Well I'm at a pax and cargo operator, either way I think most operators don't have set rules on when you have to engage the autopilot, might be wrong though.
Agree with Wireless, if it's a 3am departure where we are both tired departing out of an unfamiliar port, chances are I'll engage the autopilot earlier rather than later, and also take into account how busy the PM is, or if there is significant weather around I need to avoid in my opinion you really should be engaging the autopilot early. But I have no problem if the guy I'm flying with engages it early or later.