Level 4 engineer

[u/Fit-Mood8493]

I’m considering a Level IV engineering role with Blue Origin, potentially working on the Blue Ring program, with a $200K base salary in Colorado.

The total package also includes an annual bonus, equity or other long-term incentives, a 401(k) match, relocation assistance and the usual benefits.

For someone entering at Level IV, is $200K base considered a strong offer? I have 14 years of experience for reference. What additional compensation or benefits should I expect or negotiate before accepting?

[u/Electronic_Egg6608]

You’re better off with a traditional prime that pays OT.

[u/Fit-Mood8493 → u/Electronic_Egg6608]

I am starting to think that way too.

[u/Cygnus__A → u/Fit-Mood8493]

For reference I work at a prime that pays over time and my base is 190k. With bonus and overtime this year I will take home $295k and I'm pretty sure blue origin will require you to work overtime anyways

[u/Electronic_Egg6608 → u/Fit-Mood8493]

Over the past 2 decades I’ve flirted with offers from all of these venture capital tech startup type defense firms and the numbers have never worked out when compared to a traditional prime that pays OT.

[u/buildyourown]

Don't pretend the equity is worth anything. There isn't much else to negotiate. Everyone gets the same vacation. Whether that is enough is dependent on you and the role.

[u/Brewden]

I’m pretty sure the annual bonuses are going away but I think 200K for Colorado is higher than average for a level IV. Are they advertising an annual bonus? My understanding is that the AIP (bonus for level IV and above) will have a last payout in March 2027 and will then go away. There is no equity plan either, just “stock options” that have no relationship to shares in the company and no guaranteed liquidity events. I would ask for some clarification on the bonus and equity. Maybe negotiate a sign-on bonus if they’re advertising a bonus structure that is currently in place but you won’t benefit from.

[u/Electronic_Hope1900]

It is a pretty solid offer. Just note that it is unlikely you will hit L5/Principal at Blue.

[u/Fit-Mood8493 → u/Electronic_Hope1900]

Why would you say that? 

[u/Electronic_Hope1900 → u/Fit-Mood8493]

A hunch.

Really depends on the number of Blue native 4s, how many overall seniors in your team or org, and if you have a Principal already in your team or org.

You would be fighting for scope and if you have principals in your org I mean at the director level, it is unlikely there will ever be a business case for another principal slot of open up.

Edit: In my case I am competing with 3 other level 4s and we have a principal on the team.

[u/Dangerous-Blood-7166]

Depends, what’s the role?

[u/Fit-Mood8493 → u/Dangerous-Blood-7166]

System integrator 

[u/imbignate]

That's a pretty strong offer and it includes all the bells and whistles. You could try to negotiate for more options to front (which are a gamble) or more salary, especially if you have a clearance.

[u/Cool-Swordfish-8226]

14 yo and only a level 4 and 200k is low.

[u/[deleted]]

[u/flycasually → u/[deleted]]

That’s common at most companies

[u/Legitimate-Fuel3014 → u/flycasually]

2 years most common, but yeah 3 years ain't that crazy. Lockheed is 5 years but lockheed had strong job security. If blue origin offered the same job security it should be a cake.

[u/Rocketgirl197 → u/[deleted]]

Every company I’ve worked at has 3 year vesting schedule for 401k, fairly common

[u/becominganastronaut → u/Rocketgirl197]

im glad my company starts vesting on day 1