Microsoft - L61 | Hyderabad

Education: B.Tech Years of Experience: 4.1yrs

Current Job: SDE2 at a good foodtech company Current Comp : 38L (31 fixed + PF) Base: 31L Tech stack: This is great - Golang, Java, AWS DDB, Microservices, API contracts, etc RSUs (yearly): 7L Location: WFH Benefits: Not many benefits - (No internet reimbursement, no OPD reimbursement, etc)

Date of the Offer: Sept 2025 Company: Microsoft (Windows Team) Level: L61 Location: Hyderabad Tech stack: This is where I am a bit skeptical about - C++/C#, Windows Team. Microsoft comp:

Base: 32L (Includes fixed pay + company's PF contribution) Performance-based bonus: 0-20%; avg 10% Stock bonus: $80K vested 25% each year for 4 years (approx 17.57 lpa) Signing Bonus: 6L (1st year) Relocation bonus: Not yet disclosed, but will be given Total for 1st year: 55.5LPA + Relocation Interview rounds: R1: DSA R2: DSA + System Design (15-20 min) R3: DSA + System Design (40min) R4: Senior manager - culture fit + system design discussion + expectations

Other details: Asked for L62, the recruiter said that the team has provided feedback for L61 only. No change in that.

No other offers in hand.

Need help with the following points: I was expecting L62 given my experience, current designation, and interview rounds performance, but I am being offered L61. I don't feel this transition from SDE2 to SE II/ L61 is fair enough(I have been in the SDE2 position for the past 2 years now). Should I consider L61? Also, does anyone have any idea regarding the Windows team at Microsoft Hyderabad?

Salary: In terms of fixed pay, there is basically no jump (earlier -> 31LPA, offered -> 32LPA). But overall, there is a jump considering the stocks and joining.

Work culture: Microsoft no doubt has top-notch employee benefits and culture. The current company I am working in is relatively new, the work is top-notch notch but WLB is not at all good.

What do you guys think and your suggestions on these points?

Edit: The reason I am seeking out is that in the current org, I am being asked if I am unable to meet the expectation(which is pretty high), and WLB is not good. I have been told about how PIP works in my review meeting, and I took that as a hint, although I haven't been put in PIP as of now.