What It's Like to Be a Software Engineer at Samsara
As a Software Engineer at Samsara, you'll be building the platform that powers the world's physical operations. You'll work on a wide range of products, from the hardware and firmware that runs on their IoT devices to the cloud-based software that provides real-time insights to their customers. The tech stack is diverse and includes Go, React, GraphQL, and a variety of AWS services. You'll be part of a fast-paced, collaborative environment, where you'll have the opportunity to work on challenging problems that have a real-world impact.
Samsara's engineering culture is all about ownership and impact. You'll be given the autonomy to solve complex problems and to ship code that is used by thousands of customers every day. The company is also known for its strong focus on mentorship and professional development, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to learn and grow.
Salary & Compensation
Samsara offers competitive compensation packages for its software engineers. The salary ranges can vary based on experience and location, but here's a general idea of what you can expect:
| Level | Base Salary | Total Comp (incl. equity) |
|---|---|---|
| L1 | $130K–$170K | $167K–$220K |
| L2 | $150K–$200K | $200K–$280K |
| L3 | $180K–$240K | $250K–$380K |
| L4 | $220K–$280K | $350K–$500K |
| L5+ | $250K–$350K+ | $450K–$810K+ |
Interview Process
The interview process at Samsara is designed to be thorough and to assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. It typically consists of the following stages:
- Recruiter Screen — A 30-45 minute call with a recruiter to discuss your background and interest in the role.
- Technical Phone Screen — A 60-minute coding interview with a software engineer, where you'll be asked to solve a technical problem.
- Onsite/Virtual Loop — A series of 4-5 interviews with members of the team, including a mix of technical and behavioral questions. This may also include a system design interview.
- Hiring Manager Interview — A final interview with the hiring manager to discuss your experience and the role in more detail.
How to Stand Out
- Show your passion for IoT and physical operations. Samsara is looking for people who are passionate about their mission to improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of the world's physical operations.
- Demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Samsara's engineers are constantly solving challenging problems. Be prepared to discuss how you've approached and solved complex problems in the past.
- Highlight your experience with relevant technologies. If you have experience with Go, React, GraphQL, or AWS, be sure to highlight it.
- Be a team player. Samsara is a collaborative environment, so they want to see that you can work effectively with others.
- Ask thoughtful questions. The interview is a two-way street. Come prepared with thoughtful questions about the company, the team, and the role.
