I just recieved an offer from FB for E5 role. I am 35 years old with about 14 years of experience. Am I too old for this level ? what is the typical age of an E5 at FB ? I am worried that I might be working with engineers who are much younger than me and hence have much more energy and less time commitment for family. Are employees stack ranked at FB ? TC: 170K GBP(base 100K) @FB @London
E5 seems to have very broad range of ages. But yeah, I didn't accept my FB offer cause target level was low for my yoe.
Thank you
Ageism is a problem at FB if you're older than Zuck.
Not for E5 because it’s a terminal level, but definitely for E4.
Does this mean you can't get fired for low performance at e5 and beyond?
You will get fired for low performance at any level. It means that you’re not going to get fired for not moving up to the next level after a set period of time.
Thanks for the reply!
Do you still feel peer pressured by people in 20s who might stay at work much longer (maybe from breakfast to dinner ) whereas you might better spend dinner time with kids ?
E5 is a terminal level, so theoretically it can have anyone of any age within it. Levels beyond E5 aren’t determined using YOE but instead the scope of the work you take on and your grasp of complex system designs. There are many folks who could happily remain at E5 for their entire careers. Also E5 and it’s equivalents at other FAANG companies easily translate to significantly higher positions at other companies like “senior software architect” or whatever. If you have concerns about WLB, I would say E5 is a good starting point. You can get quickly promoted to E6 if you were under-leveled. Lastly, I should point out that your level wouldn’t actually change who you’re working with. Even if you did push for E6+ you’d still end up on a team full of people in their 20’s. The higher your level, the less likely you’ll be within proximity of someone of equal level. And no, FB does NOT do stack ranking. People who claim otherwise are either ignorant or have an agenda.
Thanks for the detailed reply ! Definitely gives me a lot of confidence :)
Does not stack rank? Ah yeah... Instead they do curve fitting above some org size. And they order everybody relative to same level during mash-up. So, what's my agenda? 😏
Yeah. You are 12 years too old for FB e5. In the FB world, your correct level would be CEO
That’s just nonsense:) I was older than 30 when I became E5. I have good wlb and plenty of opportunities for setting team direction and mentoring the younger folks. Thus being on track to E6. Dont underestimate the value of knowing how to tackle a big problem and drive a project.
Which team is that? Good wlb at FB is not very common I heard
Lmao. No, I joined as E5 around 33. E5 FB = Amazon L6, so it's a lateral move for you
I am 36 at E5. But yeah, I am quitting for a better role. Lots of immature engineers at higher levels at FB. I am finding it harder and harder.
This is true. Plenty of immatured management and SWEs at higher ups that throws tantrums and doesn't think rationally
You should be fine. There are people who finish their PhDs at 32-33 and then join at much lower levels at leading tech companies. Don’t think age should be an issue. You are only 35 and not 55! Not sure why age should be an issue for your team mates, I have never had any issue working with a much older engineer.
Thank you. Comparison with 55 makes me think I am young :) Difficult to get the perspective unless pointed out !
You indeed are mate, I shivered a bit when read the post as I am 33 😂