I applied for the position of Sr. Manufacturing Engineer at their Hanover, MD location. Initially, the recruiter reached out and asked me basic questions about my profile, my experience, and explained the position. I asked her what the salary range was for the position, and she tried to dodge it at first and then said “that was my next question for you.” I told her I am thinking in the $120K - $130K right now, but it would depend on the position. She said that was well within their budget. She then setup a panel interview with 5 people, but then ended up cancelling it due to one of the manager being out of office. Eventually it was rescheduled, and I talked to 5/6 people online for about 1.5hrs. It was odd at the start since the first guy who spoke up said he was the hiring manager, and I would work for him. Ten minutes into the interview he corrected himself and said he wasn’t the hiring manager and it was someone else. It was a pretty easy interview, and they asked basic questions about my experience. It is a small company with less than 90 employees. I asked them why during the last 2/3 years there was an exodus of employees at the company, and the hiring manager told me about them moving locations, and changing the directions of the company. Not the most convincing answer, but at least he tried. Next day the recruiter reached out and offered me the job for $130K. I told her I have had the opportunity to better understand the position, and while I am interested, I have a few questions about the compensation, and the plan to travel to CA. I asked her if I can talk to hiring manager directly and she gave me his number. When I called the hiring manager he was nice and friendly, and I told him I was interested in the position, and had a few questions. We talked about travel, and eventually I told him that after having talked to him and his team, looking at the benefits package, and having a better understanding of the position, I’d like to counter offer at $136K. This is where he changed completely. He was immature, unprofessional, and rude about it, and said he didn’t think I was worth $130K but the recruiter said it was okay so he did it. He made sorry excuses and started getting really irritated. I couldn’t believe that this was how this man was going to negotiate. Instead of saying he doesn’t have room, or no he can’t do it, he started saying that I “baited him” with 130 and now I am switching. I explained to him that we’re negotiating a salary, and if his answer is no, then say it. There’s no reason to act like this, and I realized this was the sort of culture I’d have to put up with if I worked in this company. He then said he’ll offer $20K relocation benefit which is reimbursement and not lump sum. I asked if it could be lump sum, for 12-14K since it would give me flexibility to move, and be closer to work. He said it wasn’t a possibility but he’ll ask the CFO and get back to me later that day or next day. He didn’t. The next day the recruiter reached out and asked me what I have decided. I told her I am waiting for hiring manager to get back to me. She said she didn’t know but she’ll reach out. A few hours later we connected again, and the recruiter said that the hiring manager is withdrawing the offer. That’s it. Careful what you’re signing up for here. There are some really good people, but the hiring manager for this position is unprofessional, rude, and spineless. Hard to believe he didn’t have it in him to let me know himself, but decided to hide. Anyhow, I am glad I know this now rather than later. Good riddance!