roles
Principal Engineer
Primary Role:
Company-level technical authority for major systems
Reporting Relations:
Reports to Director/VP
Decision Making Authority:
Final say on major technical standards
Stratigic Planning
Shapes long-term tech strategy
Team Management:
None formally; deep influence
Meeting Involvment:
Executive-facing design reviews
Project Management:
Oversees strategic system initiatives
Communication:
Communicates with execs and stakeholders
Professional Development:
→ Distinguished Engineer
Engineering Manager
Primary Role:
Manages engineers and delivery for one team
Reporting Relations:
Reports to Senior EM/Director
Decision Making Authority:
Team-level hiring and performance decisions
Stratigic Planning
Contributes to quarterly planning
Team Management:
Manages 5–10 engineers
Meeting Involvment:
Leadership + sprint reviews
Project Management:
Oversees team roadmap execution
Communication:
Cross-functional with Product
Professional Development:
→ Senior EM
Startup Chief of Staff
Primary Role:
Strategic partner and advisor, aligning and executing organizational goals
Reporting Relations:
Reports to CEO, with a broader reporting structure
Decision Making Authority:
Significant, delegated authority for executive decisions
Stratigic Planning
Active in development and execution of strategic plans
Team Management:
Manages cross-functional teams and projects
Meeting Involvment:
Actively participating, presenting, and driving decisions
Project Management:
Oversees large, complex projects impacting the organization
Communication:
Represents the executive internally and externally
Professional Development:
Broadens strategic leadership and management skills