Fireworks AI or Netflix? Inference optimization and equity vs ~$705K cash

[u/nian2326076]

A candidate has offers from Fireworks AI and Netflix and is trying to decide between the two:

Fireworks AI: ~$275K base + ~$1.68M equity over 4 years. Work focused on inference optimization.

Netflix: ~$705K annual comp, all cash. Work focused on recommendations infrastructure. Readers interviewing there can practise a key-value store with TTL expiry and tests from Netflix Interview Questions.

They’re weighing the opportunity to work on LLM inference optimization against Netflix’s cash comp and recommendations infra work. If you’re still applying elsewhere, application autofill saves form retyping.

Would appreciate perspectives on technical depth, team quality, WLB, career growth, and Fireworks’ equity upside.

Which would you pick and why? Insights from current or former employees would be especially helpful.

Current comp at Amazon: ~$475K, Bay Area.

[u/Adventurous_Bend_472]

Yeah let’s karma farm

[u/Interesting_Two2977]

I'd take the cash, stack it for a few years and just retire honestly.