Long story short: Bait and Switch. Recruiter tries to poach me, get offer but for lower grade than advertised and less than current pay. HR makes no effort at good faith negotiations.
External recruiter contacted me regarding a position with Kratos/CEi as an Aeronautical Sciences Engineer. I let recruiter know my salary requirements and they said that was within their range. Directed to CEi, application website, they are looking for Aero Engr III -IV. I apply, recruiter sets up phone interview.
Phone interview mainly me talking about my experience, get good feedback and an onsite interview. Have on onsite part day interview with chief engineer and 4 other engineers. More of the same talk about experience and such. Get a tour of testing facilities and manufacturing plant. Which was pretty cool. Left feeling great, got good feedback, potential co workers were personable and I got the idea they were competent, interesting work, all very good signs.
Get an offer letter within 2 business days. This is were my negative experiences begin. Offer is for Aero Engr II not the Aero Engr III, I was contacted for and felt I was well within their stated requirements on their application. Also a +10% paycut and nearly 40% downgrade in PTO. I understand I was coming from a higher cost of living area but I felt a bit blindsided as I mentioned my salary requirements up front. To CEi's credit they did include a ~5% bonus.
I contact HR explaining that this would downgrade in all facets of the job, asking to be re-evaluated as Aero Engr III. Their reply "Offer will remain as presented, as the Level II and with the PTO quoted. We cannot change this but you will have an opportunity to work towards promotions". I was hoping just a tad bit of good faith negotiation. I then contact Chief Engineer with same issues, I never heard back. HR made it clear that they were not going to change the offer one bit. I would of been ok with paycut if CEi was willing to put budge just a little on anything, but they completely stonewalled me. Negotiations left me with a negative impression.