How someone is promoted to a senior engineering role

Expectations of a Senior Software Engineer

  • Key contributor on complex projects and initiatives
  • Develops new concepts, methods and techniques
  • Sizeable impact on business unit
  • Mentors other developers and helps them grow
  • Documents processes, technologies, and systems [2]

Attributes of a Senior Software Engineer

  • Seeks out constructive criticism of their designs [1]
  • Understands the non-technical areas of how they are perceived [1]
  • Does not shy away from making estimates, and are always trying to get better at it [1]
  • Understands that not all of their projects are filled with rockstar-on-stage work [1]
  • Lifts the skills and expertise of those around them [1]
  • Makes their trade-offs explicit when making judgements and decisions [1]