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Engineering Leadership Compass
orient yourself to the roles you'll play
This Compass is a tool to help you navigate the breadth of responsibilities that Software Engineering Leaders are expected to tackle, the roles you'll take on to tackle them, and the skills and behavioral traits you should develop to be effective.
Interact with the Compass to filter and explore these Product, People, and Process-focused roles that all exist to Build the Machine that Builds the Product.
PRODUCT
PEOPLE
PROCESS
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Engineering Leadership Responsibilities
PRODUCT
PEOPLE
PROCESS
Engineering Leadership Roles
To help tackle the above 11 responsibilities, you may be required to inhabit one or more of the following roles. Expand each one for details.
Developer
Product-Centric Role
Writes, tests, and debugs code for software applications. They are responsible for turning the product manager's vision and the architect's design into functional software.
Common Hard Skills
Common Responsibilities
Product Manager + Owner
Product-Centric Role
Guides the development of a product, working with designers, developers, and other stakeholders to make strategic decisions about what features to build, when to build them, and how they should function.
Common Hard Skills
Common Responsibilities
Designer
Product-Centric Role
Creates the visual elements of a software application, like the user interface. They are typically responsible for creating a great user experience by making software easy, efficient, and enjoyable to use.
Common Hard Skills
Common Responsibilities
Architect
Product-Centric Role
Develops and maintains the high-level design plan for the overall logical and technical IT architecture. They provide leadership and guidance to the development team to build systems according to the set framework.
Common Hard Skills
Common Responsibilities
Technical Lead
Product-Centric Role
Guides the technical direction of a team or project. This typically involves designing technical solutions, writing code, reviewing others' code, debugging, and collaborating with other stakeholders like product managers and designers.
Common Hard Skills
Common Responsibilities
Evangelist
Product / People-Centric Role
Promotes a product, technology, or platform with the goal of increasing its adoption. This often involves speaking at conferences, writing blog posts, and networking with potential users or customers.
Common Hard Skills
Common Responsibilities
People Manager
People-Centric Role
Manages a team of employees, handling tasks like performance reviews, conflict resolution, and career development.
Common Hard Skills
Common Responsibilities
Technical Trainer
People-Centric Role
Educates others about a particular technology or software application. This might involve conducting workshops, creating educational materials, or one-on-one coaching.
Common Hard Skills
Common Responsibilities
Mentor
People-Centric Role
Offers advice and guidance to less experienced individuals, helping them grow professionally. They might provide insights about technical problems, career development, or workplace challenges.
Common Hard Skills
Common Responsibilities
Recruiter + Hiring Manager
People / Process-Centric Role
Finds, interviews, and hires new employees. They are responsible for assessing candidates' skills and cultural fit, and convincing the best candidates to join the company.
Common Hard Skills
Common Responsibilities
Project Manager
Process-Centric Role
Oversees the completion of a project, making sure it is finished on time, within budget, and to the stakeholders' satisfaction. They plan the project, coordinate the team, and manage any issues that arise.
Common Hard Skills
Common Responsibilities
Process Improvement Manager
Process-Centric Role
Analyzes existing processes to identify areas for improvement, then develops and implements solutions. They strive to make processes more efficient, effective, and flexible.
Common Hard Skills
Common Responsibilities
Delivery Lead
Product / Process-Centric Role
Focuses on ensuring that the team is able to work as efficiently as possible. Eliminates blockers, manages stakeholders, and coordinates with other teams or departments. They are also often responsible for ensuring that the products are delivered on time, within budget, and to the agreed quality.
Common Hard Skills
Common Responsibilities
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