Engineering Levels Mega Cheatsheet by Yangshun Tay

One of the most important aspects of growing as a software engineer is understanding what is expected at each career level. This knowledge can help you identify gaps, make better decisions, and position yourself for promotions. Yangshun Tay, an ex-Meta Staff Engineer and creator of Docusaurus, has compiled an Engineering Levels Mega Cheatsheet to guide engineers from junior roles to staff-level positions.

This cheat sheet provides a clear breakdown of responsibilities and expectations across four levels: Junior, Mid-Level, Senior, and Staff. Whether starting your career or aiming for the next level, this framework can help you navigate your growth.

The Cheatsheet

How to Use This Cheatsheet

For Engineers

  • Assess your current level based on these criteria.

  • Identify areas where you need to improve to reach the next level.

  • Seek feedback from your manager or mentor to align your goals with company expectations.

For Managers

  • Use this framework to set clear performance metrics for your team.

  • Help team members understand what's required for promotions.

  • Foster a culture of transparency around career growth.

For Students/Entry-Level Engineers

  • Gain insight into what will be expected as you progress in your career.

  • Start building skills that align with higher-level responsibilities.

Key Takeaways

  • Career progression in engineering isn't just about writing more code - it's about increasing impact, influence, and leadership.

  • Every level builds on the previous one. Jumping levels without mastering foundational skills can lead to burnout.

  • Understanding these expectations early in your career can help you make strategic decisions and avoid regrets later on.

By following these guidelines, you can navigate your career more effectively and position yourself for long-term success in software engineering.

About Yangshun Tay

Yangshun Tay is an ex-Meta Staff Engineer who built meta.com and Docusaurus. He is also the author of the popular Blind 75 list for coding interviews. Follow him for insights on software engineering, front-end development, and career growth.

🖊 ️ Hernani, The AI Sailor

Sailing toward a future where innovation meets intelligence 🌊 I believe in harnessing technology to empower people and drive ethical innovation. Let's set sail together toward a smarter, more inclusive tomorrow. If you found this article valuable, please consider sharing it. Thank you! Disclaimer: The insights expressed in this article are provided for informational and recreational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice - financial, investment, or legal. Any references to partnerships or sponsorships are disclosed solely for transparency.

Author: Dr. Hernani Costa — Founder of First AI Movers and Core Ventures. AI Architect, Strategic Advisor, and Fractional CTO helping Top Worldwide Innovation Companies navigate AI Innovations. PhD in Computational Linguistics, 25+ years in technology.

Originally published at First AI Movers under CC BY 4.0.