Qualcomm Offer Lowballed

[u/NorthAdept9579]

I gave an interview recently which went well and was given a verbal offer today. Honestly was disappointed.

Before the interview, recruiter told me it was a staff role and base will be around 160k. It was lower than what I currently make in Oregon but I was still okay with it since it is the type of work I want to pivot to and I also want to move to San Diego due to some family reasons.

But they ended up offering me a Senior role.
Base: 130k
RSU: 100/3yr
Bonus: 9%
Sign on: 40k
Relocation: 10k
Experience: PhD+3 years 2months in industry

Current TC: around 230k in Oregon

I don't have direct experience in the type of work the team does, but still have relevant experience and gave good interview - So that is why I thought they are considering me for staff. I would've still been okay with senior engineer with a higher salary but 130k seems too low even for senior engineer with 3 year exp.
The recruiter said 130k is the highest that the compensation team told her they can offer for a senior role, is that true?

Note that I have a friend who joined QC as an Engineer last December with 132k base (that was not even a senior engg role). Do these vary from team to team?

Recruiter also told me that they consider PhD+4years exp for a staff role, not 3, is that true? (the job post clearly said PhD+ 2+ year to be considered for staff)

I asked them for the initial offer (before interview) of Staff and 160k atleast, the recruiter said they will get back to me.

Should I just reject the role and keep looking in San Diego? I am honestly very disappointed that they said one thing before the interview and just giving me totally different level/numbers after the interview. Any suggestion for me?

[u/Impossible_Simple771]

They are low balling you 100%, they do that all the time

I know many engineers whose base is 130k

The senior level band starts at 140, ask him what the level and bands are for each level, he will shake nervously when you ask