[btoptical]

$100k is low for a HW designer unless you have no experience building anything (home/school projects don't count). $135k-140k is about right for an experienced Staff-Level HW designer.

In my view not getting paid market rate and taking equity is for founders. Under no circumstances would I take 50% stock and 50% salary as an employee. Generally founders carve out 15% equity for the employee pool. So you might get what 1%? Not worth it.

Also, there's a perk premium that you are giving up when you join a startup. Established companies have ESPP, profit sharing, 401k matching, RSU's, bonuses, etc... This can easily be 30% over your regular salary.

Joe Sixpack HW engineer at Average BottleCap Co, is probably earning $135k base + ~$40k or $175k-$180k in total compensation.

So even at market rate salary, you are below market in terms of total compensation.