yes, Phd experience is valued. Usually, Phd is hired as Senior Engineer which most MS or undergrads will take some time to reach after working. So, you do skip 2-3-4 years. After that, if you are good, you can rise faster. Phd is advantageous in my opinion even if u go in a unrelated area. But u will have to learn new stuff which is not that hard since u can read n learn. U have to realize that People in Industries are mostly good at One Single thing. They lack diversity. But Phd gives u an edge to adapt quickly. Ur Phd will help bcus it taught u one skill most people dont have ----i.e., How to SEEK KNOWLEDGE

U shd realize that as PHD , u know one topic but not others. If its not relevant to your new job, many MS and undergrads will know better than you. But people hire Phd hoping that you can learn fast. So, if you are new to the area, it may take time but you will have to cope up.

MSc research is not so important. But still MSc is more of a specialization than BSc.