Recent Pre-Med -> SWE Offer Evaluation

Hi all,

I'm about 1.5 YOE and recently transitioned into SWE from a non-traditional background. Currently sitting on two offers and would love some perspective. I do have a CS minor so hopefully my background is relevant enough for this sub. Also yes, this is structured like a Blind post.

1. Intuitive Surgical – ~190k TC, Software Engineer

• Bay Area (onsite)

• Interviewed with a really solid team, great vibes

• Working with a modern stack + widely used internal tool

• My background has some overlap with healthcare, so feels like a good fit

2. Anduril (contract) – $56/hr, Junior Software Dev

• Fort Collins, CO

• Contract with high chance of conversion to FT (team says headcount is strong if this goes well)

• Would need to relocate if converted

• High ownership of a new data pipeline project, smallish team

Also have early-stage interviews at SpaceX, Gilead, CZI, iCapital, but likely won’t pursue if I accept one of these.

Current TC: ~70k

Priorities: career growth first, comp/eventual comp second, WLB/location distant third.