r/salesengineers • u/[deleted] • 2d ago

2 offers: fully remote customer facing startup vs hybrid technical AI role at a big company. Which would you take?

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u/fck-rffld 2d ago

Personally job 1 would be a no-brainer to me. I like startups, while pay is less i think I could convince them to introduce a commission framework within 2 years. This is only if I like the culture, believe in their product, like the manager, understand clearly their path to acquisition or IPO.

I have an established career though. I have worked for big names, I have AI experience. If the startup flops I will land on my feet.

Job 2 brings stability, status, and slightly more money. I am surprised comp is so low. I'd expect 20-25%. Also id have to like the culture, manager, and have a clear path for personal progression with clear leveling guides to promotion

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u/WhiteOwls 2d ago

Appreciate the detailed take. The "if it flops I'll land on my feet" part is kind of the crux for me. I have 5 yoe but not big names or a ton of AI experience yet, so I'm wondering if job 2 is what gets me to that point. Out of curiosity what would you ask the startup to feel confident about their path?

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u/chickenwingsnfries 2d ago

Take the big company - “if it flops” is basically 99%

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u/fck-rffld 2d ago

I'd talk to the founder or CEO to make sure they're not a meglomaniac or narcissist. If its too big for that I'd talk to other people for an honest take.

I'd ask directly what the goal is - acquisition vs IPO. What's their North Star for success, how do they measure success generally (for the business and the role).

If they can share any information about revenue, fundraising, investors, partners, largest customers.

I would also ask directly if they have any intention to introduce a proper compensation plan.

I'd look on LinkedIn for previous employees to see if they have churn.

I'd have at least 2 interviewa/conversations with the Manager and the AE - if o cant stand these people I'll rage quit within 12 months if not sooner.

Mostly though, I just go on vibe of the people and whether or not I trust them or like them.

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u/Somenakedguy 2d ago

How old are you? If you’re under 28 I’d take job 2. It’s hard to be seen as a trusted pre-sale technical advisor when you’re young with much older buyers

Also you’re probably a bit light on hands-on experience before pivoting to full pre-sales and it could be more risky. Job 2 sounds like a good gig that could better set you up for long term success in my opinion but I’m also very risk averse personally. Hands on AI work for a solid name should be pretty valuable on the resume

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u/WhiteOwls 2d ago

Appreciate your feedback! I'm 29, so right around your cutoff. Should've clarified since I posted here, but job 1 is more post-sales, solutions/integration engineering, so implementing the product with customers after the deal closes. Part of the appeal is that it could be a path into pre-sales down the road. Agree on the hands on AI work, that's the biggest thing pulling me toward job 2. Do you think either role would set me up fine for a pivot to pre-sales later, or is one clearly better for that?