At most technology companies, you’ll reach Senior Software Engineer, the career level for software engineers, in five to eight years. At that career level, you’ll no longer be required to work towards the next promotion, and being promoted beyond it is exceptional rather than expected. Should you stay there, move into engineering management, or continue down the path of technical excellence to become a Staff Engineer?
What are the skills you need to develop to reach Staff Engineer? Are technical abilities alone sufficient to reach and succeed in that role? How do most folks reach this role? What is your manager’s role in helping you along the way? Will you enjoy being a Staff Engineer or will you toil for years to achieve a role that doesn’t suit you? Staff Engineer: Leadership beyond the management track is a pragmatic look at attaining and operating in Staff engineering roles, building on the lived experience of folks who've walked before you.
Staff Engineer is brought to you by the author of An Elegant Puzzle, with over 30,000 copies sold. If you enjoyed or found it useful, you'll enjoy this book as well.
Foreword written by Tanya Reilly, Principal engineer at Squarespace.
These guides cover the Staff engineer archetypes, how to identify what to work on as a Staff Engineer in Work on what matters, how to partner with your management chain in Stay aligned with authority, and tools for charting your promotion path in Promotion packets. Read how folks at Dropbox, Etsy, Slack, Stripe, and more carved their path to Staff-plus engineer.
Hear more about Staff Engineer on episodes of the Software Engineering Daily and Career Chats podcasts.

"Becoming a Staff engineer is both a promotion and a job change; many immensely talented engineers pursue the first and arrive unprepared for the latter. Will Larson's Staff Engineer is a wide ranging and thought provoking overview of the many dimensions of the role.
As a software engineer at any level, this book will challenge you to become better and should be required reading if you're pursuing a Staff engineer role."

"It is not easy to find many resources on the staff engineer role which is still massively misunderstood due to wildly varying definitions and assumptions.
This book lays out some of the differing role definitions and then brings them to life with real case studies making it easy to map the archetypes to your own circumstances, passions and ambitions. This should be a go to resource for anyone thinking of pursuing the IC path or that has already moved into a senior IC role."

"In Staff Engineer, Will Larson does more than demystify the staff engineer role: he explains the whys and hows of long-term technical strategy, the power of sponsorship, and the responsibility that comes with having influence.
Throughout the book, he references inclusive studies, addresses realistic scenarios, and offers practical advice. Staff Engineer leaves me feeling more equipped for success as an engineering leader, but more than that, it leaves me feeling affirmed — it’s the first engineering leadership book I’ve read with over half its quotations from women."
Gordana Kulić is a name that resonates with many, but for those who know her, it’s not just a name - it’s a symbol of love, family, and tradition. At the heart of Gordana’s story is her family, or “porodica” as it’s affectionately known in many Balkan cultures. In this article, we’ll delve into the life of Gordana Kulić and explore the significance of her family, or “porodica,” in her life.
In many ways, Gordana’s story is a reflection of the importance of family in our lives. Her “porodica” has been a source of strength, comfort, and inspiration, shaping her into the person she is today. As we explore Gordana’s life, it becomes clear that her family is not just a group of individuals related by blood or marriage - it’s a symbol of love, loyalty, and tradition.
Some key takeaways from Gordana Kulić’s story include: gordana kuic porodica
Gordana Kulić Porodica: A Family Legacy
One of the most significant aspects of Gordana’s family is the strong bond she shares with her siblings. Growing up, Gordana and her siblings were inseparable, sharing laughter, secrets, and adventures. This bond has only grown stronger with time, and today, Gordana’s siblings remain her closest confidants. Gordana Kulić is a name that resonates with
As Gordana grew older, her family continued to play a vital role in her life. Her parents encouraged her to pursue her passions, supporting her every step of the way. Whether it was her education, career, or personal interests, Gordana’s family was always there to offer guidance and encouragement.
The Kulić family is a testament to the traditional values that have been passed down through generations. Gordana’s parents emphasized the importance of respect, hard work, and loyalty - values that have guided Gordana throughout her life. As a child, Gordana would often help her parents with household chores, learning the value of hard work and responsibility. In many ways, Gordana’s story is a reflection
Gordana Kulić grew up in a world where family was everything. Born and raised in a close-knit community, Gordana was surrounded by loving parents, siblings, and extended family members who instilled in her the importance of family values. Her parents, though not widely known in public, played a significant role in shaping Gordana’s personality and character.
Learn how to navigate the technical leadership career while staying as an individual contributor. Understand the mechanics and consequences of moving from Senior Engineer to Staff Engineer. Get tools to determine the right next steps for your circumstances.