciates you.
Problem is so far all the offers are pretty low than expected. Interviewed at 14 companies. Total 31 interviews (I mean rounds) and got 4 offers. Verbal offers to check interest Littelfuse : 110k Ametek : 100 - 130k Written offers Blue origin - 160k + 10 sign on Stellantis - 130k + 12% bonus; no sign on
Sounds to me like you are interviewing for senior at max. Level up. Also apply to better paying companies, use offers against each other. Does not have to be a perfect fit for the responsibilities(I.e. I have been doing this exact thing for the last 5 years) - go adjacent and sell your critical thinking and broad expertise.
Don't join. BO sucks, and that's a huge lowball and downgrade from your current comp.
Why does it suck
Yeah, this wasn't a negotiation gone sour. This went very well. You avoided a bad deal, you should be proud. Plus now BO gathered another data point, and a lesson, that you need to pay more. It's the constant lesson like this that helps drive up salaries