Lilly Tech Systems
Salary Negotiation for AI Roles
Stop leaving money on the table. This course gives you real salary data, word-for-word negotiation scripts, equity evaluation frameworks, and actionable strategies specifically designed for AI/ML roles — whether you are a new grad joining Google Brain or a senior ML engineer evaluating startup equity vs. big-tech RSUs.
Your Learning Path
From understanding your market value to closing the best possible offer, each lesson builds on the last with real numbers and proven strategies.
1. AI Compensation Landscape
Salary ranges by role, level, and company. Total comp breakdown covering base, bonus, equity, and signing bonuses. The AI premium over standard SWE roles.
2. Understanding Your Offer
Decoding offer letters, RSU vesting schedules, refresh grants, 401k match, benefits valuation, and comparing offers apples-to-apples with real examples.
3. Negotiation Strategies
When and how to negotiate, leverage points, competing offers, timing, email vs phone, and 5 word-for-word negotiation scripts you can use immediately.
4. Equity & Stock Evaluation
RSU vs ISO vs NSO, startup equity valuation, vesting cliffs, 409A valuations, tax implications, and how to avoid golden handcuffs.
5. Special Situations
Negotiating remote work, relocation packages, visa sponsorship, counter-offers, internal transfers, and the startup vs big tech decision framework.
6. Negotiation Checklist & Scripts
Complete pre-negotiation checklist, copy-paste email templates, common FAQ accordion, and a step-by-step action plan for your next offer.
What You'll Learn
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
Know Your Market Value
Understand exactly what AI/ML roles pay at every level, from new grad to staff/principal, at FAANG, top startups, and mid-market companies.
Negotiate with Confidence
Use proven scripts and strategies to negotiate base salary, equity, signing bonuses, and non-monetary benefits without burning bridges.
Evaluate Equity Correctly
Compare RSUs, ISOs, and NSOs across companies. Value startup equity realistically. Understand vesting, taxes, and the true cost of golden handcuffs.
Handle Any Situation
Navigate counter-offers, internal transfers, visa constraints, remote work negotiations, and the startup vs big tech trade-off with a clear decision framework.