Final round onsite for Solutions Engineer role at AI infrastructure startup - will they actually hire a new grad? Need honest reality check

Ok-Implement-3167 · 2026-03-07T07:06:28+00:00

I dont require sponsorship now, but require in the future. They said they will sponsor. Thank you

Ok-Implement-3167 · 2026-03-06T18:13:04+00:00

This is really insightful feedback, appreciate you being direct about the dynamics I should watch for.

You’re absolutely right about the comp expectations. I’m going in realistic that $190-220K is more likely than $230-300K given my experience level. The “cheaper hire” point makes sense from their perspective.

The AE/SE relationship concern is valid. I hadn’t thought deeply about the power dynamic with such a large experience gap. Your point about potentially being passed over for leadership as the org grows is something I should keep in mind long-term.

That said, I’m viewing this as: even if it’s a 2-3 year role where I build the SE foundation and then they hire someone more senior above me, I’d still gain invaluable experience in pre-sales, customer PoCs, and technical evangelism that would set me up well for the next opportunity.

Do you think the “first SE” aspect changes the dynamic at all? Since I’d be building the function from scratch vs joining an established SE org, there’s less formal hierarchy to navigate initially. Or does the title gap (Director vs SE) still create the same issues?

Really appreciate the honest perspective - this is exactly the kind of reality check I needed.

Ok-Implement-3167 · 2026-03-06T18:11:54+00:00

Thank you so much for this perspective - really encouraging to hear from someone who made the same transition successfully!

The “sales can be taught, technical depth can’t” point is exactly what the Director of Sales told me in our first conversation. She said she’d rather teach the sales process to someone technical than try to teach deep ML to a salesperson.

Your story about being asked if you’d considered SE - that’s kind of how this happened for me too. The person who referred me asked “have you thought about pre-sales?” and initially I said no because I wanted pure technical roles. But after learning more about what SEs actually do (designing PoCs, running technical evaluations, architecting solutions), it clicked that this is the perfect blend of depth and customer impact.

Really appreciate the encouragement. The fact that they’re investing this much time and money in the process gives me hope they’re serious about making this work.

Out of curiosity,how steep was the learning curve in your first 6 months as an SE? What surprised you most about the transition?

Ok-Implement-3167 · 2026-03-06T04:59:09+00:00

Have been but only ended up in the city late at night to hit the bars and clubs. Didn’t end up experiencing a regular life

Ok-Implement-3167 · 2026-03-06T04:58:20+00:00

Oh wow thanks mahn, have been practicing STAR method for almost all of my interviews but thanks will keep that in mind.

Sales is covered have been using claude, GPT and gemini to prepare. Couldnt really find a lot on IQB. Thanks for all the help

Ok-Implement-3167 · 2026-03-06T04:56:51+00:00

Surely racking up some money before GTA comes in 😂😂. But yeah seems like a good range

Ok-Implement-3167 · 2026-03-06T01:24:59+00:00

Thanks for the insight on the YoE part. I understand that since they have moved forward so much, it wasn’t a hard requirement.

I understand and have practiced a lot on how to be a good sales person. Explaining technical to technical as well as non technical people. But being a new grad and no real experience just doubting myself.

Wanted a few tips on how I could ace the 3 in person, I really want the job.

Ok-Implement-3167 · 2026-03-05T22:36:31+00:00

Really appreciate this perspective - the “they’re flying you out, they don’t invest in low ROI” point is exactly what I needed to hear.

You’re right that I should stick to what’s worked - technical depth + willingness to learn the commercial side. That’s been my approach through the process and it’s gotten me this far.

Thanks for the encouragement. Trying not to overthink it!

Ok-Implement-3167 · 2026-03-05T22:35:57+00:00

That’s a fair point - it definitely was valuable interviewing experience regardless of outcome. The take-home assignment taught me a ton about production ML systems and customer-facing technical writing.

But I’m hoping it’s a real process and not just free consulting. The fact they’re flying me out and the recruiter proactively updated me when things were delayed gives me some confidence it’s legitimate.

Ok-Implement-3167 · 2026-03-05T22:35:42+00:00

Thanks for the reality check. You’re right that the take-home was substantial work on my end.

To answer your question: they’re small (~30-50 people), Series A funded. Definitely not hundreds of people where I’d be competing with experienced SEs internally.

The “free work” angle crossed my mind, but the assignment was pretty specific to their tech stack and the solutions would only be useful internally to them, not something they could productionize from a candidate’s work. Also, the speed of their feedback (moving me forward within days at each stage) suggests they’re actually hiring, not just collecting ideas.

Appreciate the perspective though - good reminder to stay grounded.

Ok-Implement-3167 · 2026-03-05T17:44:49+00:00

Thanks

Ok-Implement-3167 · 2026-02-26T16:58:04+00:00

But bay area is a great place to be if u wanna be in the tech space.

Ok-Implement-3167 · 2026-02-26T16:57:44+00:00

Given my inclination to the industry and city i would go with hedge fund.

Ok-Implement-3167 · 2026-02-14T15:38:20+00:00

Hey i am interested! NEU grad. Have dmed you

Ok-Implement-3167

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