Intel

Intel is one of the most technologically advanced companies. There are many rumors about Intel's work culture and brutality. But one thing I need to clarify: if you want to be a leader and stay there for decades, you need to be brutal.

Work-life balance: It varies from group to group. If you are in CMOS manufacturing (which is the main area Intel is the leader in), then work-life balance is bad. If you are more away from the wafer, things are far better.

Compensation: I have interviewed with several companies in the Bay Area and wanted to give an idea about this. Remember, this is not a software company, so comparison with Google or FB will not be meaningful.

Base Salary: Average or below average compared to other hardware companies. Annual increases in fab locations (Oregon, Arizona) are low. But in Santa Clara, it is higher. However, they compensate for this low salary with other things (see below).

Bonus: In the last few years, the overall bonus varied from ~14%-19%. If you notice, the minimum bonus is ~14%, which is quite high for many other companies. So, if you get an offer at other companies, keep in mind that Intel regularly pays a good bonus (compared to HW companies).

• Profit sharing bonus: Quarterly
• Performance bonus: Annually

Stock Refresh: This will be variable. For a 6-year experienced Intel employee, I was getting ~$20k annually (this is stock level 2, where stock level 1 is the best). It vests in 4 years with one-fourth yearly.

401k: IMPORTANT: Even if you DO NOT contribute anything, Intel deposits ~5% of your annual salary into your 401k. This means if your annual salary is $100k, you will get $5000 in your 401k even if you don't contribute anything. The catch is: it does not vest immediately. You need to stay for 6 years to get all of it vested. If you stay for 4 years or less, only 40% will be vested.

I can't think of anything specific. But I would suggest giving manufacturing employees more compensation.

The manufacturing group should have better total compensation.