"Early team" here meaning a founder or first C-level hire. As an engineer, even as one of the first hires, it's unlikely your equity is going to be life changin

"Early team" here meaning a founder or first C-level hire. As an engineer, even as one of the first hires, it's unlikely your equity is going to be life changing unless the company ends up going to unicorn valuations - which most startups will not. Better to ask for market level salaries instead.