If you like the company and are happy with the salary, sure: take the job. But don't expect that they'll suddenly drop a big equity package in your lap in a few months. You're absolutely right that you will lose most of your leverage by taking the job first.

And let's be honest: it's not like this is brain surgery. If they really wanted you and needed to put together a stock grant to do it, they would.

So treat it like any other job: if the compensation and work interests you, go for it.