Understanding Engineering Roles: A Guide for Tech Companies & Job Seekers

Not all engineering titles mean the same thing across companies. Here’s a simple breakdown of what each level usually implies – a useful guide for hiring managers setting expectations and for job seekers figuring out where they stand.

• Some understanding of a programming language, but limited commercial experience.
• Companies expect curiosity, eagerness to learn, good listening skills, and teamwork.
• The real goal: quickly grow into a mid-level contributor.

• 2–5 years of commercial experience.
• Comfortable delivering work consistently – writing code is your main craft.
• Many engineers happily stay here, mastering delivery without the extra responsibilities of senior roles.

• 5+ years of solid experience in one or more languages.
• You’ve built systems from scratch, solved complex issues, and have the “scars of war.”
• Trusted to guide juniors, while staying current on new updates, security issues, and best practices.

• Less about coding all day, more about direction.
• You’re the one holding the flashlight, showing the team where to go.
• Understand multiple languages and technologies, able to compare trade-offs in cost, performance, and fit.
• Often report to Directors or the CTO, bridging technical detail with strategic vision.

👉 Whether you’re a candidate or a hiring manager, clarity on these levels helps everyone. Titles are just labels – but expectations are what truly matter.

If you are a hiring manager and need help understanding what you need, book a call with us.