What is the software engineer hierarchy?

At the next level of junior software engineering, you have begun to prove yourself and are able to work with some independence to turn in error-free work. Senior software engineers have the ability to complete complex tasks and keep their own goals and timeframes. They don't require as much guidance.

At the next level, you would be a staff engineer. At this level, you are assigned larger projects and often lead a team of software engineers. You are the individual setting expectations, and providing guidance to meet the goals for the project. You are able to delegate the tasks within the project to the appropriate team members.

Senior staff engineers are typically preparing to leap to the next level as a manager. Typically, they have a better knowledge of the company and its goals. They are responsible for assessing risks, assessing the potential of problems, and fixing those problems without being instructed. A principal staff engineer is similar to a senior staff engineer. However, they have a larger impact on the hiring process. Their decisions also have a larger impact on the company as a whole.

A software engineer manager is the next step up. They can take on all of the roles of senior staff engineers and principal staff engineers. However, they are usually tasked with leading the group more than they are working on individual items. To hold this position you should expect to have at least a master's degree in software development. You should also have a grasp on managing people and work, as well as evaluating it.

Next, is to become a director of engineering. In this position, you must have education in programming, coding, and software. You should have ample experience in these areas, as well as experience in leadership because you will be managing multiple teams in meeting their goals.

The next step up would be vice president of engineering. This position is very similar to the director of engineering, but you report directly to the chief technology officer, and usually have 10 or more years of experience.

The top position in software engineering is the chief technology officer. As the chief technology officer, you are in charge of managing all of the people and projects related to software engineering. The chief technology officer is usually the final reviewer on any projects that are being completed. Typically, you are expected to have at least a master's degree in software engineering, with some focus on business. Leadership experience is also a must.