Tech ladder template

Small Engineering Team

This ladder outlines a clear career progression for Individual Contributors in a Software Engineering Team, with 4 levels based on technical execution, debugging & observability, teamwork, and ownership, and expected experience ranging from entry-level to leadership level. It is a generalist ladder applicable to any Engineering team. Great place to start creating your own ladder if you have a small-size tech team.

Small team
Individual Contributors
Fullstack
Software Engineering
4 levels
Your company name
2023
Miami
Official

Tech ladder overview

Level 1

Junior Software Engineer

Level 2

Software Engineer

Level 3

Senior Software Engineer

Level 4

Principal Software Engineer

Ladder breakdown

Small Engineering Team

Level 1

Junior Software Engineer

Entry-level role with a basic understanding of software development concepts and programming languages. Expected experience: 0-2 years.

Technical Execution

  • Follow coding standards and best practices
  • Complete assigned tasks within the given time frame
  • Produce code that is maintainable and scalable.

Debugging & Observability

  • Follow debugging and troubleshooting practices
  • Use logs and metrics to diagnose issues.

Teamwork

  • Participate in all team meetings
  • Seek help and guidance from senior engineers
  • Contribute to team initiatives and projects.

Ownership

  • Take responsibility for assigned tasks
  • Seek feedback on work and improve continuously
  • Follow the team's vision and goals.

Level 2

Software Engineer

Intermediate-level role with a solid understanding of software development concepts and programming languages. Expected experience: 2-5 years.

Technical Execution

  • Design and implement complex features and functionalities
  • Optimize code for performance and scalability
  • Contribute to technical design discussions.

Debugging & Observability

  • Identify issues quickly and efficiently
  • Contribute to the development of troubleshooting tools and processes.

Teamwork

  • Mentor junior engineers
  • Collaborate with other teams to achieve common goals
  • Take ownership of team initiatives and drive them to completion.

Ownership

  • Take initiative to drive technical projects and tasks forward
  • Seek feedback from stakeholders and customers
  • Continuously improve code quality and system reliability.

Level 3

Senior Software Engineer

Senior-level role with an extensive understanding of software development concepts and programming languages. Expected experience: 5-8 years.

Technical Execution

  • Drive technical design decisions
  • Contribute to the development of coding standards and best practices
  • Mentor junior engineers on technical skills.

Debugging & Observability

  • Troubleshoot complex issues across multiple systems and services
  • Implement solutions to improve observability
  • Lead the development of troubleshooting tools and processes.

Teamwork

  • Lead team initiatives and projects
  • Collaborate effectively with other teams and stakeholders
  • Communicate technical solutions to non-technical audiences.

Ownership

  • Take ownership of complex technical projects
  • Drive the team's vision and goals forward
  • Continuously improve system performance and reliability.

Level 4

Principal Software Engineer

Leadership-level role with exceptional understanding of software development concepts and programming languages, as well as strong leadership and strategic thinking skills. Expected experience: 8+ years.

Technical Execution

  • Set technical direction for the team
  • Drive the development of new features and functionalities
  • Continuously improve code quality and system architecture.

Debugging & Observability

  • Lead the development of observability solutions
  • Drive the development of troubleshooting tools and processes
  • Identify and mitigate potential system issues.

Teamwork

  • Lead cross-functional teams to achieve complex technical initiatives
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders and customers
  • Communicate technical solutions to executive leadership.

Ownership

  • Drive the technical direction of the company
  • Develop and implement technical strategies to achieve business goals
  • Mentor and coach other engineers on technical and leadership skills.

Align, evaluate and keep track of your team growth in one place

A sketch of a tech ladder with a button labeled "Add Requirement" and two existing requirements: "Provide regular status updates to team lead", and "Ask for help when needed".
Step 1

Quickly set expectations on career development

Start from scratch or select a tech ladder template from the dozens of industry-tested options.

A checklist of three requirements, indicating completion status. The requirements are as follows: 1 - Conduct code reviews (Completed); 2 - Make constant deliveries; 3 - Help team members (Completed)
Step 2

Understand team performance without the bias

Check what proven behaviors your reports show in the workplace and see your team's full picture.

A sketch of a tech ladder showcasing the leveling two fullstack developers. One developer is shown at 80% completion in the senior level, while the other developer is shown at 50% completion in the mid-level.
Step 3

Have more meaningful career conversations

Drive your team's growth through an actionable list of steps customized to each team member.